1 kilobyte (kb) equals 1024 bytes.
This conversion is based on the binary system where 1 kb is defined as 2^10 bytes, which is 1024 bytes. Unlike the decimal system, which uses 1000, this binary measurement is used in computing to measure data sizes, making 1 kb exactly 1024 bytes.
Conversion Result
Converting 1 kb to bytes results in 1024 bytes.
Conversion Tool
Result in bytes:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kilobytes to bytes is straightforward: multiply the number of kilobytes by 1024. This works because 1 kilobyte equals 1024 bytes in binary measurement. For example, 2 kb times 1024 equals 2048 bytes (2 x 1024 = 2048).
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 kb to bytes:
- Multiply 5 by 1024.
- 5 x 1024 = 5120 bytes.
- Convert 0.5 kb to bytes:
- Multiply 0.5 by 1024.
- 0.5 x 1024 = 512 bytes.
- Convert 10 kb to bytes:
- Multiply 10 by 1024.
- 10 x 1024 = 10240 bytes.
Conversion Chart
| Value (kb) | Bytes |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -24576 |
| -23.0 | -23552 |
| -22.0 | -22528 |
| -21.0 | -21504 |
| -20.0 | -20480 |
| -19.0 | -19456 |
| -18.0 | -18432 |
| -17.0 | -17408 |
| -16.0 | -16384 |
| -15.0 | -15360 |
| -14.0 | -14336 |
| -13.0 | -13312 |
| -12.0 | -12288 |
| -11.0 | -11264 |
| -10.0 | -10240 |
| -9.0 | -9216 |
| -8.0 | -8192 |
| -7.0 | -7168 |
| -6.0 | -6144 |
| -5.0 | -5120 |
| -4.0 | -4096 |
| -3.0 | -3072 |
| -2.0 | -2048 |
| -1.0 | -1024 |
| 0.0 | 0 |
| 1.0 | 1024 |
| 2.0 | 2048 |
| 3.0 | 3072 |
| 4.0 | 4096 |
| 5.0 | 5120 |
| 6.0 | 6144 |
| 7.0 | 7168 |
| 8.0 | 8192 |
| 9.0 | 9216 |
| 10.0 | 10240 |
| 20.0 | 20480 |
| 30.0 | 30720 |
| 40.0 | 40960 |
| 50.0 | 51200 |
| 60.0 | 61440 |
| 70.0 | 71680 |
| 80.0 | 81920 |
| 90.0 | 92160 |
| 100.0 | 102400 |
| 1024.0 | 1048576 |
| 2048.0 | 2097152 |
| 26000.0 | 26624000 |
The chart helps quickly find the byte equivalent for any value of kilobytes between -24 and 26, providing a visual reference for conversions.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many bytes are in 1.5 kb?
- What is 1 kb in bytes for data storage?
- How do I convert 1 kb to bytes manually?
- Is 1 kb equal to 1000 bytes or 1024 bytes?
- What is the byte equivalent of 1 kb in binary measurements?
- How many bytes is 2 kb?
- What is the size of 1 kb in terms of bytes in computer memory?
Conversion Definitions
kb
Kilobyte (kb) is a unit of digital information equal to 1024 bytes in binary measurement, used primarily in computing for data sizes. It differs from the decimal kilobyte of 1000 bytes, which is sometimes used in marketing or storage device specifications.
bytes
Bytes are the fundamental units of digital data storage, representing a single character or unit of information. One byte equals 8 bits, and it’s the basic addressable element in computer memory, used to measure file size, data transfer, and storage capacity.
Conversion FAQs
Why does 1 kb equal 1024 bytes instead of 1000 bytes?
This is because the binary system, used in computing, bases measurements on powers of two. 1024 is 2^10, making it a natural unit for digital data, whereas 1000 bytes are used in decimal measurements often for marketing or storage device labeling.
Can I convert kb to bytes using a calculator?
Yes, just multiply the number of kilobytes by 1024. For example, for 3 kb, calculation is 3 x 1024 = 3072 bytes. This simple multiplication works because of the binary measurement system that defines 1 kb as 1024 bytes.
Are there situations where the decimal definition of kilobyte is used?
Yes, storage manufacturers and marketing often use decimal units, where 1 kilobyte equals 1000 bytes, to describe hard drive capacities, making sizes appear larger than in binary measurement, which can cause discrepancies in actual data storage.
Last Updated : 06 July, 2025
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.