In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from megabits per second (Mbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s or GBps). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Mbps and GB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Mbps and GB/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 colloquials.
What is Gigabytes per second (GB/s)?
A Gigabyte per second (GB/s) measures data transfer rates during transfers between internal drives or over a local computer network using high-speed SSDs (Solid State Drives) and gigabit networks.
It has symbols or abbreviations such as GBps, GB/s, Gbyte/s, or Gigabyte/s.
Since a byte equals eight bits (1B = 8b), a gigabyte per second equals eight gigabits per second (1 GB/s = 8 Gbps).
In the International System of Units (SI), data storage and transfer rate units uses the decimal multiples of bytes (109), which means:
1 GB/s = 109 B/s = 1,000,000,000 B/s1 GB/s = 8 × 109 = 8,000,000,000 bps1 GB/s= 8 x 109 ÷ 106 = 8,000 Mbps
Please refer to the FAQs section to find out when 1 GB/s = 8,192 Mbps.
What is Megabits per second (Mbps)?
A Megabit per second (Mbps) is a unit of measurement for data transfer rates used when streaming or transferring data over the internet or network via a high-speed connection such as 4G mobile network, cable, or optical fiber connection.
It is part of the International System of Units (SI)[1] and uses decimal multiples of bits (106). It has symbols or abbreviations such as Mbps, Mb/s, Mbit/s, or Megabit/s.
One megabit per second equals one million bits per second or 1,000,000 bps or 0.000125 GB/s (1,000,000 ÷ 8,000,000,000).
Mbps to GB/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 Mbps to GB/s: R(GB/s) = R(Mbps) × 0.000125
Or remember the Mbps-to-GBps conversion factor: 1 Mbps = 0.000125 GB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from megabits to gigabytes per second (Mbps to GB/s).
Convert 800 Mbps to GB/s
Write down 800 Mbps and multiply it by the Mbps-to-GBps conversion factor: 0.000125 to get the rate value R in GB/s:
So, 800 megabits per second is equal to 0.1 gigabytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 800 into the Mbps box, and you instantly get the rate in GBps or GB/s, in this case, 0.1 GBps.
Mbps to GB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from megabits per second (Mbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s). It covers a range from 0.1 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
| Megabits per second | Gigabytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Mbps | 0.0000125 GB/s |
| 0.5 Mbps | 0.0000625 GB/s |
| 1 Mbps | 0.000125 GB/s |
| 2 Mbps | 0.00025 GB/s |
| 4 Mbps | 0.0005 GB/s |
| 5 Mbps | 0.000625 GB/s |
| 10 Mbps | 0.00125 GB/s |
| 20 Mbps | 0.0025 GB/s |
| 30 Mbps | 0.00375 GB/s |
| 40 Mbps | 0.005 GB/s |
| 50 Mbps | 0.00625 GB/s |
| 60 Mbps | 0.0075 GB/s |
| 70 Mbps | 0.00875 GB/s |
| 80 Mbps | 0.01 GB/s |
| 90 Mbps | 0.01125 GB/s |
| 100 Mbps | 0.0125 GB/s |
| 200 Mbps | 0.025 GB/s |
| 500 Mbps | 0.0625 GB/s |
| 800 Mbps | 0.1 GB/s |
| 1000 Mbps | 0.125 GB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 Mbps or 1 GB/s faster?
A gigabyte per second (GB/s) is 8,000 times faster than a megabit per second (Mbps). A bit per second (bps) is the smallest unit for measuring data transfer rates. Here are the relationships between the units.
1 Mbps = 1 × 106 bps = 1,000,000 bps1 GB/s = 8 × 109 bps = 8,000,000,000 bps1 GB/s = 8,000,000,000 ÷ 1,000,000 = 8,000 Mbps1 Mbps = 1,000,000 ÷ 8,000,000,000 = 0.000125 GB/s
How to convert from Mbps to GB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from megabits per second (Mbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/s), follow the simple steps below:
- Write down the rate value in
megabits per second (Mbps). - Multiply it by the value of a
Mbps-to-GBpsconversion factor:0.000125. - The result from multiplication is the value of the transfer rate in
gigabytes per second (GB/s).
Is 1 gigabyte per second (GB/s) equal to 1,024 megabytes or 1,000 megabytes per second?
1 GB/s can be defined as either 1,000 MB/s (SI convention) or 1,024 MB/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 GB/s = 1 × 210 Megabyte/s = 1,024 MB/s1 GB/s = 8 × 210 Megabits/s = 8,192 Mbps1 GB/s = 1 × 230 byte/s = 1,073,741,824 B/s1 GB/s = 8 x 230 bps = 8,589,934,592 bps
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 Gigabyte per second (GB/s), you can use Gibibyte per second (GiB/s or GiBps) to refer to the binary system specifically:
1 GiB/s = 1 × 210 Mebibyte/s = 1,024 MiB/s1 GiB/s = 1 × 230 byte/s = 1,073,741,824 B/s1 GiB/s = 8 x 230 bps = 8,589,934,592 bps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from megabits per second (Mbps) to gigabytes per second (GB/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.
