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Bits, bytes and the storage ladder

Bits, bytes and the storage ladder

Storage ladder, from smallest at the top to largest at the bottom: bit ↓ nibble ↓ byte ↓ kB ↓ MB ↓ GB ↓ TB ↓ PB.

When converting a value:

  • Moving up the ladder means moving to a smaller unit, so multiply.
    • nibble → bit: ×4\times 4×4
    • byte → nibble: ×2\times 2×2
    • byte → bit: ×8\times 8×8
    • between byte-based units such as byte, kB, MB, GB, TB, and PB: ×1,000\times 1{,}000×1,000 per step
  • Moving down the ladder means moving to a larger unit, so divide.
    • bit → nibble: ÷4\div 4÷4
    • nibble → byte: ÷2\div 2÷2
    • bit → byte: ÷8\div 8÷8
    • between byte-based units such as byte, kB, MB, GB, TB, and PB: ÷1,000\div 1{,}000÷1,000 per step

Computers store all data as binary, using only 0 and 1. A bit is one binary digit, 4 bits make a nibble, and 8 bits make a byte. Software interprets patterns of bits as text, images, sound, or instructions.

Units Lesson

  1. GCSE
  2. /Computer Science
  3. /Units

Step-by-step lessons covering OCR GCSE Computer Science Units for GCSE Computer Science. Each lesson works through exam-style questions in Component 01 and Component 02 format. Build strong foundations in binary, logic and core programming constructs before moving on to the more complex algorithm design and evaluation questions.

Lessons