In this article, we’ll show you how to convert data transfer rates from megabytes per second (MBps or MB/s) to megabits per second (Mbps). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.
Definitions of MB/s and Mbps
Let’s get started by understanding the key definitions and differences between MB/s and Mbps. Understanding these terms will allow you to perform conversions confidently.
What is Megabit per second (Mbps)?
A MegaBit per second (Mbps) is a unit of measurement for data transfer rates used when transferring data over the internet. 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 1,000,000 bits or 0.125 MB/s.
What is Megabyte 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 is part of the International System of Units (SI) and uses decimal multiples of bytes (106). It has symbols or abbreviations such as MBps, MB/s, Mbyte/s, or Megabyte/s. One megabyte per second equals 8,000,000 bps or 8 Mbps.
In the binary system, where used by most computer operating systems (e.g. Windows, macOS, and Linux), data storage and transfer rate units are powered by two instead of 10, which means:
1 MB/s = 210 KB = 1,024 KB/s1 MB/s = 220 B = 1,048,576 B/s1 MB/s = 1,048,576 B/s × 8 bits/s = 8,388,608 bps
So, 1MB can be 8,000,000 bps (SI convention) or 8,388,608 bps (binary convention) depending on the convention you agree on.
How to convert from MB/s to Mbps?
To convert a data transfer rate from megabytes per second (MB/s) to megabits per second (Mbps), follow the simple steps below:
- Write down the rate value in
megabytes per second (MB/s). - Multiply it by the value of a
MBps-to-Mbpsconversion factor:8. - The result from multiplication is the value of the transfer rate in
megabits per second (Mbps).
MB/s to Mbps 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 from MB/s to Mbps: n Mbps = n MB/s × 8
Or remember the MBps-to-Mbps conversion factor: 1 MB/s = 8 Mbps
Examples
Now, let's take a look at an example that illustrates the calculations required to convert from megabytes to megabits per second (MB/s to Mbps).
Convert 10 MB/s to Mbps?
Write down 10 Mbps and multiply it by the MBps-to-Mbps conversion factor: 8 to get MB/s:
So, 10 megabytes per second is equal to 80 megabits per second.
Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 10 into the MBps box, and you instantly get the rate in Mbps, in this case, 8 Mbps.
You can toggle any or all data transfer rate units to perform real-time calculations for all selected units including mebibytes per second (MiBps).
MB/s to Mbps conversion table
Here is a conversion table from MB/s (MBps) to Mbit/s (Mbps) valued from 0.1 to 1,000. Use the table below for a quick reference or remember it for everyday use.
| Megabytes per second | Megabits per second |
|---|---|
| 0.1 MB/s | 0.8 Mbps |
| 0.5 MB/s | 4 Mbps |
| 1 MB/s | 8 Mbps |
| 2 MB/s | 16 Mbps |
| 4 MB/s | 32 Mbps |
| 5 MB/s | 40 Mbps |
| 10 MB/s | 80 Mbps |
| 20 MB/s | 160 Mbps |
| 30 MB/s | 240 Mbps |
| 40 MB/s | 320 Mbps |
| 50 MB/s | 400 Mbps |
| 60 MB/s | 480 Mbps |
| 70 MB/s | 560 Mbps |
| 80 MB/s | 640 Mbps |
| 90 MB/s | 720 Mbps |
| 100 MB/s | 800 Mbps |
| 200 MB/s | 1,600 Mbps |
| 500 MB/s | 4,000 Mbps |
| 800 MB/s | 6,400 Mbps |
| 1,000 MB/s | 8,000 Mbps |
FAQs
How many Mbps are there in a MB/s?
Based on the definitions of megabit and megabyte, 8 megabits per second (Mbps) is equivalent to 1 megabyte per second (MB/s) or 1 Mbps equals 0.125 MB/s. When expressed using powers of ten, which is the norm in the decimal system, 1 megabyte corresponds to 106 bytes, while 1 megabit corresponds to 106 bits.
Is 1 Mbps or 1 MB/s faster?
A megabyte per second (MB/s) is eight times faster or bigger than a megabits per second (Mbps). A bit is the base unit of data storage in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), while a Mbps equals 1×106 bit/s and a MB/s equals 1×106 byte/s.
You now know how to convert data transfer rate from megabytes per second (MB/s) to Megabits per second (Mbps). You can quickly use our calculator to convert between the any data transfer 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.
