What does MBit / s mean? Clearly explained

When it comes to speeds, the term MBit / s is often used in technology. We'll tell you exactly what that means and where the term is used.

Definition Mbit / s: unit for speed

• The so-called data transfer rate is used to quantify the speed of an Internet connection or a hard disk. It says how much data is processed per second.
• The smallest data unit is the bit. A possible description of the Internet speed would therefore be 100 bits per second, in short 100 bits / s.
• However, since a bit is very small, such speeds are often measured in Mbit / s. For even higher speeds there is also the designation GBit / s. The "M" stands for "Mega", the "G" for "Giga".

Internet speeds: Convert Mbit / s correctly

• Bit, MBit and GBit are comparable with grams, kilograms and tons. With the Internet speed, it is simply worth specifying in MBit. People can also be weighed in grams or tons, but in kilograms it makes the most sense.
• 1, 000, 000 bit / s corresponds to one MBit / s. Internet connections are usually offered with a performance of 6, 000 to 100, 000 kbit / s (kilobit), i.e. 6 to 100 Mbit / s.
• Warning: The sizes of files are always specified on the computer in bytes and not in bits. This is just 8 times that. At a speed of 8 Mbit / s, you can carry 1 Mbyte of data per second.

CHIP DSL Speedtest: How fast is your internet?

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to measure your own Internet speed.