Megabit per second (Mb/s)

Definition

A Megabit per second (Mb/s) is a unit of data transfer rate equal to one million bits transmitted every second. It is a metric unit and part of the International System of Units (SI). The exact definition is 1 Mb/s = 1,000,000 bits per second.

History

The term "megabit" emerged in the 1970s with the rise of digital communication. It became standardized in the 1980s as broadband Internet and digital technologies evolved. By the late 1990s, Mb/s was widely adopted in telecommunications for measuring data speeds.

Uses

Mb/s is commonly used to quantify Internet connection speeds, data transfer rates in computer networks, and video streaming quality. It is prevalent in both consumer and commercial sectors, influencing choices in broadband plans and data services globally.

Conversions

  • 1 Mb/s = 0.125 MB/s (megabytes per second)
  • 1 Mb/s = 1,000 Kb/s (kilobits per second)
  • 1 Mb/s = 1,000,000 b/s (bits per second)

Fun Facts

  • A common misconception is that "megabit" and "megabyte" are interchangeable; they are not—1 byte = 8 bits.
  • Lower Mbps can significantly affect streaming quality; for example, 25 Mb/s is often recommended for HD streaming.
Calculator – MinyTools