How to convert bits to bytes
Formula: B = bit ÷ 8
Worked example: 64 bit → 64 ÷ 8 = 8 B
Divide bits by 8 to get bytes. A 256-bit encryption key is 32 bytes long.
Bits to bytes conversion chart
| Bits (bit) | Bytes (B) |
|---|---|
| 1 bit | 0.125 B |
| 2 bit | 0.25 B |
| 3 bit | 0.375 B |
| 4 bit | 0.5 B |
| 5 bit | 0.625 B |
| 8 bit | 1 B |
| 10 bit | 1.25 B |
| 16 bit | 2 B |
| 20 bit | 2.5 B |
| 25 bit | 3.125 B |
| 32 bit | 4 B |
| 50 bit | 6.25 B |
| 64 bit | 8 B |
| 100 bit | 12.5 B |
| 128 bit | 16 B |
| 250 bit | 31.25 B |
| 256 bit | 32 B |
| 500 bit | 62.5 B |
| 512 bit | 64 B |
| 1,000 bit | 125 B |
| 1,024 bit | 128 B |
What is a bit?
The bit, short for binary digit, is the smallest unit of information: a single 0 or 1. Storage is counted in bytes, but network speeds and memory chip densities are usually counted in bits.
What is a byte?
The byte is a group of 8 bits, enough to store one character of plain English text. It is the basic unit of file sizes and memory. Its symbol is a capital B, while a lowercase b means bit.