In 1 bytes there are 0.00000100000 megabytes. Meanwhile in 1 megabytes there are 1,000,000 bytes. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Megabytes to Bytes calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
To convert bytes to megabytes (MB), divide bytes by the right number based on the system you’re using.
Decimal megabyte (MB, base-10):
1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes
MB = bytes ÷ 1,000,000
Binary mebibyte (MiB, base-2, often shown as MB in computing):
1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes (1024 × 1024)
MiB = bytes ÷ 1,048,576
Quick examples
Tip: For file sizes and storage, you’ll often see MB used, but the value may follow base-10 or base-2. Check the context if you need an exact byte-to-MB conversion.
It depends on the standard you use.
Many storage makers use MB in decimal form. Many computer systems report memory in binary units.
MB means megabyte and usually follows the decimal system. MiB means mebibyte and follows the binary system.
They’re close, but not the same. Mixing them can cause confusion when you compare file sizes or memory use.
Different tools and devices may use different base values.
That small change adds up with large files, like videos or backups.
To convert bytes to MB (decimal), divide by 1,000,000.
Formula:
MB = bytes ÷ 1,000,000
Example:
5,000,000 bytes ÷ 1,000,000 = 5 MB
To convert bytes to MiB (binary), divide by 1,048,576.
Formula:
MiB = bytes ÷ 1,048,576
Example:
5,000,000 bytes ÷ 1,048,576 ≈ 4.77 MiB
Not in the decimal system.
This is why you may see file sizes and memory sizes that don’t match across devices.
MiB is bigger than MB.
1 MiB is about 4.86% larger than 1 MB.
Using decimal megabytes:
1,000,000,000 bytes ÷ 1,000,000 = 1000 MB
Using binary mebibytes:
1,000,000,000 bytes ÷ 1,048,576 ≈ 953.67 MiB
Drive makers often use decimal units. Operating systems may show sizes using binary units, even when they label them as MB or GB.
That’s why a drive can look smaller after you plug it in. Part of the space also goes to formatting and file system data.
Use the full formula and keep more decimal places until the end.
Then round to the number of decimals you need, like 2 or 3.
Use MB when you want the common decimal label used for downloads and storage. Use MiB when you want the exact binary size used in many computer systems.
If you share numbers with others, include the unit name (MB or MiB). That keeps the meaning clear.
The Calculate Box tool to convert bytes to megabytes 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 megabytes.