Last updated: February 04, 2025

KB to TB Converter

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In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data from kilobytes (KB) to terabytes (TB). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of KB and TB

Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Kilobyte and Terabyte. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.

What is Kilobyte (KB)?

A kilobyte (KB) is a unit of measurement for data storage used to measure files or memory that are small in size, typically under one million bytes.

It has symbols or abbreviations such as KB, Kbyte, KiB, or Kibyte.

When using International System of Units (SI) prefixes[1], which are based on powers of 10, a kilobyte (KB) equals 1,000 bytes (1 KB = 103 = 1,000 B).

The table below shows all the SI prefixes and the associated symbols, multipliers, and colloquials.

SI Prefixes
International System of Units (SI) prefixes

When using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) binary prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 2, a kilobyte (KB) equals 1,024 bytes (1 KB = 210 = 1,024 B)

The IEC defined a set of binary prefixes to avoid confusion with the decimal-based SI prefixes. The table below shows all the binary prefixes, associated symbols, and their multipliers.

Binary Prefixes for Byte

Here is a comparison between the binary and SI prefixes for data storage:

  • 1 KB = 103 = 1,000 B
  • 1 KiB = 210 = 1,024 B

For general communication, you can use SI prefixes as they are familiar with the metric system, while for more accurate contexts, you should use IEC binary prefixes.

What is a Terabyte (TB)?

A terabyte (TB) is a unit of measurement for data storage used to measure hard drive capacity, files, or memory that are very large, typically between one trillion and one quadrillion bytes.

It has symbols or abbreviations such as TB, Tbyte, TiB, or Tibyte.

Definition and value of terabyte (TB)
Definition of terabyte and its values.

When using International System of Units (SI) prefixes[1], which are based on powers of 10, a terabyte (TB) equals 1,000,000,000,000 bytes.

  • 1 TB = 109 KB = 1,000,000,000 KB
  • 1 TB = 1012 B = 1,000,000,000,000 B

When using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) binary prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 2, a terabyte (TB) equals 1,099,511,627,776 bytes.

  • 1 TiB = 230 KiB = 1,073,741,824 KiB
  • 1 TiB = 240 B = 1,099,511,627,776 B

KB to TB formula

Let’s take a closer look at the conversion formula so you can carry out these conversions independently, whether using a calculator or doing it manually with pencil and paper.

Using decimal (SI) prefixes

The kilo- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 1,000 (103) and tera- represents a multiplier of 1012 (1,000,000,000,000).

So, to convert from kilobytes to terabytes, divide the number of kilobytes (NKB) by 1,000,000,000.

NTB = NKB × 10-9 = NKB ÷ 1,000,000,000

$$\text{N}_\text{TB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{KB}}{1{,}000{,}000{,}000}$$

Or remember the KB-to-TB conversion factor: 1 KB = 10-9 = 0.000000001 TB

Using binary (IEC) prefixes

The kibi- prefix in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) represents a multiplier of 210 (1,024) and tebi- represents a multiplier of 240 (1,099,511,627,776).

So, to convert from kibibytes to tebibytes, divide the number of kibibytes (NKiB) by 230 (1,073,741,824).

NTiB = NKiB × 2-30 = NKiB ÷ 1,073,741,824

$$\text{N}_\text{TiB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{KiB}}{1{,}073{,}741{,}824}$$

Or remember the KiB-to-TiB conversion factor: 1 KiB = 2-30 TiB

Examples

Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from kilobytes to terabytes (KB to TB).

Example

Sam works as an IT manager at a tech company that's not too small but not a giant either. He takes care of the important task of backing up and recovering the company’s data. Recently, they completed a full system backup, and now it's up to Sam to figure out how to store these backup files in the best way possible.

According to the backup report, they've got a hefty amount of data 3,200,000,000 kilobytes. Sam knows he needs to convert that figure into terabytes so he can arrange for the right amount of storage space needed.

Using decimal (SI) prefixes

Since 1 terabyte (TB) equals 1,000,000,000 kilobytes (KB), we can convert 3,200,000,000 KB to terabytes by using the following formula:

$$\text{N}_\text{TB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{KB}}{1{,}000{,}000{,}000}$$
$$\text{N}_\text{TB} = \frac{3{,}200{,}000{,}000}{1{,}000{,}000{,}000} = 3.2 \text{ TB}$$

So, the total space that Sam needed to store the full system backup would be 3.2 TB.

Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 3,200,000,000 into the KB box, and you instantly get the storage value in terabytes, in this case, 3.2 TB.

Convert 3.2 billion kilobytes to terabytes example
Convert 3,200,000,000 kilobytes to terabytes using our calculator.

Using binary (IEC) prefixes

Since 1 tebibyte (TiB) equals 230 (1,073,741,824) kibibytes (KiB), we can convert 3,200,000,000 kibibytes to tebibytes by using the following formula:

$$\text{N}_\text{GiB} = \frac{\text{N}_\text{KB}}{1{,}073{,}741{,}824}$$
$$\text{N}_\text{GiB} = \frac{3{,}200{,}000{,}000}{1{,}073{,}741{,}824} ≈ 2.98 \text{ TiB}$$

So, the actual total space that Sam needed to store the full system backup would be 2.98 TiB.

Alternatively, you can use our calculator by choosing KiB and entering 1,200,000 into the From box, choose TiB from the To unit box, and you instantly get the storage value in tebibytes, in this case, 1.1444091796875 GiB.

Convert 3.2 billion kibibytes to tebibytes example
Convert 3,200,000,000 kibibytes to tebibytes using our calculator.

KB to TB conversion table

The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data storage capacity from kilobytes (KB) to terabytes (TB). It covers a range from 0.1 KB to 1,000 KB, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.

Decimal (SI) prefixes

KilobytesTerabytes
0.1 KB0.0000000001 TB
0.5 KB0.0000000005 TB
1 KB0.000000001 TB
2 KB0.000000002 TB
4 KB0.000000004 TB
5 KB0.000000005 TB
10 KB0.00000001 TB
20 KB0.00000002 TB
30 KB0.00000003 TB
40 KB0.00000004 TB
50 KB0.00000005 TB
60 KB0.00000006 TB
70 KB0.00000007 TB
80 KB0.00000008 TB
90 KB0.00000009 TB
100 KB0.0000001 TB
200 KB0.0000002 TB
500 KB0.0000005 TB
800 KB0.0000008 TB
1,000 KB0.000001 TB
Kilobytes to terabytes conversion table

Binary (IEC) prefixes

KibibytesTebibytes
0.1 KiB0.000000000093132257461548 TiB
0.5 KiB0.000000000465661287307739 TiB
1 KiB0.000000000931322574615479 TiB
2 KiB0.00000000186264514923096 TiB
4 KiB0.00000000372529029846191 TiB
5 KiB0.00000000465661287307739 TiB
10 KiB0.00000000931322574615479 TiB
20 KiB0.0000000186264514923096 TiB
30 KiB0.0000000279396772384644 TiB
40 KiB0.0000000372529029846191 TiB
50 KiB0.0000000465661287307739 TiB
60 KiB0.0000000558793544769287 TiB
70 KiB0.0000000651925802230835 TiB
80 KiB0.0000000745058059692383 TiB
90 KiB0.0000000838190317153931 TiB
100 KiB0.0000000931322574615479 TiB
200 KiB0.000000186264514923096 TiB
500 KiB0.000000465661287307739 TiB
800 KiB0.000000745058059692383 TiB
1,000 KiB0.000000931322574615479 TiB
Kibibytes to tebibytes conversion table

FAQs

Is 1 kilobyte or 1 terabyte larger?

A terabyte (TB) is a billion times bigger than a kilobyte (KB). Here are the relationships between the units:

Decimal prefixes

  • 1 TB = 109 = 1,000,000,000 KB
  • 1 KB = 10-9 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000,000 = 0.000000001 TB

Binary prefixes

  • 1 TiB = 230 = 1,073,741,824 KiB
  • 1 KiB = 2-30 = 1 ÷ 1,073,741,824 ≈ 00000000093 TiB

How to convert from kilobyte to terabyte?

To convert data storage from kilobytes (KB) to terabytes (TB), follow these simple steps based on the standard you are using:

  • Write down the data storage value in kilobytes (KB).

Decimal (SI) prefixes

  • Multiply it by the value of a KB-to-TB conversion factor: 10-9 or 0.000000001.
  • The result from multiplication is the value of the data storage in terabytes (TB).

Binary (IEC) prefixes

  • multiply it by the value of a KiB-to-TiB conversion factor: 2-30.
  • The result from multiplication is the value of the data storage in tebibytes (TiB).

You now know how to convert data storage capacity from kilobytes (KB) to terabytes (TB). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the data storage 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.

KB to TB Converter

About this app

KB to TB Converter

The kilobyte to terabyte (KB to TB) converter is a simple tool for converting data storage between kilobytes (KB) and terabytes (TB), with explanations, formulas, examples, and tables.

Availability

You can use the calculator for free as a PWA web app online or install it locally on any modern operating system, including Android, iOS, Windows 11/10, and macOS.

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References

2 Sources

  1. ⬆️ ⬆️ Metric (SI) Prefixes | NIST, NIST, Jan. 13, 2010.

    https://www.nist.gov/pml/owm/metric-si-prefixes
  2. ⬆️ ⬆️ IEC 60027-2 Letter symbols to be used in electrical technology - Part 2: Telecommunications and electronics.

    https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/30633