Megabytes per second to Gigabits per second conversion

How to convert megabytes per second to gigabits per second?

To convert megabytes per second (MBps) to gigabits per second (Gbps), you need to understand the difference between base 10 (decimal) and base 2 (binary) systems and the conversion factors used in each:

Base 10 (Decimal) Conversion

1 megabyte (MB) = 1,000,000 bytes

1 gigabyte (GB) = 1,000,000,000 bytes

1 byte = 8 bits

To convert megabytes to gigabits: 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes * 8 bits/byte = 8,000,000 bits

1 megabyte per second (MBps) = 8,000,000 bits per second (bps)

To convert bits per second to gigabits per second: 1 gigabit (Gb) = 1,000,000,000 bits

So, 8,000,000 bits per second ÷ 1,000,000,000 bits per gigabit = 0.008 Gbps

Therefore, 1 MBps = 0.008 Gbps in base 10.

Base 2 (Binary) Conversion

1 megabyte (MiB) = 2^20 bytes = 1,048,576 bytes

1 gigabyte (GiB) = 2^30 bytes = 1,073,741,824 bytes

1 byte = 8 bits

To convert megabytes to gigabits: 1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes * 8 bits/byte = 8,388,608 bits

1 megabyte per second (MiBps) = 8,388,608 bits per second (bps)

To convert bits per second to gigabits per second: 1 gigabit (GiB) = 1,073,741,824 bits

So, 8,388,608 bits per second ÷ 1,073,741,824 bits per gigabit ≈ 0.0078125 Gbps (which can be approximated as 0.0078 Gbps for simplicity)

Therefore, 1 MiBps ≈ 0.0078125 Gbps in base 2.

Real-World Examples of Data Transfer Rates

1. Internet Connection Speeds:

   • A typical broadband connection might have speeds of around 100 MBps.
     • In base 10, 100 MBps = 0.8 Gbps.
     • In base 2, 100 MiBps ≈ 0.78125 Gbps.

2. Data Transfer Between Storage Devices:

   • A high-speed external SSD might transfer data at 500 MBps.
     • In base 10, 500 MBps = 4 Gbps.
     • In base 2, 500 MiBps ≈ 3.90625 Gbps.

3. USB Flash Drives:

   • A common USB 3.0 flash drive might have transfer rates of around 150 MBps.
     • In base 10, 150 MBps = 1.2 Gbps.
     • In base 2, 150 MiBps ≈ 1.171875 Gbps.

4. Video Streaming:

   • Streaming a 4K video might require 20-25 MBps.
     • In base 10, 25 MBps = 0.2 Gbps.
     • In base 2, 25 MiBps ≈ 0.1953125 Gbps.

These conversions and examples provide a clear illustration of how data transfer rates can be measured and interpreted in both base 10 and base 2 systems.