Convert Kilobytes to Gigabytes Accurately

The number of kilobytes (KB) in a gigabyte (GB) depends on whether you use the binary (base-2) or decimal (base-10) system:

This converter uses the binary system (1 GB = 1048576 KB) by default, which aligns with how computers measure storage.

The "capacity discrepancy" occurs due to conflicting measurement systems:

1. Manufacturers use decimal (base-10): A "100 GB" drive is advertised as 100 × 1000³ = 100,000,000,000 bytes
2. Operating systems use binary (base-2): They calculate 1 GB = 1024³ = 1,073,741,824 bytes
3. Conversion: 100,000,000,000 bytes ÷ 1,073,741,824 = ~93.13 GB

This is not "missing" storage – it’s a difference in how capacity is measured. Some manufacturers now use "GiB" (gibibyte) for binary and "GB" for decimal to avoid confusion.

These abbreviations distinguish between decimal and binary storage units:

Despite the official distinction, "KB" and "GB" are still commonly used for binary units in everyday computing.

Precision needs depend on the application:

• Everyday use (0-2 decimals): File storage and downloads (e.g., 2.5 GB instead of 2.498 GB)
• IT planning (2-4 decimals): Server storage allocation and database management
• Manufacturing (4+ decimals): Storage device production and testing
• Software development (exact values): Memory allocation and file handling (use binary units)

This converter defaults to 2 decimal places, which balances readability and accuracy for most users. For critical applications, use 4+ decimals or exact binary values.

Common storage units scale from smallest to largest, with GB being a mid-range unit:

Petabytes (PB) are currently the largest common unit for enterprise storage (e.g., data centers), while consumer devices typically top out at terabytes (TB = 1024 GB).