In 1 megabytes there are 0.001 gigabytes. Meanwhile in 1 gigabytes there are 1,000 megabytes. Keep reading to learn more about each unit of measure and how they are calculated. Or just use the Gigabytes to Megabytes calculator above to convert any number.
* Values rounded to 6 decimal places for readability
To convert megabytes (MB) to gigabytes (GB), divide MB by the right number based on the standard you’re using.
Decimal (base-10, most storage labels):
GB = MB ÷ 1,000
Example: 2,500 MB ÷ 1,000 = 2.5 GB
Binary (base-2, often used by operating systems):
GB = MB ÷ 1,024
Example: 2,560 MB ÷ 1,024 = 2.5 GB
Use 1,000 for most MB to GB conversions on drive packaging and internet plans. Use 1,024 when your device reports sizes in binary units.
It depends on the system you use.
Storage makers often use decimal. Many computer systems use binary.
That number comes from the binary system used by computers. Computers measure memory in powers of 2, so 1 GB is often treated like 1,024 MB in many operating systems and tech tools.
GB means gigabyte and usually follows the decimal system.
GiB means gibibyte and follows the binary system.
This is why a “1 TB” drive can look smaller on a computer.
Use this simple rule:
GB = MB ÷ 1,000
Examples:
Use this rule for binary conversions:
GB = MB ÷ 1,024
Examples:
Both are common. Many plans show smaller use in MB and larger totals in GB. Mobile data, downloads, and streaming often switch between MB and GB based on the amount used.
Drive labels often use decimal GB (1 GB = 1,000 MB). Your device may report space using binary units (GiB-style math). Some space also goes to system files and formatting. These two effects make the number look smaller.
It depends on the system:
It depends on the system:
Apps can still label values as “GB” even when they use binary math, so the context matters.
Two common byte definitions are used:
Decimal (base-10):
Binary (base-2):
Divide by the right number for your system:
Small values often look close either way, but they still differ.
The Calculate Box tool to convert megabytes to gigabytes 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 gigabytes.