What is the difference between megabyte/second and kilobyte/second (SI)?

Megabyte/second typically refers to binary-based data size (2^20 bytes), while kilobyte/second (SI) follows the decimal system of 1000 bytes per second.

Why is the conversion rate 1 MB/s = 1048.576 kB/s (SI)?

Because 1 megabyte (in binary terms) equals 1024 kilobytes, but the kilobyte here uses the 1000-byte SI definition, leading to the factor of 1048.576.

Can I use this converter for kibibyte/second (KiB/s) conversions?

No, this converter strictly handles megabyte/second to kilobyte/second (SI) and does not apply to kibibyte-based units like KiB/s.

Convert Megabyte/second [MB/s] to Kilobyte/second (SI def.) Easily

Learn how to convert data transfer rates from megabyte per second (MB/s) to kilobyte per second (SI definition) using this straightforward online converter. Perfect for IT, networking, and storage performance analysis.

Megabyte/second [MB/s]

Kilobyte/second (SI def.)

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

Megabyte/second [MB/s] to Kilobyte/second (SI def.) Conversion Table

Megabyte/second [MB/s]	Kilobyte/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.

Megabyte/second [MB/s] to Kilobyte/second (SI def.) Conversion Table
Megabyte/second [MB/s]	Kilobyte/second (SI def.)

Explore More Data Transfer Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This online unit converter transforms data transfer rates expressed in megabytes per second (MB/s) into kilobytes per second using the SI decimal definition. It helps users interpret speeds in smaller, standard SI units based on decimal kilo prefixes, commonly needed in IT, networking, and storage contexts.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the data transfer rate value in megabyte per second (MB/s)
Select megabyte/second [MB/s] as the source unit
Choose kilobyte/second (SI def.) as the target unit
Click the convert button to view the equivalent transfer rate in kilobyte per second
Review the result and use it for your reporting or analysis needs

Key Features

Supports conversion from megabyte/second (binary-based MB/s) to kilobyte/second (SI decimal standard)
Clear distinction between binary and decimal unit prefixes to prevent confusion
Provides conversion rate based on 1 MB/s = 1048.576 kB/s (SI)
Includes example conversions for quick reference
Browser-based and easy to use without installation

Examples

Converting 1 MB/s results in 1048.576 kB/s (SI)
Converting 5 MB/s yields 5242.88 kB/s (SI)

Common Use Cases

Reporting sequential read/write speeds of storage devices like HDDs and SSDs
Measuring file transfer or backup speeds on local networks or between drives
Describing large-file download or upload performance with cloud and network storage
Reporting small file download/upload speeds in web or app environments with kilobyte precision
Specifying throughput for embedded systems or serial links that use SI byte rates

Tips & Best Practices

Verify if megabyte units use binary or decimal definitions before converting
Use this tool when working with SI-based kilobyte units for consistency
Avoid mixing kilobyte (SI) and kibibyte (binary) units to prevent errors
Apply the conversion to interpret and compare data transfer rates uniformly
Double-check conversion results especially when reporting or documenting

Limitations

Assumes the megabyte uses the binary definition (2^20 bytes) while kilobyte uses the decimal SI definition (10^3 bytes)
Conversion does not apply to kibibyte/second (KiB/s), which is based on 1024 bytes
Mixing binary and decimal unit conventions may lead to inaccurate interpretations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between megabyte/second and kilobyte/second (SI)?: Megabyte/second typically refers to binary-based data size (2^20 bytes), while kilobyte/second (SI) follows the decimal system of 1000 bytes per second.
Why is the conversion rate 1 MB/s = 1048.576 kB/s (SI)?: Because 1 megabyte (in binary terms) equals 1024 kilobytes, but the kilobyte here uses the 1000-byte SI definition, leading to the factor of 1048.576.
Can I use this converter for kibibyte/second (KiB/s) conversions?: No, this converter strictly handles megabyte/second to kilobyte/second (SI) and does not apply to kibibyte-based units like KiB/s.

Key Terminology

Megabyte per second (MB/s): A binary-based data transfer rate equal to one megabyte (2^20 bytes) moved each second.
Kilobyte per second (SI def.): A data transfer rate equal to 1000 bytes per second, following the decimal SI prefix standard.
SI Prefixes: Standard metric prefixes based on powers of 10 used to quantify data size and speed.
Kibibyte per second (KiB/s): A data transfer unit defined by 1024 bytes per second; not covered by this conversion.

Quick Knowledge Check

What does 1 MB/s represent in this conversion context?

One million kilobytes per second

One megabyte (binary) transferred per second

One billion bits per second

Which definition does kilobyte/second follow here?

1024 bytes per second

1000 bytes per second

2048 bytes per second

Why must users be cautious with units in this conversion?

Because kilobyte and kibibyte definitions differ

Because the tool converts binary to metric tons

Because megabyte uses an incorrect byte count

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