In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from kilobits per second (Kbps) to megabytes per second (MB/s). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Kbps and MB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Kbps and MB/s. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
Both units use International System of Units (SI) prefixes to simplify measuring and comparing data transfer rates. This standardization aids in conversions and understanding data transfer.
The table below shows all the SI prefixes and the associated symbols, multipliers, and colloquial.
What is Kilobits per second (Kbps)?
A kilobit per second (Kbps) is a unit of measurement for data transfer rates used when streaming or transferring data over the internet or network via a slow connection such as 2G mobile network, dial-up, or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL).
It is part of the International System of Units (SI)[1] and uses decimal multiples of bits (103). It has symbols or abbreviations such as Kbps, Kb/s, Kbit/s, or Kilobit/s.
One kilobit per second equals one thousand bits per second or 1,000 bps or 0.000125 MB/s (1,000 ÷ 8,000,000).
What is Megabytes per second (MB/s)?
A Megabyte per second (MB/s) is a unit of measurement for data transfer rates used when data is transferred between internal drives or over a local computer network.
It has symbols or abbreviations such as MBps, MB/s, Mbyte/s, or Megabyte/s.
Since a byte equals eight bits (1B = 8b), a megabyte per second equals eight megabits per second (1 MB/s = 8 Mbps).
In the International System of Units (SI), data storage and transfer rate units uses the decimal multiples of bytes (106), which means:
1 MB/s = 1,000,000 B/s1 MB/s = 8 Mbps = 8 × 1,000,000 = 8,000,000 bps1 MB/s= 8,000,000 bps ÷ 1,000 bps = 8,000 Kbps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 MB/s = 8 × 210 = 8,192 Kbps.
Kbps to MB/s formula
Let’s take a closer look at the conversion formula so you can carry out these conversions independently, whether you're using a calculator or doing it manually with pencil and paper.
Multiplication formula for converting data transfer rate (R) from Kbps to MB/s: R(MB/s) = R(Kbps) × 0.000125
Or remember the Kbps-to-MBps conversion factor: 1 Kbps = 0.000125 MB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from kilobits to megabytes per second (Kbps to MB/s).
Convert 512 Kbps to MB/s
Write down 512 Kbps and multiply it by the Kbps-to-MBps conversion factor: 0.000125 to get the rate value R in MB/s:
So, 512 kilobits per second is equal to 0.064 megabytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 512 into the Kbps box, and you instantly get the rate in MBps or MB/s, in this case, 0.064 MBps.
Kbps to MB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from kilobits per second (Kbps) to megabytes per second (MB/s). It covers a range from 0.1 Kbps to 1,000 Kbps, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Kilobits per second | Megabytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Kbps | 0.0000125 MB/s |
| 0.5 Kbps | 0.0000625 MB/s |
| 1 Kbps | 0.000125 MB/s |
| 2 Kbps | 0.00025 MB/s |
| 4 Kbps | 0.0005 MB/s |
| 5 Kbps | 0.000625 MB/s |
| 10 Kbps | 0.00125 MB/s |
| 20 Kbps | 0.0025 MB/s |
| 30 Kbps | 0.00375 MB/s |
| 40 Kbps | 0.005 MB/s |
| 50 Kbps | 0.00625 MB/s |
| 60 Kbps | 0.0075 MB/s |
| 70 Kbps | 0.00875 MB/s |
| 80 Kbps | 0.01 MB/s |
| 90 Kbps | 0.01125 MB/s |
| 100 Kbps | 0.0125 MB/s |
| 200 Kbps | 0.025 MB/s |
| 500 Kbps | 0.0625 MB/s |
| 800 Kbps | 0.1 MB/s |
| 1000 Kbps | 0.125 MB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 Kbps or 1 MB/s faster?
A megabyte per second (MB/s) is eight thousand times faster than a kilobit per second (Kbps). A bit per second (bps) is the smallest unit for measuring data transfer rates. Here are the relationships between the units.
1 Kbps = 1 × 103 bps = 1,000 bps1 MB/s = 8 Mbps = 8,000 Kbps1 MB/s = 8,000 × 103 bps = 8,000,000 bps1 Kbps = 1,000 ÷ 8,000,000 = 0.000125 MB/s
How to convert from Kbps to MB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from kilobits per second (Kbps) to megabytes per second (MB/s), follow the simple steps below:
- Write down the rate value in
kilobits per second (Kbps). - Multiply it by the value of a
Kbps-to-MBpsconversion factor:0.000125. - The result from multiplication is the value of the transfer rate in
megabytes per second (MB/s).
Is 1 megabyte per second (MB/s) equal to 1,024 kilobytes or 1,000 kilobytes per second?
1 MB/s can be defined as either 1,000 KB/s (SI convention) or 1,024 KB/s (binary convention), depending on which standard you choose to use.
In the binary system, where used by most computer operating systems (e.g. Windows, macOS, and Linux), units are powered by two instead of 10, which means:
1 MB/s = 210 Kilobytes/s = 1,024 KB/s1 MB/s = 1,024 KB/s × 8 bits/s = 8,192 Kbps
To avoid this confusion, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)[2] introduced new prefixes for the binary system.
The table below lists all binary prefixes, their symbols, and multipliers for the byte unit.
So, instead of using Megabyte per second (MB/s), you can use Mebibyte per second (MiB/s or MiBps) to refer to the binary system specifically:
1 MiB/s = 210 Bytes/s = 1,024 B/s1 MiB/s = 1,024 B/s × 8 bits/s = 8,192 Kbps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from kilobits per second (Kbps) to megabytes per second (MB/s). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the rate units to save time for future calculations.
For further understanding, check our data storage converter page to learn more about the differences between decimal and binary units of data storage.
