MB to GB Converter
Convert megabytes to gigabytes using binary (1,024 MB = 1 GB) or decimal (1,000 MB = 1 GB) standards. Understand why your phone or computer shows less storage than advertised.
MB to GB Converter
Convert megabytes to gigabytes with decimal (SI) and binary (IEC) conversion standards.
Result
Enter a value and click "Convert" to see the result
MB to GB: Why Two Standards Exist
The difference between binary and decimal gigabytes explains a frustrating everyday experience: storage devices always show less space than their advertised capacity.
| Standard | 1 GB = | Used by |
|---|---|---|
| Binary (IEC) | 1,024 MB | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Decimal (SI) | 1,000 MB | Hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards |
Common Conversion Examples
- 512 MB = 0.5 GB (binary) or 0.512 GB (decimal)
- 1,024 MB = 1 GB (binary) or 1.024 GB (decimal)
- 4,096 MB = 4 GB (binary) or 4.096 GB (decimal)
- 10,000 MB = 9.77 GB (binary) or 10 GB (decimal)
Real-World Example: Why Your 256 GB Phone Shows Less
A phone advertised as "256 GB" uses the decimal standard (256 × 1,000 MB = 256,000 MB). Your OS reads it in binary: 256,000 ÷ 1,024 = 250 GB available. After the OS partition and pre-installed apps, you typically see around 235–238 GB free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many MB are in 1 GB?
In the binary (IEC) standard — used by Windows, macOS, and Linux — 1 GB = 1,024 MB. In the decimal (SI) standard — used by hard drive and SSD manufacturers — 1 GB = 1,000 MB. This discrepancy means a '256 GB' phone will show about 238 GB available in iOS or Android.
How do I convert MB to GB?
Binary (operating systems): divide MB by 1,024. Example: 2,048 MB ÷ 1,024 = 2 GB. Decimal (storage manufacturers): divide MB by 1,000. Example: 2,000 MB ÷ 1,000 = 2 GB. Use binary for file system calculations and decimal when reading storage device specs.
How many MB is 1.5 GB?
Binary: 1.5 × 1,024 = 1,536 MB. Decimal: 1.5 × 1,000 = 1,500 MB. Your operating system will report 1,536 MB for a file labeled as 1.5 GB.
Does Windows use 1000 or 1024 MB per GB?
Windows uses 1,024 MB per GB (binary standard). This is why a hard drive marketed as '500 GB' by the manufacturer shows as about 465 GB in Windows Explorer — the manufacturer uses 1,000 MB/GB but Windows uses 1,024 MB/GB.
What is the difference between GB and GiB?
GB (gigabyte) officially means 1,000 MB under the SI standard. GiB (gibibyte) means exactly 1,024 MB under the IEC standard. Most operating systems still label binary values as 'GB' even though they technically mean 'GiB'. Hard drive manufacturers use the true SI definition (1,000 MB), which causes the apparent 'missing' space.