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KB
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What is a kilobyte?

One thousand bytes in networking — 1024 bytes in memory

Definition

The kilobyte equals 1000 bytes (SI) or 1024 bytes (binary). In drive marketing and networking, KB = 1000 B. In RAM and some OS contexts, KB = 1024 B. Use KiB when you specifically mean 1024 bytes.

Common uses

  • Small file sizes (icons, short documents)
  • Network packet sizes
  • Early-computing memory specifications

🌍 Real-world scale

Simple text file: 1–10 KB. Webpage HTML: 20–200 KB. Email: typically under 100 KB without attachment.

Convert from kilobytes

7 conversions
Kilobyte to Bit1 KB = 8,000 bKilobyte to Byte1 KB = 1,000 BKilobyte to Megabyte1 KB = 0.001 MBKilobyte to Gigabyte1 KB = 1.0000e-6 GBKilobyte to Terabyte1 KB = 1.0000e-9 TBKilobyte to Petabyte1 KB = 1.0000e-12 PBKilobyte to Megabit per Second1 KB = 0.008 Mbps

Convert to kilobytes

7 conversions
Bit to Kilobyte1 b = 0.000125 KBByte to Kilobyte1 B = 0.001 KBMegabyte to Kilobyte1 MB = 1,000 KBGigabyte to Kilobyte1 GB = 1,000,000 KBTerabyte to Kilobyte1 TB = 1,000,000,000 KBPetabyte to Kilobyte1 PB = 1,000,000,000,000 KBMegabit per Second to Kilobyte1 Mbps = 125 KB

Tips

  • SI: 1 KB = 1000 B. Binary: 1 KB = 1024 B (KiB).
  • Storage makers use SI; RAM typically binary.
  • Old BIOS messages may show memory as "640K" meaning KiB.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming 1 KB always = 1024 B — varies by context.
  • Confusing KB (storage) with Kb (kilobit, 1/8 of KB).
  • Mixing SI and binary without noting which.

FAQ about the kilobyte

What is a kilobyte?
The kilobyte equals 1000 bytes (SI) or 1024 bytes (binary). In drive marketing and networking, KB = 1000 B. In RAM and some OS contexts, KB = 1024 B. Use KiB when you specifically mean 1024 bytes.
Where is the kilobyte used?
The kilobyte is commonly used for: Small file sizes (icons, short documents); Network packet sizes; Early-computing memory specifications.
What is an example of a kilobyte in real life?
Simple text file: 1–10 KB. Webpage HTML: 20–200 KB. Email: typically under 100 KB without attachment.
What category does the kilobyte belong to?
The kilobyte is a unit of data, part of the 8-unit data category on UnitConv.
How accurate are kilobyte conversions?
All conversion factors follow NIST and BIPM international standards to 8 significant figures — the highest practical accuracy.
Explore all 8 data units and their conversions.💾 Data hub →