256 GB backup drive
- 256 GB = 268,435,456 KB
- ≈ 274,877,906,944 bytes (binary units)
tech calculator
Storage Unit Converter
Convert file sizes between bytes, KB, MB, GB, and TB to compare drives or plan backups.
Results
- Bytes
- 274877906944.00
- Kilobytes (KB)
- 268435456.00
- Megabytes (MB)
- 262144.00
- Gigabytes (GB)
- 256.00
- Terabytes (TB)
- 0.25
- Summary
- 256 GB = 262,144 MB = 256 GB = 0.25 TB
How to use this calculator
- Enter a storage amount and choose its unit (bytes, KB, MB, GB, or TB).
- We normalize to bytes using binary (1,024) math.
- See all equivalent sizes in one list plus a readable label.
Inputs explained
- Storage amount
- The numeric value you want to convert.
- Unit
- Unit that value is expressed in (bytes/KB/MB/GB/TB).
How it works
We normalize your entry to bytes using binary (base-2) conversions where 1 KB = 1,024 bytes.
Once bytes are known, we divide by 1,024 repeatedly to surface kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes, plus a quick human-readable summary.
Formula
KB = Bytes ÷ 1,024 MB = KB ÷ 1,024 GB = MB ÷ 1,024 TB = GB ÷ 1,024
When to use it
- Reconciling OS-reported sizes (binary) vs. marketing specs.
- Sizing backups or drive partitions across different unit labels.
- Checking if a project fits on a thumb drive or SSD without guessing conversions.
Tips & cautions
- This uses binary 1,024-based math to match most OS readouts. Drive makers often use decimal, so marketing numbers may look larger.
- If you need decimal conversions, multiply binary GB by ~0.931 to estimate decimal GB.
- Round large numbers to fewer decimals for readability when sharing with stakeholders.
- Binary-only output; no direct GiB/TiB label toggle beyond the base-2 math shown.
- Does not include filesystem overhead, reserved space, or formatting losses.
- Covers up to TB; PB/EB would need manual extension.
Worked examples
12,000 MB video project
- 12,000 MB ≈ 11.72 GB
- ≈ 0.011 TB so it fits on a 500 GB SSD easily.
Deep dive
This storage unit converter uses binary (1,024) math to translate bytes, KB, MB, GB, and TB. Enter any size and unit to see every other unit plus a readable summary.
Use it to compare OS-reported capacities with vendor specs and to plan backups or transfers. Marketing capacities may differ because drive makers often use decimal units.
FAQs
- Do you use binary or decimal conversions?
- We use binary math (1 KB = 1,024 bytes) since that matches most OS readouts. Some drive makers advertise decimal numbers, so expect marketing capacities to look slightly larger.
- Can I convert larger units like petabytes?
- This version covers bytes through terabytes. Drop us a note via the contact page if you need PB/EB support and we’ll queue it up.
- Why is my 1 TB drive showing less space on my computer?
- Because the OS uses binary math and reserves some space for formatting, so reported capacity is lower than decimal marketing numbers.
- How do I approximate decimal GB/TB?
- Multiply binary GB by about 0.931 to estimate decimal GB (and the same factor from TB to decimal TB).
- Does this include filesystem overhead?
- No. Real usable space will be a bit lower after formatting and block allocation.
Related calculators
Rounded to binary storage units. Actual usable capacity may differ because of formatting overhead or vendor marketing.