Convert Bits per Second to Megabytes per Second - Data Transfer Converter
Convert a data rate expressed in bits per second (b/s) into megabytes per second (MB/s) for quick comparison between network link rates and observed file-transfer speeds.
This tool uses the common SI / networking convention that 1 megabyte (MB) = 1,000,000 bytes unless otherwise noted. Where appropriate we explain the binary alternative (MiB) used in some operating systems and storage reporting.
Governance
Record 47f88bc350eb • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Interactive Converter
Convert between bit per second and megabyte per second with precision rounding.
Quick reference table
| Bit per Second | Megabyte per Second |
|---|---|
| BPS 1 bps | 0 MB/s |
| BPS 5 bps | 0 MB/s |
| BPS 10 bps | 0 MB/s |
| BPS 25 bps | 0 MB/s |
| BPS 50 bps | 0 MB/s |
| BPS 100 bps | 0 MB/s |
Methodology
Network throughput is typically measured in bits per second. To convert to bytes per second divide by 8, then scale according to the chosen megabyte definition.
For most networking and ISP specifications, decimal prefixes are used (1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes). For compatibility with standards and scientific references we follow SI decimal prefixes by default and cite NIST guidance on units.
When exact binary measures are required (1 MiB = 2^20 bytes), use the binary alternative described below. Real-world throughput can be lower than the line rate because of protocol overhead, retransmissions, and device limits; see FAQs for practical notes.
Worked examples
Example 1: 10,000,000 b/s → 10,000,000 / 8 / 1,000,000 = 1.25 MB/s (decimal MB).
Example 2: 100,000,000 b/s → 100,000,000 / 8 / 1,000,000 = 12.5 MB/s (decimal MB).
Example 3 (binary): 10,485,760 b/s → 10,485,760 / 8 / 1,048,576 = 1.25 MiB/s (binary MiB).
F.A.Q.
Why do you divide by 8 to convert bits to bytes?
There are 8 bits in a byte by definition. To convert a bit-based rate to a byte-based rate divide by 8, then apply the megabyte scaling (decimal or binary) as appropriate.
What's the difference between MB/s and MiB/s and which should I use?
MB (megabyte) usually follows decimal SI prefixes where 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes. MiB (mebibyte) uses binary prefixes where 1 MiB = 2^20 = 1,048,576 bytes. Use MB for networking and ISP rates (decimal); use MiB when working with binary storage/reporting or operating-system file sizes.
Why does my file transfer show lower MB/s than my advertised network speed?
Advertised speeds are often link-layer or physical-layer maximums (bits/s) and do not account for protocol overhead (headers, encryption), TCP/IP inefficiencies, congestion, latency, or hardware limitations. Real-world throughput is commonly lower; perform measurements with controlled tests for precise results.
How accurate is this conversion for billing, regulation, or lab measurements?
This conversion performs an exact arithmetic transformation between units. For billing or regulated measurements, follow the standard specified by the contracting party or regulator (for example, whether decimal or binary prefixes are required) and consider instrument calibration, measurement interval, and aggregation rules.
Can I convert using binary megabytes (MiB) instead of decimal megabytes (MB)?
Yes. The tool documents the binary alternative and the formula. Use the binary calculation (divide by 2^20 after converting to bytes) when you need MiB-based reporting, such as certain storage or OS-level displays.
Sources & citations
- NIST: SI Units and Prefixes — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/si-units
- NIST: Binary Prefixes and Units (IEC/NIST discussion) — https://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/binary.html
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — Broadband and network performance context — https://www.fcc.gov/general/broadband-deployment
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology OpenCourseWare — computer networks and systems resources — https://ocw.mit.edu
- 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
Related tools
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: 47f88bc350ebWhat changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-01 • 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 • 2025-11-01 • 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 1, 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 • 2025-11-01 • 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: de05b418f91e