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Data Representation

How digital systems store and process information using the binary number system.

Bits, Bytes, and Storage Units

In 2026, understanding storage involves using the 1024 multiplier for precise technical calculations.

Unit Abbreviation Precise Value
Bit b 0 or 1 (Smallest unit)
Byte B 8 Bits
Kilobyte KB 1024 Bytes
Megabyte MB 1024 KB
Gigabyte GB 1024 MB
Terabyte TB 1024 GB

Binary vs. Decimal

Binary (Base 2)

Binary uses place values that double each time: 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1.

Example Conversion (Binary 1010 to Decimal):

Example Conversion (Decimal 45 to Binary):

By finding the largest power of 2 that fits: 32 + 8 + 4 + 1 = 00101101