Mbps vs. MBps: What’s the Difference?

It’s often difficult to understand terms used for Internet metrics, such as Mbps vs. MBps. They’re the same letters, though they represent different metrics.

What’s the difference?

Mbps means megabits per second. Mb is used for download and upload speed.

means per second. Mb is used for download and upload speed. MBps stands for megabytes per second. MB is used for file size.

You’ll spot these terms when you download a file from the Internet or transfer data from one device to another. They show the data transfer rate. Your connection speed (download and upload) will display as megabits per second. But, you’re downloading or transferring megabytes.

Let’s look at an example:

When you download or transfer a file, note when Mbps and MBps come into play. A file consists of a certain amount of megabytes. Say you download a file that consists of around 2 megabytes. You’ll need a download speed of 8 megabits per second to download the file in 2 seconds. Eight megabits comprise for 1 megabyte.

To calculate how long it would take a file to download over different speeds, you can use Google’s MB to Mb calculator.

When you shop for Internet service, how much Mbps you receive with the plan is crucial to performance. The more Mbps, the quicker you can download files.

What speed do you get with different Internet connections?

Some connections are faster than others. With faster connection speed, you usually pay more.

DSL—Delivers service over telephone wires

Approximate range: up to 3-9 Mbps

Cable—Uses cable TV lines

Approximate range: up to 20-38 Mbps

Fiber optics—Sends data in pulses of light through glass fibers

Approximate range: 45+ Mbps

Sources:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-mbps-and-mbps.htm

http://opensignal.com/knowledgebase/the-difference-between-megabyte-and-megabit.php

http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/internet_connection_types.asp