In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data from megabytes (MB) to bytes (B). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of Byte and MB
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between Byte and Megabyte. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
What is byte (B)?
A Byte (B) is a standard unit of digital information used for data storage. It consists of 8 bits, which gives it a total of 256 possible values (from 0 to 255).
With such amount of potential values, a byte can represent many fundamental digital information, including characters in the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) encoding system, numbers, color components, network packets, control code, and other information that fits in a byte.
What is Megabyte (MB)?
A megabyte (MB) is a unit of measurement for data storage used to measure files or memory that are large in size, typically between one million and one billion bytes.
It has symbols or abbreviations such as MB, Mbyte, MiB, or Mibyte.
When using International System of Units (SI) prefixes[1], which are based on powers of 10, a megabyte (MB) equals 1,000,000 bytes.
1 MB = 106 B = 1,000,000 B
The table below shows all the SI prefixes and the associated symbols, multipliers, and colloquial.
When using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) binary prefixes[2], which are based on powers of 2, a megabyte (MB) equals 1,048,576 bytes.
1 MiB = 220 B = 1,048,576 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 its multipliers.
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.
Megabyte to byte 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 mega- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 106 (1,000,000). So, to convert from megabyte to byte, multiply the number of megabytes (NMB) by the multiplier (1,000,000).
NB = NMB × 1,000,000
Or remember the MB-to-B conversion factor: 1 MB = 1,000,000 B
Using binary (IEC) prefixes
The mebi- prefix in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) represents a multiplier of 220(1,048,576). So, to convert from mebibyte to byte, multiply the number of mebibytes (NMiB) by the multiplier (1,048,576).
NB = NMiB × 1,048,576
Or remember the MiB-to-B conversion factor: 1 MiB = 1,048,576 B
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from megabytes to bytes (MB to B)?
Example
Maxine wanted to ensure her phone had enough storage space to download a 500 MB software update. Recognizing the potential difference between decimal and binary prefixes, she decided to use the exact binary conversion for accuracy.
Using decimal (SI) prefixes
Since 1 megabyte (MB) equals 106 (1,000,000) bytes, we can convert 500 MB to bytes by using the following formula:
So, the 500 MB software update, when expressed in decimal units, is equivalent to 500,000,000 bytes.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 500 into the MB box, and you instantly get the storage value in bytes, in this case, 500,000,000 B.
Using binary (IEC) prefixes
Since 1 mebibyte (MiB) equals 220 (1,048,576) bytes, we can convert 500 mebibytes to bytes by using the following formula:
So, the 500 MB software update, when expressed in binary units, is equivalent to 524,288,000 bytes.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 500 into the From box, choose MiB from the From unit box, and you instantly get the storage value in bytes, in this case, 524,288,000 B.
Megabyte to byte conversion table
The conversion table below provides a handy reference for converting data storage capacity from megabyte (MB) to bytes (B). It covers a range from 0.1 MB to 1,000 MB, allowing for easy and quick conversions between these units of measurement.
Decimal (SI) prefixes
| Megabytes | Bytes |
|---|---|
| 0.1 MB | 100,000 B |
| 0.5 MB | 500,000 B |
| 1 MB | 1,000,000 B |
| 2 MB | 2,000,000 B |
| 4 MB | 4,000,000 B |
| 5 MB | 5,000,000 B |
| 10 MB | 10,000,000 B |
| 20 MB | 20,000,000 B |
| 30 MB | 30,000,000 B |
| 40 MB | 40,000,000 B |
| 50 MB | 50,000,000 B |
| 60 MB | 60,000,000 B |
| 70 MB | 70,000,000 B |
| 80 MB | 80,000,000 B |
| 90 MB | 90,000,000 B |
| 100 MB | 100,000,000 B |
| 200 MB | 200,000,000 B |
| 500 MB | 500,000,000 B |
| 800 MB | 800,000,000 B |
| 1,000 MB | 1,000,000,000 B |
Binary (IEC) prefixes
| Mebibytes | Bytes |
|---|---|
| 0.1 MiB | 104,857.6 B |
| 0.5 MiB | 524,288 B |
| 1 MiB | 1,048,576 B |
| 2 MiB | 2,097,152 B |
| 4 MiB | 4,194,304 B |
| 5 MiB | 5,242,880 B |
| 10 MiB | 10,485,760 B |
| 20 MiB | 20,971,520 B |
| 30 MiB | 31,457,280 B |
| 40 MiB | 41,943,040 B |
| 50 MiB | 52,428,800 B |
| 60 MiB | 62,914,560 B |
| 70 MiB | 73,400,320 B |
| 80 MiB | 83,886,080 B |
| 90 MiB | 94,371,840 B |
| 100 MiB | 104,857,600 B |
| 200 MiB | 209,715,200 B |
| 500 MiB | 524,288,000 B |
| 800 MiB | 838,860,800 B |
| 1,000 MiB | 1,048,576,000 B |
FAQs
Is 1 byte or 1 megabyte larger?
A megabyte (MB) is a million times bigger than a byte (B). Here are the relationships between the units:
Decimal prefixes
1 MB = 106 = 1,000,000 B1 B = 10-6 = 1 ÷ 1,000,000 = 0.000001 MB
Binary prefixes
1 MiB = 220 = 1,048,576 B1 B = 2-20 = 1 ÷ 1,048,576 = 00000095367431640625MiB
How to convert from megabytes to bytes?
To convert data storage from megabytes (MB) to bytes (B), follow these simple steps based on the standard you are using:
- Write down the data storage value in
megabytes (MB).
Decimal (SI) prefixes
- Multiply it by the value of a
MB-to-Bconversion factor:106or1,000,000. - The result from multiplication is the value of the data storage in
bytes (B).
Binary (IEC) prefixes
- Multiply it by the value of a
MiB-to-Bconversion factor:220or1,048,576. - The result from multiplication is the value of the data storage in
bytes (B).
You now know how to convert data storage capacity from megabytes (MB) to bytes (B). 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.
