Megabit digital storage unit.
Megabits to Gigabits Converter — Mb to Gb
Convert Megabit (Mb) to Gigabit (Gb) using the exact conversion factor (1 megabit = 0.001 gigabit). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, unit comparison, history, and common uses.
Megabits to Gigabits 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.
Gigabit digital storage unit.
Result = input x 1e+6 / 1e+9.
Digital storage uses bits as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Megabits to Gigabits
Megabit and Gigabit are everyday digital-storage units, used for everything from file sizes and app downloads to storage device capacity and mobile data allowances. Megabit is typically associated with used worldwide for network and internet speed ratings, while Gigabit is typically associated with used worldwide for high-speed network ratings (fiber internet, data centers).
Formula
gigabits = megabits × 0.001
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 megabit equals 1000000 base units, and 1 gigabit equals 1000000000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct megabit-to-gigabit factor of 0.001.
Simple example
1 Mb × 0.001 = 0.001 Gb
1 megabit = 0.001 gigabits.
Real-world example
500 Mb × 0.001 = 0.5 Gb
500 megabits = 0.5 gigabits.
Conversion table
| Megabit (Mb) | Gigabit (Gb) |
|---|---|
| 1 Mb | 0.001 Gb |
| 8 Mb | 0.008 Gb |
| 16 Mb | 0.016 Gb |
| 64 Mb | 0.064 Gb |
| 256 Mb | 0.256 Gb |
| 1,000 Mb | 1 Gb |
Reverse conversion: Gigabit to Megabit
0.001 Gb × 1000 = 1 Mb
0.001 gigabits = 1 megabit.
megabits = gigabits × 1000
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Gigabit to Megabit.
Megabit vs. Gigabit
| Aspect | Megabit | Gigabit |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Decimal (SI-prefixed) digital unit | Decimal (SI-prefixed) digital unit |
| Typical use | Internet connection speed advertising (Mbps) | Gigabit fiber internet service advertising |
| Where it's used | Used worldwide for network and internet speed ratings | Used worldwide for high-speed network ratings (fiber internet, data centers) |
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.
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.
Megabit — sources
- IEC 80000-13 — Defines bit-based units distinct from byte-based units.
Gigabit — sources
- IEC 80000-13 — Defines bit-based units distinct from byte-based units.
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Frequently asked questions
How many gigabits are in 1 megabit?
1 megabit equals 0.001 gigabits, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert megabit to gigabit?
Multiply the megabit value by 0.001. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert gigabit back to megabit?
Use the reverse factor: 1 gigabit equals 1,000 megabits. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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.
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.
Is the megabit to gigabit conversion exact?
Yes. Both megabit and gigabit 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.
Where is the megabit still used today?
Used worldwide for network and internet speed ratings