Kilobit digital storage unit.
Kilobits to Megabits Converter — kb to Mb
Convert Kilobit (kb) to Megabit (Mb) using the exact conversion factor (1 kilobit = 0.001 megabit). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Kilobits 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 1000 / 1e+6.
Digital storage uses bits as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Kilobits to Megabits
Kilobit and Megabit are everyday digital-storage units, used for everything from file sizes and app downloads to storage device capacity and mobile data allowances. Specifically: Kilobit digital storage unit, and megabit digital storage unit.
Formula
megabits = kilobits × 0.001
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 kilobit equals 1000 base units, and 1 megabit equals 1000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct kilobit-to-megabit factor of 0.001.
Simple example
1 kb × 0.001 = 0.001 Mb
1 kilobit = 0.001 megabits.
Real-world example
500 kb × 0.001 = 0.5 Mb
500 kilobits = 0.5 megabits.
Conversion table
| Kilobit (kb) | Megabit (Mb) |
|---|---|
| 1 kb | 0.001 Mb |
| 8 kb | 0.008 Mb |
| 16 kb | 0.016 Mb |
| 64 kb | 0.064 Mb |
| 256 kb | 0.256 Mb |
| 1,000 kb | 1 Mb |
Reverse conversion: Megabit to Kilobit
0.001 Mb × 1000 = 1 kb
0.001 megabits = 1 kilobit.
kilobits = megabits × 1000
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Megabit to Kilobit.
Understanding the Kilobit (kb)
Kilobit digital storage unit.
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.
Megabit — sources
- IEC 80000-13 — Defines bit-based units distinct from byte-based units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many megabits are in 1 kilobit?
1 kilobit equals 0.001 megabits, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert kilobit to megabit?
Multiply the kilobit value by 0.001. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert megabit back to kilobit?
Use the reverse factor: 1 megabit equals 1,000 kilobits. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a kilobit?
Kilobit (kb) is a unit of digital storage.
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 kilobit to megabit conversion exact?
Yes. Both kilobit and megabit are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 0.001 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.