Megabyte to Megabit Converter
Convert megabytes to megabits with our free online data storage converter.
Quick Answer
1 Megabyte = 8 megabits
Formula: Megabyte × conversion factor = Megabit
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 Megabit Calculator
How to Use the Megabyte to Megabit Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Megabyte).
- The converted value in Megabit 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 Megabit: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Megabyte to Megabit involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Megabyte = 8 megabitsExample Calculation:
Convert 10 megabytes: 10 × 8 = 80 megabits
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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Need to convert to other data storage units?
View all Data Storage conversions →What is a Megabyte and a Megabit?
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 megabit (Mb or Mbit) is a multiple of the bit unit for digital information or computer storage. The prefix mega- (symbol M) is defined in the International System of Units (SI) as a multiplier of 106 (1 million). Therefore, 1 megabit = 1,000,000 bits (or 1000 kilobits).
Note: The Megabyte is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Megabit belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Megabyte and Megabit
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).
As data transfer speeds increased beyond the kilobit range, the megabit became a common unit, particularly in networking and telecommunications. Like the kilobit, it generally adheres to the SI standard (106 bits) rather than the binary interpretation sometimes used for bytes (which would be 220 bits, correctly termed a mebibit). The introduction of binary prefixes like 'mebi-' aimed to resolve this potential ambiguity.
Common Uses and Applications: megabytes vs megabits
Explore the typical applications for both Megabyte (imperial/US) and Megabit (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 megabits
- Measuring data transfer rates (e.g., internet connection speeds in Mbps - megabits per second).
- Quantifying network bandwidth.
- Specifying the capacity of older storage media or certain types of memory chips.
- Video and audio bitrates (e.g., streaming quality often measured in Mbps).
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 Megabit (Mb)
How many bits are in a megabit?
There are exactly 1,000,000 bits (or 106 bits) in 1 megabit (Mb), based on the standard SI definition of the prefix 'mega-'.
What is the difference between a megabit (Mb) and a megabyte (MB)?
- A megabit (Mb) measures bits and equals 1,000,000 bits. It's often used for data transfer rates.
- A megabyte (MB) measures bytes. According to SI standards, it equals 1,000,000 bytes. (Note: Historically, MB was sometimes used informally for 1,048,576 bytes, which is correctly termed a mebibyte (MiB)).
Since 1 byte = 8 bits, 1 megabyte (1,000,000 bytes) is equal to 8,000,000 bits. Therefore, a megabyte represents 8 times more data than a megabit.
What is the difference between a megabit (Mb) and a mebibit (Mib)?
- A megabit (Mb) uses the decimal SI prefix 'mega-' and equals 106 bits (1,000,000 bits).
- A mebibit (Mib) uses the binary IEC prefix 'mebi-' and equals 220 bits (1,048,576 bits).
A mebibit is approximately 4.86% larger than a megabit (1 Mib ≈ 1.0486 Mb). Using Mib provides clarity when specifically referring to 1,048,576 bits.
If my internet speed is 100 Mbps, how fast is that in MBps?
To convert Mbps (megabits per second) to MBps (megabytes per second), you divide by 8 (since 1 byte = 8 bits). So, 100 Mbps / 8 = 12.5 MBps. This means you can theoretically download 12.5 megabytes of data per second.
Conversion Table: Megabyte to Megabit
| Megabyte (MB) | Megabit (Mb) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 4 |
| 1 | 8 |
| 1.5 | 12 |
| 2 | 16 |
| 5 | 40 |
| 10 | 80 |
| 25 | 200 |
| 50 | 400 |
| 100 | 800 |
| 250 | 2,000 |
| 500 | 4,000 |
| 1,000 | 8,000 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Megabyte to Megabit?
To convert Megabyte to Megabit, 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 Megabit?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Megabyte and Megabit. 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 Megabit back to Megabyte?
Yes! You can easily convert Megabit back to Megabyte by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Megabit 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 Megabit?
Megabyte and Megabit 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
Learn more about unit conversion with our comprehensive guides:
📚 How to Convert Units
Step-by-step guide to unit conversion with practical examples.
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Essential formulas for data storage and other conversions.
⚖️ 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
- 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
- Petabyte (PB) • Megabyte to Petabyte
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