Convert Gigabits per Second to Kilobits per Second - Data Transfer Converter

This converter translates data rates expressed in gigabits per second (Gbps) into kilobits per second (kbps) using SI (decimal) prefixes. It is intended for networking, reporting, and quick engineering checks.

By default the tool follows the International System of Units (SI) convention where giga = 10^9 and kilo = 10^3. That means 1 Gbps equals 1,000,000 kbps under the decimal definition.

Updated Nov 20, 2025QA PASS — golden 25 / edge 120Run golden-edge-2026-01-23

Governance

Record c7d4ab5d4958 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee

Interactive Converter

Convert between gigabit per second and kilobit per second with precision rounding.

Gigabit per Second (Gbps)Kilobit per Second (kbps)

Quick reference table

Gigabit per Second	Kilobit per Second
1 Gbps	1,000,000 kbps
5 Gbps	5,000,000 kbps
10 Gbps	10,000,000 kbps
25 Gbps	25,000,000 kbps
50 Gbps	50,000,000 kbps
100 Gbps	100,000,000 kbps

Methodology

We use SI (decimal) prefix definitions consistent with national metrology guidance: giga = 10^9 and kilo = 10^3. The conversion is therefore a fixed multiplier: 1 Gbps = (10^9 bits) / (10^3 bits) = 10^6 kbps.

Networking and storage communities sometimes use binary prefixes (e.g., gibibit = 2^30 bits) or mix bits and bytes. When you need binary-prefixed conversions or conversions to bytes per second, use the appropriate unit (e.g., Gibibit/s or kB/s) and account for the 8 bits per byte factor.

Worked examples

1 Gbps → 1,000,000 kbps

0.5 Gbps → 500,000 kbps

10 Gbps → 10,000,000 kbps

To get kilobytes per second: 1 Gbps → 1,000,000 kbps → 125,000 kB/s (divide by 8)

F.A.Q.

Does this converter use decimal (SI) or binary prefixes?

This converter uses decimal SI prefixes by default (giga = 10^9, kilo = 10^3). Binary prefixes (gibi, kibi) follow powers of two (2^30, 2^10) and are distinct; use binary-prefixed units (Gib, Kib) when those are required.

Why does my measured throughput differ from the converted value?

Measured throughput can be lower than nominal due to protocol overhead (headers, acknowledgements), encoding/serialization overhead, network contention, and measurement method. Instruments and software tools also report either bits or bytes and may round differently; always check units and measurement method.

How do I convert bits per second to bytes per second?

Bits and bytes differ by a factor of 8. To convert kilobits per second to kilobytes per second divide by 8. Watch the capitalization: 'b' = bit, 'B' = byte.

Which definition should I use for formal reporting or compliance?

Follow the unit conventions specified by the regulating or reporting authority you are reporting to. For most technical and regulatory contexts, SI (decimal) prefixes are standard. Refer to national metrology and regulator guidance for formal requirements.

How should I handle precision and rounding?

Round results to a precision appropriate for the use case. For network engineering two to three significant figures are often sufficient; for regulatory or lab-grade reporting follow the measurement uncertainty and rounding rules defined by your lab’s quality system or national metrology guidance.

Sources & citations

NIST — SI Prefixes and Units — https://www.nist.gov/pml/metric-si/si-prefixes
BIPM / SI unit system and prefixes — https://www.bipm.org/en/measurement-units/si-prefixes
FCC — Understanding broadband speed — https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/understanding-broadband-speed
MIT OpenCourseWare — Computer Networking resources — https://ocw.mit.edu
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) — Binary prefixes standard information — https://www.iec.ch
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

External guidance

Versioning & Change Control

Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).

Record ID: c7d4ab5d4958

What changed (latest)

v1.0.0 • 2025-11-20 • 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

Governance

Last updated: Nov 20, 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 • 2025-11-20 • 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: 6de8d5ad00f5