MBps and MBit/s – what is the difference?

There are Mbps, MBit/s and MB/s. This often confuses people because it is not always clear what is behind each abbreviation. We explain where there are commonalities and differences.

Mbps, MBit/s and MB/s – therein lies the difference

When distinguishing between Mbps, MBit/s and MB/s, you should be aware of the existing risk of confusion.

• Mbps stands for “Megabits per Second” and indicates the speed at which data is transferred – for example, the maximum speed of mobile internet or how fast data can be transferred on a USB stick.

• MBit/s stands for “Megabits per Second”, which is exactly the same thing. However, MBit/s is used much more frequently. The term MBps is used in an attempt to reduce the risk of confusion with MB/s. Because that is something completely different. Because that is something completely different.

• MB/s (also MBps)stands for “Megabytes per second”. 1 MB/s is 1024 x 1024 bytes/second. On the other hand, 1 MBps or 1 MBit/s is exactly one million bits/second.