In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from megabits per second (Mbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/s). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Mbps and KB/s
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Mbps and KB/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 Kilobytes per second (KB/s)?
A Kilobyte per second (KB/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 KBps, KB/s, Kbyte/s, or Kilobyte/s.
Since a byte equals eight bits (1B = 8b), a kilobyte per second equals eight kilobits per second (1 KB/s = 8 Kbps).
In the International System of Units (SI), data storage and transfer rate units uses the decimal multiples of bytes (103), which means:
1 KB/s = 103 B = 1,000 B/s1 KB/s = 1,000 B/s × 8 = 8,000 bps1 KB/s= 8,000 bps ÷ 106 = 0.008 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 125 KB/s (1,000,000 ÷ 8,000).
Mbps to KB/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 KB/s: R(KB/s) = R(Mbps) × 125
Or remember the Mbps-to-KBps conversion factor: 1 Mbps = 125 KB/s
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from megabits to kilobytes per second (Mbps to KB/s).
Convert 50 Mbps to KB/s
Write down 50 Mbps and multiply it by the Mbps-to-KBps conversion factor: 125 to get the rate value R in KB/s:
So, 50 megabits per second is equal to 6,250 kilobytes per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 50 into the Mbps box, and you instantly get the rate in KBps or KB/s, in this case, 6,250 KBps.
Mbps to KB/s conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data rates from megabits per second (Mbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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 | Kilobytes per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 Mbps | 12.5 KB/s |
| 0.5 Mbps | 62.5 KB/s |
| 1 Mbps | 125 KB/s |
| 2 Mbps | 250 KB/s |
| 4 Mbps | 500 KB/s |
| 5 Mbps | 625 KB/s |
| 10 Mbps | 1,250 KB/s |
| 20 Mbps | 2,500 KB/s |
| 30 Mbps | 3,750 KB/s |
| 40 Mbps | 5,000 KB/s |
| 50 Mbps | 6,250 KB/s |
| 60 Mbps | 7,500 KB/s |
| 70 Mbps | 8,750 KB/s |
| 80 Mbps | 10,000 KB/s |
| 90 Mbps | 11,250 KB/s |
| 100 Mbps | 12,500 KB/s |
| 200 Mbps | 25,000 KB/s |
| 500 Mbps | 62,500 KB/s |
| 800 Mbps | 100,000 KB/s |
| 1,000 Mbps | 125,000 KB/s |
FAQs
Is 1 Mbps or 1 KB/s faster?
A megabit per second (Mbps) is 125 times faster than a kilobyte per second (KB/s). 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 KB/s = 8 × 103 bps = 8,000 bps1 Mbps = 1,000,000 ÷ 8,000 = 125 KB/s
How to convert from Mbps to KB/s?
To convert a data transfer rate from megabits per second (Mbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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-KBpsconversion factor:125. - The result from multiplication is the value of the transfer rate in
kilobytes per second (KB/s).
Is 1 kilobyte per second (KB/s) equal to 1,024 bytes or 1,000 bytes per second?
1 KB/s can be defined as either 1,000 B/s (SI convention) or 1,024 B/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 KB/s = 210 Bytes/s = 1,024 B/s1 KB/s = 1,024 B/s × 8 bits/s = 8,192 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 Kilobyte per second (KB/s), you can use Kibibyte per second (KiB/s or KiBps) to refer to the binary system specifically:
1 KiB/s = 210 Bytes/s = 1,024 B/s1 KiB/s = 1,024 B/s × 8 bits/s = 8,192 bps
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from megabits per second (Mbps) to kilobytes per second (KB/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.
