kbit

What is a Kilobit?

Kilobit is a digital storage unit used to express file size, memory or device capacity.

Kilobit is a digital storage unit used to express file size, memory or device capacity.

It uses a decimal SI prefix (kilo = 1,000, mega = 1,000,000). Storage makers and network speeds use these decimal values, while some operating systems report sizes in binary units (KiB, MiB), which is why a drive can look smaller than its label.

Measurement system: Digital information units using decimal and binary scaling. SI equivalent: Reference relationship used in the converter: 1 kbit = 125 bit.

Kilobit facts

Unit name
Kilobit
Symbol
kbit
Category
Data Storage
Measurement system
Digital information units using decimal and binary scaling
SI equivalent
Reference relationship used in the converter: 1 kbit = 125 bit
Common uses
Files, memory, storage devices, software downloads and data transfer

Definition of the kilobit

Kilobit is a digital storage unit used to express file size, memory or device capacity.

Measurement system and SI relationship

Digital information units using decimal and binary scaling

SI equivalent: Reference relationship used in the converter: 1 kbit = 125 bit

History of the kilobit

It uses a decimal SI prefix (kilo = 1,000, mega = 1,000,000). Storage makers and network speeds use these decimal values, while some operating systems report sizes in binary units (KiB, MiB), which is why a drive can look smaller than its label.

Where is the kilobit used?

Files, memory, storage devices, software downloads and data transfer

Kilobit conversion tools

Sources

  1. BIPM: The International System of Units (SI Brochure)
  2. NIST: Definitions of the SI Units: The Binary Prefixes
  3. NIST: Guide to the SI — Conversion Factors

Other languages

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