Megabytes to Gigabytes (MB to GB)
Convert MB to GB for file sizes and storage, learn the decimal and binary formulas, and use the quick reference table.
Quick answer: In the decimal (SI) system used by storage makers, divide megabytes by 1000 to get gigabytes: 1000 MB = 1 GB. In the binary system used by some operating systems, 1024 MB = 1 GB (technically 1 GiB). For example, 500 MB = 0.5 GB.
Megabytes to gigabytes formula
There are two conventions, depending on whether powers of 1000 or 1024 are used:
GB = MB ÷ 1000 (decimal/SI)
In the binary convention, 1 GiB = 1024 MiB, so GB = MB ÷ 1024. Storage manufacturers advertise decimal gigabytes, while some operating systems report binary values labelled "GB".
How to convert MB to GB in 3 steps
- Take the size in megabytes (for example, 2048 MB).
- Divide by 1000 for decimal → 2048 ÷ 1000 = 2.048 ≈ 2.05 GB.
- Or divide by 1024 for binary → 2048 MiB ÷ 1024 = 2 GiB.
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| Megabytes (MB) | Gigabytes (GB) |
|---|---|
| 1 MB | 0.001 GB |
| 100 MB | 0.1 GB |
| 250 MB | 0.25 GB |
| 500 MB | 0.5 GB |
| 1000 MB | 1 GB |
| 2000 MB | 2 GB |
| 5000 MB | 5 GB |
| 10000 MB | 10 GB |
Decimal vs binary (MB vs MiB)
Storage manufacturers use decimal units (1 GB = 1000 MB), while Windows often reports binary units (1 GB = 1024 MB, properly GiB). That difference is why a "500 GB" drive shows less capacity in your operating system than the number printed on the box.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert MB to GB?
Divide megabytes by 1000 for decimal/SI gigabytes (1000 MB = 1 GB), or by 1024 for binary gibibytes (1024 MB = 1 GiB).
Is 1 GB 1000 or 1024 MB?
Both are used: storage makers use 1000 MB = 1 GB (decimal), while many operating systems use 1024 MB = 1 GB (binary, technically GiB).
How many MB is 1 GB?
1 GB equals 1000 MB in the decimal system, or 1024 MB in the binary system.