Convert Megabits per Second to Megabytes per Second - Data Transfer Converter

This tool converts a data transfer rate expressed in megabits per second (Mbps) to megabytes per second (MB/s). It is intended for quick unit conversions used in networking, bandwidth planning, and file transfer time estimates.

Bits and bytes are different units: 1 byte = 8 bits. Many networking speeds are quoted in bits per second while file sizes are commonly expressed in bytes, so converting between Mbps and MB/s is a frequent practical need. This converter assumes the conventional definitions described below but highlights decimal versus binary distinctions and protocol overhead that affect real-world throughput.

Updated Nov 29, 2025QA PASS — golden 25 / edge 120Run golden-edge-2026-01-23

Governance

Record 507f732fcf7d • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee

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Methodology

Conversion uses the fixed mathematical relationship between bits and bytes: 8 bits = 1 byte. The primary conversion is therefore exact: MB/s = Mbps ÷ 8, when both units use decimal prefixes.

Standards and nomenclature: this page follows international guidance on unit presentation and prefixes. When greater precision is required, consider whether the measurement uses decimal SI prefixes (mega = 10^6) or binary prefixes (mebi = 2^20). Also account for network and protocol overhead; the theoretical conversion does not include packet headers, retransmissions, or application-layer framing.

Accuracy caveats: reported link rates (e.g., an ISP's advertised Mbps) are link-layer or PHY rates and do not guarantee sustained application-layer MB/s. For regulatory and presentation guidance, consult national metrology and standards organizations.

Worked examples

50 Mbps → 50 ÷ 8 = 6.25 MB/s (decimal MB)

1000 Mbps → 1000 ÷ 8 = 125 MB/s (decimal MB)

10 Mbps → 10 ÷ 8 = 1.25 MB/s (decimal MB)

100 Mbps using MiB: 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5 decimal MB/s; in MiB/s ≈ 12.5 × 0.953674 = 11.921 MiB/s

F.A.Q.

Is MB/s the same as MBps or MBps vs Mbps?

MB/s and MBps are commonly used to mean megabytes per second (bytes per second). Mbps (lowercase b) means megabits per second (bits per second). The key difference is a factor of 8: 1 byte = 8 bits.

Why does my 100 Mbps connection not give 12.5 MB/s file downloads?

Real-world transfers are affected by protocol overhead, encryption, server or disk limits, congestion, and measurement methodology. Advertised link speed is a peak physical-layer rate; application-layer throughput is usually lower.

Should I use MB (decimal) or MiB (binary) in calculations?

Use decimal MB (10^6 bytes) when the source explicitly states MB or when using most networking or storage vendor specifications. Use MiB (2^20 bytes) only when a tool or dataset explicitly uses binary prefixes. Always confirm the unit definition in your data source.

Does this converter include overheads like TCP/IP headers?

No. This converter performs a pure unit conversion between bits and bytes. It does not account for protocol headers, encapsulation, retransmissions, or other real-world overheads. For throughput planning, include an overhead margin appropriate to your protocol and environment.

How do I convert MB/s back to Mbps?

Multiply by 8. Mbps = MB/s × 8 (assuming both use the same prefix definition: decimal or binary).

Sources & citations

NIST — Units and Symbols — https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — https://www.iso.org
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards — https://standards.ieee.org
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — https://www.osha.gov
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: 507f732fcf7d

What changed (latest)

v1.0.0 • 2025-11-29 • 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 29, 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 • 2025-11-29 • 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: 2dc2927bdbfe