Kilobyte 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 KB = 1,000 bit.
Kilobyte facts
- Unit name
- Kilobyte
- Symbol
- KB
- Category
- Data Storage
- Measurement system
- Digital information units using decimal and binary scaling
- SI equivalent
- Reference relationship used in the converter: 1 KB = 1,000 bit
- Common uses
- Files, memory, storage devices, software downloads and data transfer
Definition of the kilobyte
Kilobyte 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 KB = 1,000 bit
History of the kilobyte
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 kilobyte used?
Files, memory, storage devices, software downloads and data transfer