What is the difference between gigabit/second and megabit/second (SI)?

Gigabit/second (Gb/s) equals 10^9 bits per second, while megabit/second (SI) is 10^6 bits per second. This tool converts between these decimal units.

Why convert from Gb/s to Mb/s for network speeds?

Converting allows more detailed comparisons and understanding since many broadband plans and network specs are expressed in megabits per second.

Does this conversion account for network overhead?

No. The conversion is theoretical and does not include factors like protocol overhead or congestion that impact real-world speeds.

Convert Gigabit/second (Gb/s) to Megabit/second (SI def.) Online

Easily convert data transfer rates from gigabit per second (Gb/s) to megabit per second (SI definition) to analyze and compare network speeds with this online unit converter.

Gigabit/second [Gb/s]

Megabit/second (SI def.)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Gigabit/second [Gb/s] to Megabit/second (SI def.) Conversion Table

Gigabit/second [Gb/s]	Megabit/second (SI def.)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Gigabit/second [Gb/s] to Megabit/second (SI def.) Conversion Table
Gigabit/second [Gb/s]	Megabit/second (SI def.)

Explore More Data Transfer Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This tool converts data transfer rates from gigabit per second (Gb/s) to megabit per second using the SI definition. It helps users translate larger gigabit units into megabit units commonly used in network speed specifications.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in gigabit per second that you want to convert.
Choose gigabit/second as the input unit and megabit/second (SI) as the output unit.
Click the convert button to get the equivalent megabit/second value.

Key Features

Converts data transfer rates from gigabit/second to megabit/second (SI).
Uses the SI decimal system for accurate bit-rate representation.
Useful for comparing and interpreting broadband and interface speeds.
Browser-based and easy to use without installation.

Examples

1 Gb/s is equal to 1073.741824 Mb/s (SI).
0.5 Gb/s converts to 536.870912 Mb/s (SI).

Common Use Cases

Specifying and comparing broadband internet speeds advertised by providers.
Configuring and monitoring network interface and fiber-optic link speeds.
Measuring data center interconnect and storage network throughput.
Estimating bandwidth requirements for streaming and downloading.

Tips & Best Practices

Use this conversion to better understand network speeds advertised in different units.
Remember that actual throughput may vary due to network conditions.
Apply this tool for bandwidth allocation and performance benchmarking.

Limitations

Conversion uses decimal SI prefixes and is not valid for binary units like mebibit.
Network overhead, signal quality, and congestion affect real throughput rates.
High precision conversions may require rounding for practical use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between gigabit/second and megabit/second (SI)?: Gigabit/second (Gb/s) equals 10^9 bits per second, while megabit/second (SI) is 10^6 bits per second. This tool converts between these decimal units.
Why convert from Gb/s to Mb/s for network speeds?: Converting allows more detailed comparisons and understanding since many broadband plans and network specs are expressed in megabits per second.
Does this conversion account for network overhead?: No. The conversion is theoretical and does not include factors like protocol overhead or congestion that impact real-world speeds.

Key Terminology

Gigabit/second (Gb/s): A data transfer rate unit equal to 10^9 bits transmitted per second, commonly used to specify bandwidth of network interfaces.
Megabit/second (SI): A data transfer rate unit equal to 10^6 bits transmitted each second, distinguished by the decimal SI prefix 'mega.'
SI Prefix: A decimal-based unit prefix system used to denote multiples of base units, such as mega (10^6) and giga (10^9).

Quick Knowledge Check

What does 1 Gb/s represent in bits per second?

1 million bits per second

1 billion bits per second

1 trillion bits per second

Which unit does the SI megabit per second denote?

2^20 bits per second

1 million bits per second

1 billion bits per second

Why might actual data transfer speed differ from converted values?

Due to rounding errors in conversion

Because of protocol overhead and network congestion

Because units use binary prefixes

Share Us

Similar Calculators

Online Density Units Converter Online Electric Resistance Units Converter Online Velocity Angular Units Converter Online Magnetic Flux Units Converter Online Luminance Units Converter