Gigabit digital storage unit.
Gigabits to Megabits Converter — Gb to Mb
Convert Gigabit (Gb) to Megabit (Mb) using the exact conversion factor (1 gigabit = 1,000 megabit). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Gigabits to Megabits converter
Converter
Digital Storage Converter
Convert bits, bytes, decimal storage, binary storage, nibbles, and word sizes.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Megabit digital storage unit.
Result = input x 1e+9 / 1e+6.
Digital storage uses bits as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Gigabits to Megabits
Gigabit and Megabit are everyday digital-storage units, used for everything from file sizes and app downloads to storage device capacity and mobile data allowances. Gigabit is typically associated with used worldwide for high-speed network ratings (fiber internet, data centers), while Megabit is typically associated with used worldwide for network and internet speed ratings.
Formula
megabits = gigabits × 1000
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 gigabit equals 1000000000 base units, and 1 megabit equals 1000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct gigabit-to-megabit factor of 1000.
Simple example
1 Gb × 1000 = 1,000 Mb
1 gigabit = 1,000 megabits.
Real-world example
500 Gb × 1000 = 500,000 Mb
500 gigabits = 500,000 megabits.
Conversion table
| Gigabit (Gb) | Megabit (Mb) |
|---|---|
| 1 Gb | 1,000 Mb |
| 8 Gb | 8,000 Mb |
| 16 Gb | 16,000 Mb |
| 64 Gb | 64,000 Mb |
| 256 Gb | 256,000 Mb |
| 1,000 Gb | 1,000,000 Mb |
Reverse conversion: Megabit to Gigabit
1 Mb × 0.001 = 0.001 Gb
1 megabit = 0.001 gigabits.
gigabits = megabits × 0.001
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Megabit to Gigabit.
Gigabit vs. Megabit
| Aspect | Gigabit | Megabit |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Decimal (SI-prefixed) digital unit | Decimal (SI-prefixed) digital unit |
| Typical use | Gigabit fiber internet service advertising | Internet connection speed advertising (Mbps) |
| Where it's used | Used worldwide for high-speed network ratings (fiber internet, data centers) | Used worldwide for network and internet speed ratings |
Understanding the Gigabit
Gigabit (Gb) measures digital storage/transfer. A gigabit is 1,000 megabits (125 megabytes) under the decimal convention used for network speeds. It is classified as a Decimal (SI-prefixed) digital unit.
Where it's used: Used worldwide for high-speed network ratings (fiber internet, data centers)
Uses of the Gigabit today
- Gigabit fiber internet service advertising
- Data center and enterprise network bandwidth
History of the Gigabit
As internet speeds crossed the 1,000 Mbps threshold with fiber-optic and enterprise networking, 'gigabit' became the standard marketing term for these connections, following the same bits-per-second convention established for slower network speeds.
Historical origin. Gigabit was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Megabit
Megabit (Mb) measures digital storage/transfer. A megabit is 1,000,000 bits (125,000 bytes) under the decimal convention used for network speeds. It is classified as a Decimal (SI-prefixed) digital unit.
Where it's used: Used worldwide for network and internet speed ratings
Megabits vs. megabytes. Internet speeds are quoted in megabits per second (Mbps), while file sizes are quoted in megabytes (MB) — 8 megabits equal 1 megabyte, so a '100 Mbps' connection downloads at up to about 12.5 MB per second.
Uses of the Megabit today
- Internet connection speed advertising (Mbps)
- Network bandwidth measurement
History of the Megabit
Network speeds have conventionally been quoted in bits rather than bytes since early telecommunications measured signal rate in bits per second; this convention carried into modern internet service marketing, which is why connection speeds (Mbps) and file sizes (MB) use different base units, a frequent source of consumer confusion.
Historical origin. Megabit was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Gigabit — sources
- IEC 80000-13 — Defines bit-based units distinct from byte-based units.
Megabit — sources
- IEC 80000-13 — Defines bit-based units distinct from byte-based units.
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Frequently asked questions
How many megabits are in 1 gigabit?
1 gigabit equals 1,000 megabits, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert gigabit to megabit?
Multiply the gigabit value by 1000. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert megabit back to gigabit?
Use the reverse factor: 1 megabit equals 0.001 gigabits. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a gigabit?
Gigabit (Gb) measures digital storage/transfer. A gigabit is 1,000 megabits (125 megabytes) under the decimal convention used for network speeds. It is classified as a Decimal (SI-prefixed) digital unit.
What is a megabit?
Megabit (Mb) measures digital storage/transfer. A megabit is 1,000,000 bits (125,000 bytes) under the decimal convention used for network speeds. It is classified as a Decimal (SI-prefixed) digital unit.
Is the gigabit to megabit conversion exact?
Yes. Both gigabit and megabit are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 1000 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.
What is the difference between megabits vs. megabytes?
Internet speeds are quoted in megabits per second (Mbps), while file sizes are quoted in megabytes (MB) — 8 megabits equal 1 megabyte, so a '100 Mbps' connection downloads at up to about 12.5 MB per second.
Where is the gigabit still used today?
Used worldwide for high-speed network ratings (fiber internet, data centers)