Megabyte to Kibibyte Converter
Convert megabytes to kibibytes with our free online data storage converter.
Quick Answer
1 Megabyte = 976.5625 kibibytes
Formula: Megabyte × conversion factor = Kibibyte
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Megabyte to Kibibyte Calculator
How to Use the Megabyte to Kibibyte Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Megabyte).
- The converted value in Kibibyte will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Data Storage category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Megabyte to Kibibyte: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Megabyte to Kibibyte involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Megabyte = 976.563 kibibytesExample Calculation:
Convert 10 megabytes: 10 × 976.563 = 9765.63 kibibytes
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
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View all Data Storage conversions →What is a Megabyte and a Kibibyte?
A megabyte (MB) is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. The International System of Units (SI) defines the prefix mega- (M) as 1,000,000 (106). Therefore, one megabyte is exactly 1,000,000 bytes (or 1000 kilobytes).
Similar to the kilobyte, the term "megabyte" has historically been used ambiguously in computing to represent 1,048,576 (220 or 10242) bytes. This binary usage correctly refers to a mebibyte (MiB), a unit defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to eliminate confusion.
A kibibyte (KiB) is a unit of digital information storage equal to 210 bytes, which is exactly 1,024 bytes. It uses the binary prefix 'kibi-' established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 1998. The kibibyte was created to provide an unambiguous measurement for byte multiples based on powers of 2, distinguishing it from the kilobyte (KB), which is based on the decimal prefix 'kilo-' (103 or 1,000 bytes).
Note: The Megabyte is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Kibibyte belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Megabyte and Kibibyte
The prefix 'mega-' (meaning million) was adopted as an SI prefix in 1960. As computer storage capacities grew beyond kilobytes in the 1970s and 1980s, megabyte became a common unit. However, because computer memory and architecture are often based on powers of two, 1024 * 1024 = 1,048,576 bytes became a convenient measure. This led to the widespread but conflicting use of "megabyte" for both 1,000,000 bytes (decimal) and 1,048,576 bytes (binary).
To address this ambiguity, the IEC introduced the binary prefixes (kibi-, mebi-, gibi-, etc.) in 1998. This standard designated MiB (mebibyte) specifically for 220 bytes and reaffirmed MB (megabyte) strictly for 106 bytes. Despite the standard, the dual usage persists, especially in marketing (using MB for 106) versus operating system reporting (often using MB ambiguously for 220, though sometimes correctly using MiB).
The prefix 'kibi-' (representing 210) was defined by the IEC in 1998 alongside other binary prefixes (mebi-, gibi-, tebi-, etc.). Before this standard, the SI prefix 'kilo-' (k) was ambiguously used to represent both 1000 (as per its SI definition) and 1024 in computing contexts. This led to confusion, especially when comparing storage capacities advertised by manufacturers (often using decimal prefixes) and those reported by operating systems (often using binary interpretations). The introduction of the kibibyte (KiB) aimed to resolve this ambiguity by providing a specific term for 1,024 bytes.
Common Uses and Applications: megabytes vs kibibytes
Explore the typical applications for both Megabyte (imperial/US) and Kibibyte (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for megabytes
The megabyte (MB), representing 1,000,000 bytes, is commonly used for:
- Measuring the size of medium-sized files (e.g., high-resolution images, MP3 audio files, short video clips, documents with embedded images).
- Quantifying the capacity of older storage media like floppy disks and CDs.
- Specifying the size of software downloads or application components.
- Used by storage device manufacturers (hard drives, SSDs, USB drives) to define capacity based on the decimal system (106 bytes).
- Measuring data transfer rates in megabytes per second (MB/s or MBps).
The informal use representing 1,048,576 bytes (correctly MiB) appeared frequently in:
- Quantifying computer RAM capacity (though MiB is the precise term).
- Reporting file sizes or disk space by many operating systems and software, leading to discrepancies with advertised storage capacities.
When to Use kibibytes
Kibibytes are used in contexts where precision based on powers of 2 is necessary:
- Measuring Random Access Memory (RAM) capacity, which is typically manufactured in powers-of-2 sizes.
- Reporting file sizes and disk space usage by some operating systems (like Microsoft Windows) and file systems.
- Software development and technical documentation where exact binary multiples are crucial for calculations or specifications.
- Network file transfer protocols where block sizes might be defined in binary terms.
- Ensuring accuracy when comparing storage defined using binary prefixes (KiB, MiB, GiB) versus decimal prefixes (KB, MB, GB).
Additional Unit Information
About Megabyte (MB)
How many bytes are in a megabyte (MB)?
According to the official SI standard, 1 megabyte (MB) = 1,000,000 bytes (106 bytes). However, in some computing contexts, particularly older ones or relating to RAM, "megabyte" was informally used to mean 1,048,576 bytes (220 bytes). The correct term for 1,048,576 bytes is 1 mebibyte (MiB). Context is key if the specific symbol (MB vs. MiB) isn't used.
How many kilobytes (KB) are in a megabyte (MB)?
Based on the SI standard, 1 megabyte (MB) = 1000 kilobytes (KB) (since 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes and 1 KB = 1000 bytes). If using the binary interpretation (which should correctly use MiB and KiB), then 1 mebibyte (MiB) = 1024 kibibytes (KiB) (since 1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes and 1 KiB = 1024 bytes).
What is the difference between a megabyte (MB) and a mebibyte (MiB)?
- MB (megabyte): Based on the decimal prefix 'mega-', meaning 1,000,000 bytes (106 bytes). This is the SI standard.
- MiB (mebibyte): Based on the binary prefix 'mebi-', meaning 1,048,576 bytes (220 bytes). This is the IEC standard for binary multiples.
A mebibyte (MiB) is approximately 4.86% larger than a megabyte (MB) (1 MiB ≈ 1.0486 MB). Using MiB when referring to 1,048,576 bytes avoids ambiguity, especially in contexts like RAM measurement or OS file size reporting.
What is the difference between a megabyte (MB) and a megabit (Mb)?
- A megabyte (MB) measures data storage in bytes. 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes (SI standard).
- A megabit (Mb) measures data storage or transfer speed in bits. 1 Mb = 1,000,000 bits (SI standard).
Since 1 byte = 8 bits, 1 megabyte (MB) is equal to 8 megabits (Mb). File sizes are typically measured in MB, while internet speeds are often measured in Mbps (megabits per second).
About Kibibyte (KiB)
How many bytes are in a kibibyte (KiB)?
There are exactly 210 bytes in 1 kibibyte (KiB). This equals 1,024 bytes.
How many bits are in a kibibyte (KiB)?
Assuming the standard of 8 bits per byte, 1 kibibyte (KiB) contains 1,024 bytes * 8 bits/byte = 8,192 bits.
What is the difference between a kibibyte (KiB) and a kilobyte (KB)?
A kibibyte (KiB) represents 210 bytes (1,024 bytes), using the IEC binary prefix 'kibi-'. A kilobyte (KB) represents 103 bytes (1,000 bytes), using the SI decimal prefix 'kilo-'. A kibibyte is 2.4% larger than a kilobyte (1 KiB = 1.024 KB). Historically, KB was often used informally to mean 1024 bytes, which the KiB unit now clarifies.
How many kibibytes (KiB) are in a mebibyte (MiB)?
There are 1,024 kibibytes (KiB) in 1 mebibyte (MiB). This follows the binary prefix system where each subsequent prefix is 1024 times the previous one (1 MiB = 1024 KiB).
Why use kibibyte (KiB) instead of kilobyte (KB)?
Using kibibyte (KiB) provides clarity and removes ambiguity. When you see KiB, you know it specifically means 1,024 bytes. Kilobyte (KB) should mean 1,000 bytes according to SI standards, but its historical misuse for 1,024 bytes created confusion. KiB ensures precision, especially in technical fields like computing and data storage.
Conversion Table: Megabyte to Kibibyte
| Megabyte (MB) | Kibibyte (KiB) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 488.281 |
| 1 | 976.563 |
| 1.5 | 1,464.844 |
| 2 | 1,953.125 |
| 5 | 4,882.813 |
| 10 | 9,765.625 |
| 25 | 24,414.063 |
| 50 | 48,828.125 |
| 100 | 97,656.25 |
| 250 | 244,140.625 |
| 500 | 488,281.25 |
| 1,000 | 976,562.5 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Megabyte to Kibibyte?
To convert Megabyte to Kibibyte, enter the value in Megabyte in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our data storage converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more →What is the conversion factor from Megabyte to Kibibyte?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Megabyte and Kibibyte. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Kibibyte back to Megabyte?
Yes! You can easily convert Kibibyte back to Megabyte by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Kibibyte to Megabyte converter page. You can also explore other data storage conversions on our category page.
Learn more →What are common uses for Megabyte and Kibibyte?
Megabyte and Kibibyte are both standard units used in data storage measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our data storage converter for more conversion options.
For more data storage conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
Helpful Conversion Guides
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📚 How to Convert Units
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🔢 Conversion Formulas
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⚖️ Metric vs Imperial
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⚠️ Common Mistakes
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All Data Storage Conversions
Other Data Storage Units and Conversions
Explore other data storage units and their conversion options:
- Bit (b) • Megabyte to Bit
- Byte (B) • Megabyte to Byte
- Kilobit (kb) • Megabyte to Kilobit
- Kilobyte (KB) • Megabyte to Kilobyte
- Megabit (Mb) • Megabyte to Megabit
- Gigabit (Gb) • Megabyte to Gigabit
- Gigabyte (GB) • Megabyte to Gigabyte
- Terabit (Tb) • Megabyte to Terabit
- Terabyte (TB) • Megabyte to Terabyte
- Petabit (Pb) • Megabyte to Petabit
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
International Electrotechnical Commission — Binary prefixes for digital storage (KiB, MiB, GiB)
International Organization for Standardization — International standards for quantities and units
Last verified: December 3, 2025