Example data table
| Input | TB (decimal) | TiB (binary) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 GB | 0.5000 | 0.4547 | Mid-range laptop storage |
| 1000 GB | 1.0000 | 0.9095 | Consumer SSD capacity |
| 1024 GB | 1.0240 | 0.9313 | Shows decimal vs binary difference |
| 2048 GB | 2.0480 | 1.8626 | Workstation drive planning |
| 10000 GB | 10.0000 | 9.0949 | Backup and NAS sizing |
Notes: decimal uses 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes; binary uses 1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes.
Formula used
How to use this calculator
- Enter a single value in the Value field.
- Pick the unit standard that matches your source data.
- Set decimals and rounding for cleaner reporting.
- Optional: paste multiple values into the batch list.
- Click Convert, then download CSV or PDF.
Capacity standards that matter
Storage labels mix decimal and binary units. Vendors commonly market in decimal, where 1 GB equals 1,000,000,000 bytes and 1 TB equals 1,000 GB. Operating systems often display binary sizes, where 1 GiB equals 1,073,741,824 bytes and 1 TiB equals 1,024 GiB. This calculator lets you pick the standard so your reports match the source.
Why decimal and binary outputs differ
The gap grows with larger drives because the base changes from 1000 to 1024. For example, 1000 GB is 1.0000 TB in decimal, but about 0.9095 TiB in binary. When you compare a “1 TB” SSD to an OS capacity reading, this difference explains the missing space without implying any defect.
Planning capacity for devices and arrays
Use batch mode to convert multiple capacities quickly when sizing fleets, NAS pools, or RAID sets. If you plan four 2 TB drives, the marketing total is 8 TB, while the binary total is roughly 7.28 TiB before formatting and parity overhead. Keeping both TB and TiB visible improves procurement notes and avoids underestimating usable space.
Estimating backup and transfer windows
Capacity conversions support time estimates when you pair them with throughput. A 2.048 TB dataset (2048 GB decimal) copied at 150 MB/s needs roughly 3.8 hours, not counting verification. When you export CSV, you can join converted sizes with measured speeds to produce repeatable runbooks for nightly backups and migrations.
Reporting, auditing, and exports
Teams often need evidence-ready numbers for tickets, invoices, and change requests. The CSV export preserves raw values for spreadsheets, while the PDF export produces a lightweight snapshot for approvals. Include the selected mode, decimal places, and rounding so reviewers understand whether figures are decimal TB, binary TiB, or bytes-based conversions. For storage catalogs, keep a consistent naming convention, and store the exported file alongside purchase dates, model numbers, and warranty terms for quick future verification.
Accuracy controls and validation tips
Choose decimal places to balance readability and precision. Use ceiling rounding when you must reserve slightly more space than the estimate, and floor rounding when producing conservative usage summaries. If your input source mixes units, convert everything to bytes first, then compare. The optional bytes display helps confirm calculations at the lowest level.
FAQs
Does this converter use 1000 or 1024?
You can choose. Decimal mode uses 1 TB = 1000 GB. Binary mode uses 1 TiB = 1024 GiB. The bytes-based option converts decimal GB into TiB using exact bytes.
Why does my computer show less than the drive label?
Drive labels are usually decimal. Many operating systems report binary capacity. 1000 GB equals 1.0000 TB, but only about 0.9095 TiB, so the displayed number looks smaller.
When should I use the bytes-based option?
Use it when you receive capacities in decimal GB but need a binary TiB figure for OS reporting, virtualization planning, or storage dashboards that standardize on bytes.
How accurate are the exported CSV and PDF files?
Exports store raw numeric results and the selected settings. CSV is ideal for spreadsheets and audits. PDF is a quick snapshot for approvals. Accuracy depends on your selected unit standard and rounding.
Can I convert multiple values at once?
Yes. Paste a list in the batch box using commas, spaces, or new lines. The calculator converts each entry and shows a table, then lets you download the same rows as CSV or PDF.
How do I avoid rounding issues in capacity planning?
For reservations, use more decimal places and consider ceiling rounding to avoid under-allocation. For summaries, fewer decimals improve readability. If you need exact comparisons, enable bytes and validate with the same standard everywhere.