Mbps vs MB/s Explained
Mbps and MB/s measure data speed, but they are not the same. This difference is why your internet speed often feels slower than advertised.
Internet Speed Calculator
Formula: MB/s = Mbps ÷ 8 · Mbps = MB/s × 8
What Is the Difference Between Mbps and MB/s?
Mbps stands for megabits per second, while MB/s stands for megabytes per second. Since 1 byte = 8 bits, 1 MB/s equals 8 Mbps.
Quick Conversion Formula
MB/s = Mbps ÷ 8
Common Internet Speed Examples
| Advertised Speed (Mbps) | Real Download Speed (MB/s) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 6.25 |
| 100 | 12.5 |
| 300 | 37.5 |
| 500 | 62.5 |
| 1000 (1 Gbps) | 125 |
Real-World Examples
- A 100 Mbps internet plan downloads files at about 12.5 MB/s.
- A 1 GB file takes roughly 80 seconds to download at 100 Mbps.
- Game launchers and browsers usually show speeds in MB/s, not Mbps.
Why Internet Providers Use Mbps
Internet service providers advertise speeds in Mbps because the number looks larger. A plan labeled 100 Mbps sounds faster than 12.5 MB/s, even though they represent the same speed.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is assuming Mbps and MB/s are the same unit. They differ by a factor of 8, which can cause confusion when testing internet speed.
FAQ
Is Mbps the same as MB/s? No. 1 MB/s equals 8 Mbps.
Why does my download speed look slower than my plan? ISPs use Mbps, but downloads show MB/s.
Which unit should I care about? Use Mbps for internet plans, MB/s for real download speed.