In 1 bytes there are 0.001 kilobytes. Meanwhile in 1 kilobytes there are 1,000 bytes. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Kilobytes to Bytes calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
To convert bytes to kilobytes (KB), you divide the number of bytes by a set value. The right value depends on which KB definition you’re using.
Binary (most common in computing):
1 KB = 1,024 bytes
Kilobytes = Bytes ÷ 1,024
Decimal (often used for storage labels):
1 KB = 1,000 bytes
Kilobytes = Bytes ÷ 1,000
Example (binary):
Kilobytes often describe small file sizes, like text files or simple images.
It depends on the system you use. In decimal units, 1 kilobyte (KB) equals 1,000 bytes. In binary units, 1 kibibyte (KiB) equals 1,024 bytes.
KB is a decimal unit based on powers of 10, so it uses 1,000 bytes. KiB is a binary unit based on powers of 2, so it uses 1,024 bytes. Operating systems and apps don’t always label these units the same way, which can cause confusion.
Use 1,000 bytes per KB for storage and data transfer in most consumer specs. Drive makers and network speeds often use decimal units, so KB usually means 1,000 bytes in those cases.
Use 1,024 bytes when working in binary-based memory and some system tools. Many technical contexts mean KiB (1,024 bytes) even if they show “KB” on-screen.
For decimal kilobytes, divide bytes by 1,000.
Example: 5,000 bytes ÷ 1,000 = 5 KB.
For kibibytes, divide bytes by 1,024.
Example: 5,120 bytes ÷ 1,024 = 5 KiB.
Some systems show file size using 1,024-based units but label them as KB. Others use 1,000-based units. The file didn’t change, only the display method did.
No. 1 KB can mean 1,000 bytes, while 1 KiB means 1,024 bytes. People often say “KB” for both, but the exact byte count depends on the standard used.
The difference is 24 bytes per kilobyte at the 1 KB level. That gap grows with larger sizes. Over many kilobytes, the total difference becomes easy to notice.
In decimal units, 10 KB equals 10,000 bytes. In binary units, 10 KiB equals 10,240 bytes.
Multiply by the unit base you’re using.
Not always. Internet speeds often use decimal units, so KB usually means 1,000 bytes there. File size displays may use binary math even when they show “KB”.
Many storage labels use decimal units (1 KB = 1,000 bytes). Some systems report space using 1,024-based units. That mix makes the shown capacity look smaller.
The Calculate Box tool to convert bytes to kilobytes uses the open source script Convert.js to convert units of measurement. To use this tool, simply type a bytes value in the box and have it instantly converted to kilobytes.