Know the Difference Between Bytes and Bits
October 2023 — Tip of the Month
Bits and bytes sound similar, but they are not the same. One byte is eight bits. To put it in mathematical terms:
1 Byte = 8 Bits
That means...
The 8:1 ratio is especially notable regarding data transfer rates. Since internet speeds are often measured in megabytes per second (Mbps), you'll need to divide by 8 to get megabytes per second. For example:
Why is this important?
#1 People often use bits and bytes synonymously. You don't have to be one of those people. Better yet, you can politely correct your friend when they use the wrong term.
#2 Data storage is typically measured in bytes, while download speeds are usually measured in bits. Why? I don't know — it wasn't my idea. But that means a 40 Mbps download speed will not download a 40 MB file in 1 second. Instead, it will take 8 seconds. Likewise, a 1 GB file will not download in 25 seconds. At a consistent download speed of 40 Mbps, a 1 GB file will take 1,000 / 40 x 8 = 200 seconds, or 3 minutes and 20 seconds to download.
Now you know: bits and bytes are not the same. A byte is 8 bits, and a bit is 1/8 of a byte. 👌