Bytes to Bits
An instant bytes-to-bits converter, with the formula and a reference table below.
| Bytes | Bits |
|---|---|
| 1 B | 8 bit |
| 2 B | 16 bit |
| 3 B | 24 bit |
| 5 B | 40 bit |
| 10 B | 80 bit |
| 25 B | 200 bit |
| 50 B | 400 bit |
| 100 B | 800 bit |
How to use
- Enter a value in the Bytes field.
- The Bits figure appears immediately — no button to press.
- Typing in the Bits field converts back to Bytes the same way.
- Use the reference table for the values that come up most often.
Bytes to Bits formula
Converting bytes to bits is a single multiplication by 8.
bit = B × 8
Put another way, one byte is exactly 8 bits.
Why this factor: the byte and the bit are both defined against the byte, so dividing one definition by the other gives 8 directly. Both definitions are set out in full below.
To go the other way, divide by 8 — or use the Bits to Bytes converter, which is the same calculation reversed.
Worked example
Start with 4 B. Multiply by 8 to get 32 bit.
4 B × 8 = 32 bit
The converter above does this for any value you type, in either direction.
What is a byte?
A byte is eight bits — historically the space for one text character, and the standard unit of file size.
Definition: Exactly 8 bits.
Where it is used: File and storage sizes, memory capacity, and data quotas.
What is a bit?
A bit is the smallest unit of digital information — a single binary digit, either 0 or 1.
Definition: One eighth of a byte. The name is a contraction of 'binary digit'.
Where it is used: Network and connection speeds, which are always quoted in bits per second.
Worth knowing: Lowercase 'b' is bits, uppercase 'B' is bytes. A 100 Mb/s connection delivers about 12.5 MB/s.
Bytes vs Bits
The byte and the bit belong to the same family of units, so converting between them is usually a matter of shifting a decimal point or applying a small whole-number factor.
Frequently asked questions
How many bits are in a byte?
One byte equals 8 bits.
What is the formula to convert bytes to bits?
Multiply the number of bytes by 8. To reverse it, divide by 8 instead.
How do I convert bits back to bytes?
Divide by 8, which is the same as multiplying by 0.125.
How many bits are in 10 bytes?
10 B works out to 80 bit.
Is there anything to watch out for with bits?
Lowercase 'b' is bits, uppercase 'B' is bytes. A 100 Mb/s connection delivers about 12.5 MB/s.
How is the byte defined?
Exactly 8 bits.