In 1 megabytes there are 1,000,000 bytes. Meanwhile in 1 bytes there are 0.00000100000 megabytes. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Bytes to Megabytes calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
To convert megabytes (MB) to bytes (B), you multiply the number of megabytes by a fixed value. The key is knowing which MB standard you’re using.
Decimal (SI) megabyte: 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes
Formula: bytes = MB × 1,000,000
Example: 5 MB = 5 × 1,000,000 = 5,000,000 bytes
Binary (IEC) mebibyte (often used in computing): 1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes (2²⁰)
Formula: bytes = MiB × 1,048,576
Example: 5 MiB = 5 × 1,048,576 = 5,242,880 bytes
Tip: Storage makers often use MB (1,000,000 bytes), while many computer systems report sizes closer to MiB (1,048,576 bytes).
It depends on the system you use.
Storage makers often use decimal. Many computer systems use binary.
Not always. 1,048,576 bytes is 1 mebibyte (MiB), not 1 megabyte (MB) in the strict decimal sense. People still say “MB” when they mean “MiB,” so it helps to check the context.
These units measure data size, but they use different bases.
MiB is more exact for memory and some file size tools.
Different systems use different definitions.
That mismatch makes the same file look “smaller” or “larger” depending on the display.
Use the right rule for your situation.
Write down which standard you need before converting.
Divide bytes by the matching unit size.
Round only at the end to keep results accurate.
Most file size talk uses decimal MB (1,000,000 bytes). Some systems show file sizes in binary units but may still label them as MB. If you need exact results, look for “MiB” or a note about base-2.
RAM is based on powers of two, so MiB (1,048,576 bytes) often matches how memory is addressed and reported. Many tools still label it as MB, even when they mean MiB.
Using each standard:
Using each standard:
“MB” is used in everyday language as a general term. In strict terms, MB is decimal and MiB is binary. Many apps and labels keep using MB for both, since it’s familiar. That habit causes confusion in conversions.
Download speeds usually use bits, not bytes.
Also, internet speeds often use decimal units, so 1 Mb = 1,000,000 bits.
Yes. B means bytes. b means bits.
That one letter changes the value by a factor of 8.
Use the full unit name or the right symbol.
When you share results, include the standard you used.
The Calculate Box tool to convert megabytes to bytes uses the open source script Convert.js to convert units of measurement. To use this tool, simply type a megabytes value in the box and have it instantly converted to bytes.