Bytes to Bits Converter
Convert bytes to bits instantly. One byte equals exactly 8 bits. Type in either box to convert both ways, then use the chart, worked examples and everyday sizes below.
How to convert bytes to bits
Worked example: convert 50 bytes to bits. Using bits ← bytes × 8, we get 50 × 8 = 400 bit. To check the result, convert back: 400 bit ÷ 8 = 50 B.
Bytes to bits chart
| Bytes (B) | Bits (bit) |
|---|---|
| 1 B | 8 bit |
| 2 B | 16 bit |
| 3 B | 24 bit |
| 4 B | 32 bit |
| 5 B | 40 bit |
| 6 B | 48 bit |
| 8 B | 64 bit |
| 10 B | 80 bit |
| 12 B | 96 bit |
| 15 B | 120 bit |
| 20 B | 160 bit |
| 25 B | 200 bit |
| 30 B | 240 bit |
| 40 B | 320 bit |
| 50 B | 400 bit |
| 75 B | 600 bit |
| 100 B | 800 bit |
| 150 B | 1,200 bit |
| 200 B | 1,600 bit |
| 250 B | 2,000 bit |
| 500 B | 4,000 bit |
| 1,000 B | 8,000 bit |
Bits to bytes (reverse)
| Bits (bit) | Bytes (B) |
|---|---|
| 1 bit | 0.125 B |
| 2 bit | 0.25 B |
| 5 bit | 0.625 B |
| 10 bit | 1.25 B |
| 20 bit | 2.5 B |
| 50 bit | 6.25 B |
| 100 bit | 12.5 B |
| 250 bit | 31.25 B |
| 500 bit | 62.5 B |
| 1,000 bit | 125 B |
About the byte and the bit
A byte is 8 bits and the basic unit of digital storage; one plain English character takes one byte. File sizes below 1 KB are shown in bytes.
A bit is a single binary 0 or 1. Network speeds are quoted in bits per second while file sizes are quoted in bytes, which is why a 100 Mbps connection downloads at most 12.5 MB per second.
One byte is 8 times the size of one bit, so it takes fewer bytes than bits to express the same amount.
Everyday sizes in bytes and bits
| Everyday example (approximate) | In bytes | In bits |
|---|---|---|
| A short text message | 140 B | 1,120 bit |
| A plain-text email | 5,000 B | 40,000 bit |
| A web page | 2,000,000 B | 16,000,000 bit |
| A phone photo | 3,000,000 B | 24,000,000 bit |
| A 3-minute MP3 song | 5,000,000 B | 40,000,000 bit |
| A 2-hour HD movie | 3,000,000,000 B | 24,000,000,000 bit |
Bytes to bits FAQ
How many bits are in one byte?
One byte equals exactly 8 bits. In the other direction, one bit equals 0.125 bytes.
How do I convert bytes to bits without a calculator?
convert 50 bytes to bits. Using bits ← bytes × 8, we get 50 × 8 = 400 bit. To check the result, convert back: 400 bit ÷ 8 = 50 B. For a quick estimate, round the factor to 8. Then 50 B is about 400 bit, compared with the exact 400 bit (an error of 0%). That is close enough for planning, but use the calculator above when the number matters.
What is a web page in bits?
A web page is about 2,000,000 bytes, which is 16,000,000 bits. Treat that as an approximate everyday figure rather than an official measurement.
Are the bytes and bits the same in every country?
A byte is 8 bits everywhere. A bit is exactly one eighth of a byte.