TB to GB Converter

This article will show how to convert data from terabytes (TB) to gigabytes (GB). We will cover essential definitions, provide examples, share relevant formulas, and present tables, along with answers to common questions.

Definitions of GB and TB

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

What is a Gigabyte (GB)?

A gigabyte (GB) is a unit of measurement for data storage used to measure device capacity, files, or memory that are large, typically between one billion and one trillion bytes.

It has symbols or abbreviations such as GB, Gbyte, GiB, or Gibyte.

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

• 1 GB = 103 MB = 1,000 MB
• 1 GB = 109 B = 1,000,000,000 B

When using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) binary prefixes^[2], which are based on powers of 2, a gigabyte (GB) equals 1,073,741,824 bytes.

• 1 GiB = 210 MiB = 1,024 MiB
• 1 GiB = 230 B = 1,073,741,824 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.

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

• 1 TB = 103 GB = 1,000 GB
• 1 TB = 1012 B = 1,000,000,000,000 B

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

• 1 TiB = 210 GiB = 1,024 GiB
• 1 TiB = 240 B = 1,099,511,627,776 B

TB to GB 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 table below shows all the SI prefixes and the associated symbols, multipliers, and colloquials.

The giga- prefix in the International System of Units (SI) represents a multiplier of 109 (1,000,000,000) and tera- represents a multiplier of 1012 (1,000,000,000,000).

So, to convert from terabytes to gigabytes, multiply the number of terabytes (NTB) by 1,000.

NGB = NTB × 103 = NTB × 1,000

Or remember the TB-to-GB conversion factor: 1 TB = 103 = 1,000 GB

Using binary (IEC) prefixes

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.

The gibi- prefix in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) represents a multiplier of 230 (1,073,741,824) and tebi- represents a multiplier of 240 (1,099,511,627,776).

So, to convert from tebibytes to gibibytes, multiply the number of tebibytes (NTiB) by 1,024.

NGiB = NTiB × 210 = NTiB × 1,024

Or remember the TiB-to-GiB conversion factor: 1 TiB = 210 = 1,024 GiB

Examples

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

Example

Alex is a gamer who recently purchased a new, large-capacity external hard drive – 4 Terabytes (TB) – to store all their games! 🕹️ Alex wants to understand how much of their total drive capacity they've used, but their game launcher displays the storage usage for each game in Gigabytes (GB). They've already installed several titles, and to get a clear overall picture of how much space is left on their new drive, they need to understand how that initial 4 TB translates into GB.

Converting from TB to GB allows Alex to quickly assess the remaining storage on the drive in a consistent unit. 🧮 Without this conversion, it's hard to easily compare the large TB capacity to the individual GB sizes shown for each game. This helps Alex plan future game installations, avoid potential space-related issues 🚫, and generally keep better track of their growing game library! 📚

Option 1: Using decimal (SI) prefixes

Since 1 terabyte (TB) equals 1,000 gigabytes (GB), we can convert 4 TB to gigabytes by using the following formula:

$$\text{N}_\text{GB} = \text{N}_\text{TB} \times 1{,}000$$

$$\text{N}_\text{GB} = 4 \times 1{,}000 = \boxed{4{,}000 \text{ GB}}$$

So, the 4 TB external hard drive, when expressed in decimal units, is equivalent to 4,000 GB.

Alternatively, you can use our calculator by entering 4 into the TB box, and you instantly get the storage value in gigabytes, in this case, 4,000 GB.

Option 2: Using binary (IEC) prefixes

Since 1 tebibyte (TiB) equals 1,024 gibibytes (GiB), we can convert 4 tebibytes to gibibytes by using the following formula:

$$\text{N}_\text{GiB} = \text{N}_\text{TiB} \times 1{,}024$$

$$\text{N}_\text{GiB} = 4 \times 1{,}024 ≈ \boxed{4,096 \text{ GiB}}$$

So, the 4 TB external hard drive, when expressed in binary units, is equivalent to 4,096 GiB.

Alternatively, you can use our calculator by choosing TiB and entering 4 into the From box, choose GiB from the To unit box, and you instantly get the storage value in gibibytes, in this case, 4,096 GiB.

TB to GB conversion table

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

Decimal (SI) prefixes

Binary (IEC) prefixes

FAQs

You now know how to convert data storage capacity from terabytes (TB) to gigabytes (GB). 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.