kB to MB Converter
Convert kilobytes to megabytes and vice versa using binary (1024) or decimal (1000) systems
Convert Kilobytes and Megabytes
1 MB = 1,024 kB (Computer standard)
1 MB = 1,000 kB (SI standard)
1 kilobyte = 1,024 bytes
1 megabyte = 1,024 kB
Conversion Results
Conversion factor: 1 MB = 1,024 kB (binary system)
Formula: MB = kB ÷ 1024
System: Binary (used by computers)
Common Conversions
| Kilobytes (kB) | Megabytes (MB) - Binary |
|---|---|
| 1.0000 kB | 9.766e-4 MB |
| 10.000 kB | 0.009766 MB |
| 100.00 kB | 0.097656 MB |
| 500.00 kB | 0.488281 MB |
| 1,000 kB | 0.976563 MB |
| 1,024 kB | 1.0000 MB |
| 2,048 kB | 2.0000 MB |
| 5,120 kB | 5.0000 MB |
| 10,240 kB | 10.000 MB |
| 102,400 kB | 100.00 MB |
File Size Examples
Text Document
~10-50 kB
High-Quality Photo
~2-10 MB
MP3 Song (3 min)
~3-5 MB
Short Video
~10-100 MB
Quick Facts
Binary system: 1 MB = 1,024 kB
Decimal system: 1 MB = 1,000 kB
Computers typically use binary system
Storage manufacturers often use decimal
Understanding kB to MB Conversion
Binary vs Decimal Systems
There are two different systems for measuring digital storage: binary (base-2) and decimal (base-10). This difference can cause confusion when converting between units.
Binary System (1024)
- •Used by computer systems and operating systems
- •Based on powers of 2 (2^10 = 1024)
- •1 MB = 1,024 kB = 1,048,576 bytes
Decimal System (1000)
- •Used by storage device manufacturers
- •Based on powers of 10 (10^3 = 1000)
- •1 MB = 1,000 kB = 1,000,000 bytes
Why the Difference Matters
The difference between binary and decimal systems becomes significant with larger storage capacities. This is why a 500 GB hard drive shows as approximately 465 GB in Windows.
Real-World Impact
500 GB Hard Drive:
• Manufacturer: 500,000,000,000 bytes
• Computer shows: ~465.66 GB
• Difference: ~34.34 GB "missing"
Which System to Use?
- ✓Use binary for computer memory and OS calculations
- ✓Use decimal for storage device specifications
- ✓Check context to determine appropriate system