Convert Bits to Bytes - Data Storage Converter
This converter turns a value expressed in bits (b) into bytes (B) using the exact relationship 1 byte = 8 bits. It is useful for sizing payloads, estimating storage, or translating network measurements into byte-based units.
For most networking and storage contexts, prefixes (k, M, G) follow decimal SI powers of 10. The same 8-bit relationship applies when using binary prefixes (Ki, Mi, Gi); see the methodology notes for how to stay unambiguous.
Governance
Record 692ebe1e53ff • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive Converter
Convert between bit and byte with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Bit | Byte |
|---|---|
| BIT 1 b | 0.13 B |
| BIT 5 b | 0.63 B |
| BIT 10 b | 1.25 B |
| BIT 25 b | 3.13 B |
| BIT 50 b | 6.25 B |
| BIT 100 b | 12.5 B |
Methodology
Fundamental identity: 1 byte = 8 bits. The converter divides the bit value by 8 to obtain bytes.
Prefix awareness: decimal prefixes (k, M, G) mean powers of 10 (1 kbit = 1,000 bits). Binary prefixes (Ki, Mi, Gi) mean powers of 2 (1 Kibit = 1,024 bits). The bit→byte factor (÷8) is constant; choose the correct prefix system for your context.
Precision and rounding: results are exact for the defined relationship. Round only for presentation to match reporting requirements or instrument precision.
Key takeaways
Divide bits by 8 to get bytes. Be clear about prefix conventions (decimal vs binary) when working with larger units.
Worked examples
640 bits → 640 ÷ 8 = 80 bytes.
4,096 bits → 512 bytes.
1,000,000 bits → 125,000 bytes.
F.A.Q.
Is 1 byte always 8 bits?
Yes. Modern standards define a byte as 8 bits. Historical architectures with other byte sizes are rare and not used in current specifications.
Do I need to worry about decimal vs binary prefixes here?
The bit-to-byte factor is always ÷8. Just ensure you know whether the input uses decimal prefixes (k=1,000) or binary prefixes (Ki=1,024) when interpreting larger units.
How should I round the result?
Keep full precision for calculations and round only for display, typically to whole bytes. Follow any precision rules required by your report, contract, or billing system.
Sources & citations
- NIST — Reference on Units, Symbols, and Prefixes — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/
- IEC binary prefixes overview — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/binary.html
- ISO/IEC quantities and units (overview of binary prefixes) — https://www.iso.org/standard/43348.html
- IEC 80000-13:2008 — Information science and technology — https://www.iso.org/standard/31898.html
- NIST SP 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811
Further resources
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: 692ebe1e53ffWhat changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-04 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-04 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 4, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-04 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 6165bd0b164d