Bandwidth Calculator Convert between bandwidth and data rate units — bps, Kbps, Mbps, Gbps, MB/s, and more.

What Is Bandwidth Calculator?

The Bandwidth Calculator converts between all common bandwidth and data rate units. It handles both bit-based rates (bps, Kbps, Mbps, Gbps, Tbps) and byte-based rates (B/s, KB/s, MB/s, GB/s). Since 1 byte = 8 bits, the distinction is important: ISPs typically advertise speeds in Mbps (megabits), while file transfer speeds are usually shown in MB/s (megabytes). This calculator eliminates confusion by showing all conversions simultaneously, with bit rates and byte rates clearly separated.

Why Use Bandwidth Calculator?

• Converts between all bit rate and byte rate units
• Clearly separates bit rates from byte rates
• Eliminates Mbps vs MB/s confusion
• Essential for network planning and speed comparisons

Common Use Cases

Internet Speeds

Convert ISP-advertised Mbps to real-world MB/s download speeds.

Network Planning

Calculate bandwidth requirements for networks and applications.

Streaming

Determine if your connection supports streaming at various quality levels.

File Transfer

Estimate file transfer speeds and times across different connections.

Technical Guide

Bandwidth conversions: 1 byte = 8 bits. Decimal prefixes (SI): K = 10³, M = 10⁶, G = 10⁹, T = 10¹². This calculator uses decimal (SI) prefixes, which is standard for network bandwidth (as opposed to binary prefixes KiB, MiB used for file sizes). Conversion: Mbps to MB/s = divide by 8. For example, 100 Mbps = 12.5 MB/s. Real-world throughput is lower than nominal bandwidth due to protocol overhead (typically 5-10% for TCP/IP), so actual file transfer speeds are roughly 90-95% of theoretical maximum.

Tips & Best Practices

• 1
  ISPs advertise in Mbps (bits). Your downloads show MB/s (bytes). Divide Mbps by 8 to get MB/s
• 2
  100 Mbps = 12.5 MB/s theoretical maximum (less in practice due to overhead)
• 3
  Streaming requirements: SD ≈ 3 Mbps, HD ≈ 5 Mbps, 4K ≈ 25 Mbps
• 4
  Real-world speeds are typically 80-90% of advertised due to protocol overhead

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is the difference between Mbps and MB/s?

Mbps = megabits per second (used for bandwidth). MB/s = megabytes per second (used for file transfers). 1 MB/s = 8 Mbps.

Q How fast is 1 Gbps?

1 Gbps = 1000 Mbps = 125 MB/s. You could theoretically download a 1 GB file in about 8 seconds.

Q Why is my download speed lower than my plan?

Protocol overhead (5-10%), shared bandwidth, server limitations, Wi-Fi interference, and ISP throttling can all reduce actual speeds below the advertised rate.

Q What bandwidth do I need for video streaming?

SD quality: 3 Mbps, HD (720p): 5 Mbps, Full HD (1080p): 10 Mbps, 4K UHD: 25 Mbps per stream.

Q Is 100 Mbps fast?

100 Mbps (12.5 MB/s) is fast enough for multiple HD streams, video calls, and general use. For 4K streaming or large households, 200+ Mbps is recommended.

About This Tool

Bandwidth Calculator is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.