The rule: divide by 8
Internet speeds are sold in megabits per second (Mbps), while browsers, Steam and file managers show megabytes per second (MB/s). A byte is 8 bits, so MB/s = Mbps ÷ 8. For example, 200 Mbps = 25 MB/s and 1 Gbps = 125 MB/s.
In practice you lose about 6 % to network headers (Ethernet, IP, TCP), so a 200 Mbps line downloads at around 23.5 MB/s at best. Full explanation: Mbps vs MB/s.
Conversion table
| Connection speed | Theoretical MB/s | Real-world MB/s | 1 GB download |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Mbps | 1.25 MB/s | 1.17 MB/s | 14 min 11 s |
| 20 Mbps | 2.5 MB/s | 2.35 MB/s | 7 min 06 s |
| 50 Mbps | 6.25 MB/s | 5.88 MB/s | 2 min 50 s |
| 100 Mbps | 12.5 MB/s | 11.75 MB/s | 1 min 25 s |
| 200 Mbps | 25 MB/s | 23.5 MB/s | 42.6 s |
| 300 Mbps | 37.5 MB/s | 35.25 MB/s | 28.4 s |
| 500 Mbps | 62.5 MB/s | 58.75 MB/s | 17 s |
| 1 Gbps | 125 MB/s | 117.5 MB/s | 8.5 s |
| 2 Gbps | 250 MB/s | 235 MB/s | 4.3 s |
| 2.5 Gbps | 312.5 MB/s | 293.75 MB/s | 3.4 s |
| 5 Gbps | 625 MB/s | 587.5 MB/s | 1.7 s |
| 8 Gbps | 1,000 MB/s | 940 MB/s | 1.1 s |
| 10 Gbps | 1,250 MB/s | 1,175 MB/s | 0.9 s |
Times assume the server keeps up with your line and the connection is wired. Wi-Fi and busy servers make downloads slower: compare with a speed test over Ethernet.
Quick answers
- 100 Mbps = 12.5 MB/s (about 11.8 MB/s real-world)
- 200 Mbps = 25 MB/s (about 23.5 MB/s)
- 500 Mbps = 62.5 MB/s (about 58.8 MB/s)
- 1 Gbps = 125 MB/s (about 117.5 MB/s)
- 2.5 Gbps = 312.5 MB/s
- 10 Gbps = 1,250 MB/s
MB vs MiB
Windows often counts in mebibytes (1 MiB = 1,048,576 bytes) while labelling them MB. Speeds shown that way look about 5 % lower again. This converter uses decimal units, like providers.
Want to know how long a specific file will take? Use the download time calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many MB/s is 200 Mbps?
200 Mbps equals 25 MB/s in theory, and about 23.5 MB/s in a real download once network overhead is removed.
How many MB/s is 1 Gbps?
1 Gbps equals 125 MB/s in theory. On a wired gigabit connection, downloads usually reach 110 to 117 MB/s.
Is Mbps the same as MB/s?
No. Mbps means megabits per second and MB/s means megabytes per second. One megabyte is 8 megabits, so MB/s is 8 times smaller.
Why is my download slower than my plan in MB/s?
Divide your plan by 8 first. If the result is still far above what you see, the Wi-Fi, the remote server or other devices are the limit.