Megabit digital storage unit.
Megabits to Kilobits Converter — Mb to kb
Convert Megabit (Mb) to Kilobit (kb) using the exact conversion factor (1 megabit = 1,000 kilobit). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Megabits to Kilobits 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.
Kilobit digital storage unit.
Result = input x 1e+6 / 1000.
Digital storage uses bits as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Megabits to Kilobits
Megabit and Kilobit are everyday digital-storage units, used for everything from file sizes and app downloads to storage device capacity and mobile data allowances. Megabit is most often used for internet connection speed advertising (mbps).
Formula
kilobits = megabits × 1000
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 megabit equals 1000000 base units, and 1 kilobit equals 1000 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct megabit-to-kilobit factor of 1000.
Simple example
1 Mb × 1000 = 1,000 kb
1 megabit = 1,000 kilobits.
Real-world example
500 Mb × 1000 = 500,000 kb
500 megabits = 500,000 kilobits.
Conversion table
| Megabit (Mb) | Kilobit (kb) |
|---|---|
| 1 Mb | 1,000 kb |
| 8 Mb | 8,000 kb |
| 16 Mb | 16,000 kb |
| 64 Mb | 64,000 kb |
| 256 Mb | 256,000 kb |
| 1,000 Mb | 1,000,000 kb |
Reverse conversion: Kilobit to Megabit
1 kb × 0.001 = 0.001 Mb
1 kilobit = 0.001 megabits.
megabits = kilobits × 0.001
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Kilobit to Megabit.
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 Kilobit (kb)
Kilobit digital storage unit.
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 kilobits are in 1 megabit?
1 megabit equals 1,000 kilobits, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert megabit to kilobit?
Multiply the megabit value by 1000. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert kilobit back to megabit?
Use the reverse factor: 1 kilobit equals 0.001 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 kilobit?
Kilobit (kb) is a unit of digital storage.
Is the megabit to kilobit conversion exact?
Yes. Both megabit and kilobit 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 megabit still used today?
Used worldwide for network and internet speed ratings