In 1 kilobytes there are 8,000 bits. Meanwhile in 1 bits there are 0.000125 kilobytes. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Bits to Kilobytes calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
To convert kilobytes (KB) to bits (b), use the kilobytes-to-bits rule:
Formula:
Example:
Use this conversion when you need to change a file size from KB to bits, such as for data size or network calculations.
A kilobyte can mean two different sizes.
Storage makers often use 1,000 bytes. Many computer systems use 1,024 bytes.
Use this simple formula:
bits = kilobytes × bytes-per-kilobyte × 8
Pick the right bytes-per-kilobyte value:
Because KB gets used in two ways. In base-10, KB means 1,000 bytes. In base-2, many people still say KB when they mean 1,024 bytes (which is really KiB). That small gap grows fast as values get larger.
No. They are close, but not the same.
In bits, that’s 8,000 bits vs 8,192 bits.
It depends on which KB you mean.
Here are both common meanings:
Most of the time, you’ll see one of these:
A bit is one binary digit, either 0 or 1. A byte is a group of 8 bits. File sizes often use bytes. Network speeds often use bits.
No. The data stays the same. You’re only changing the unit you use to measure it.
Internet speeds are usually shown in bits, like Kb/s or Mb/s. File downloads and storage are often shown in bytes, like KB or MB. This is why a download speed can look “smaller” when shown in KB/s.
Case matters.
Also, 1 KB = 8 Kb when both use base-10 units (1 KB = 1,000 bytes and 1 Kb = 1,000 bits).
Multiply by 8, and also choose 1,000 or 1,024 if you need exact results. For most speed math, people use base-10:
Example: 250 KB/s = 250 × 8,000 = 2,000,000 bps (2 Mb/s)
Use 1,000 when you’re working with storage labels and many everyday size claims. Use 1,024 when you’re working with memory, low-level computing, or when you see KiB. If you need to match what an operating system reports, 1,024 is often the better fit.
Here are common values using both definitions:
The Calculate Box tool to convert kilobytes to bits uses the open source script Convert.js to convert units of measurement. To use this tool, simply type a kilobytes value in the box and have it instantly converted to bits.