π Data Transfer Speed Converter
Mbps, MB/s, Gbps, kbps: cut through the bits-versus-bytes confusion.
All speed units
Download Time Estimator
Estimated download time: -
How to Use This Converter
Enter a speed, pick its unit, and see the equivalent in every other unit instantly. The download-time estimator below answers the real question: how long will this file take on my connection. Everything runs in your browser with no signup.
Type the speed value, for example 100.
Choose the unit it is in: Mbps for ISP plans, MB/s for download managers.
Read all equivalents. Use the estimator to convert a file size into a download time.
Bits vs Bytes: The Core Confusion
There are 8 bits in a byte. Network speeds are sold in bits per second (Mbps = megabits), while file sizes and download progress are shown in bytes (MB = megabytes). A 100 Mbps connection moves 12.5 MB per second in theory, and closer to 11 MB/s after protocol overhead. When your ISP says "gigabit," that is 1000 Mbps, or about 125 MB/s of real throughput.
Capitalization is the tell: Mb = megabit, MB = megabyte. Steam, Chrome, and game launchers use MB/s. Speed tests and ISP ads use Mbps. Multiply MB/s by 8 to compare with your plan, or divide Mbps by 8 to predict download speeds.
Unit Relationships
Note that networking uses decimal (SI) prefixes: 1 Mbps is exactly 1,000,000 bits per second, not 1,048,576. Storage sometimes uses binary prefixes (1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes), which is a separate source of confusion this converter sidesteps by using the standard decimal definitions ISPs advertise with.
Worked Example
How long does a 50 GB game take on a 100 Mbps plan? Convert: 50 GB = 50,000 MB = 400,000 Mb. At 100 Mbps, that is 4,000 seconds, or about 1 hour 7 minutes. Real-world overhead (TCP, packet loss, server limits) typically adds 10 to 15 percent, so budget about 1 hour 15 minutes.
What Speed Do You Actually Need?
4K streaming needs about 25 Mbps per stream, video calls need 5 to 10 Mbps up and down, and online gaming cares more about latency (under 50 ms) than raw speed. A 100 Mbps plan comfortably handles a 4-person household. Gigabit only pays off if you regularly download huge files or have many simultaneous 4K streams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Mbps and MB/s?
Mbps means megabits per second (network speed), MB/s means megabytes per second (file transfer speed). There are 8 bits in a byte, so 100 Mbps equals 12.5 MB/s. ISPs advertise in Mbps; download managers show MB/s.
Why is my download speed lower than my plan?
Three reasons: the bits-to-bytes divide-by-8 conversion, 10 to 15 percent protocol overhead, and server-side limits. A 100 Mbps plan realistically delivers about 11 MB/s downloads.
How many Mbps is a gigabit?
1,000 Mbps. A gigabit plan (1 Gbps) equals 1,000 megabits per second, or about 125 MB/s of theoretical download throughput.
Is 100 Mbps fast enough for 4K streaming?
Yes, comfortably. Netflix recommends 25 Mbps per 4K stream, so 100 Mbps handles three simultaneous 4K streams with headroom for browsing and video calls.
Do I need gigabit internet for gaming?
No. Online gaming uses very little bandwidth (under 5 Mbps) but needs low latency under 50 ms and a stable connection. Gigabit helps with downloading games faster, not with in-game performance.