Switch & Save on Business Mobile Plans Get Your Free Quote>
Quick answer: There are 1,000 MB in 1 GB as mobile networks measure data (the decimal system). In strict computing terms the figure is 1,024 MB, because storage and memory use a binary system, but your mobile allowance is billed in decimal, so for choosing a data plan, treat 1 GB as 1,000 MB. The full order of size is bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB) then terabytes (TB), each step roughly a thousand times bigger than the last. Learn all about byte sizes, how much data your everyday activity uses, and more.
recommends 💡
Don’t guess your allowance. Check your last few bills for real usage, add some headroom for busy months, and consider a shared data plan if your team’s needs vary widely. If you’re still stuck, let our team help!
Book a free 15-min call with a UK business mobile expert
Mobile data can feel like a foreign language when every plan is quoted in MB and GB and you are not quite sure how they relate, or how much you actually need. Whether you are choosing a SIM for yourself, kitting out a small team, or trying to stop your business overpaying for allowances nobody uses, understanding the units is the first step to picking the right plan with confidence.
This guide covers everything you need to know about mobile data units, from how many MB are in a GB and how to convert between bytes, KB, MB, GB and TB, to which is bigger, how much data everyday tasks use, how long 1GB really lasts, and how to work out the right allowance for your business.
Want a personalised recommendation?
Updated 22/06/2026
When you choose a mobile plan, the deciding factor is usually how much data it includes. To pick the right allowance you need to understand the units, so this guide breaks them down clearly, shows how to convert between them, explains how much real-world use each represents, and helps you work out how much data your business actually needs.
We are here to answer all your related questions, from “what is mobile data?” to our recommendations on how to cut down your usage in 2026:
Mobile data is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). So, when you are selecting your new plan you will see these words being thrown about.
You may be wondering how many megabytes are in a gigabyte? There are 1,024 MB in 1 GB. A byte is the unit measuring memory size.
Your plan will assign you a monthly allowance measured in MB or GB. This is the amount you can utilise before you are either cut off or may face additional charges. We are here to help you understand your usage better, so you can select the perfect plan for you.
Digital data is measured in a ladder of units, each one a step up in size:
| Unit | Symbol | Equals (decimal, as used for mobile data) |
|---|---|---|
| Byte | B | 8 bits |
| Kilobyte | KB | 1,000 bytes |
| Megabyte | MB | 1,000 KB |
| Gigabyte | GB | 1,000 MB |
| Terabyte | TB | 1,000 GB |
So the order from smallest to largest is: byte → kilobyte (KB) → megabyte (MB) → gigabyte (GB) → terabyte (TB). Each step up is about a thousand times bigger than the one below it.
A byte is the basic building block (made up of 8 bits). A single text character is roughly one byte. A short email is a few kilobytes. A photo is a few megabytes. A typical monthly mobile allowance is measured in gigabytes. Terabytes are rare in mobile use and usually refer to hard drives or total network traffic.
Why you sometimes see 1,024 instead of 1,000. Computers work in binary, so in strict computing terms each step is 1,024 rather than 1,000 (1 GB = 1,024 MB). To avoid confusion, those binary units have their own names (kibibyte, mebibyte, gibibyte), but most people still say KB, MB and GB. The key point for mobile data is that networks bill in the decimal system, so 1 GB of mobile data means 1,000 MB. We use the decimal figures throughout this guide because that is how your allowance is measured.
There are 1,000 MB in 1 GB for mobile data (or 1,024 MB in computing terms). So a 5 GB plan gives you 5,000 MB, and a 50 MB download uses 0.05 GB of your allowance.
A GB is bigger than an MB. One gigabyte is 1,000 times larger than one megabyte. In order of size: a kilobyte (KB) is bigger than a byte, a megabyte (MB) is bigger than a kilobyte, a gigabyte (GB) is bigger than a megabyte, and a terabyte (TB) is bigger than a gigabyte. So if you are comparing a 500 MB plan with a 1 GB plan, the 1 GB plan gives you twice as much data.
Using the decimal system that mobile networks use:
| Conversion | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 GB | 1,000 MB |
| 2 GB | 2,000 MB |
| 5 GB | 5,000 MB |
| 10 GB | 10,000 MB |
| 50 GB | 50,000 MB |
| 500 MB | 0.5 GB |
| 100 MB | 0.1 GB |
| 1 MB | 1,000 KB |
| 1 TB | 1,000 GB |
To convert GB to MB, multiply by 1,000. To convert MB to GB, divide by 1,000.
Knowing the units is one thing; knowing what they buy you is more useful. Here is roughly how much data common tasks consume:
| Task | Typical data used |
|---|---|
| Sending a text-only email | 3 KB to 20 KB |
| Sending an email with an attachment | around 300 KB to 350 KB |
| Loading a web page | 150 KB to 1.5 MB |
| Posting to social media with a photo | 500 KB to 2 MB |
| Downloading an app or song | 3 MB to 4 MB |
| One hour of music streaming | around 60 MB to 150 MB |
| One hour of video calling (Teams, Zoom) | 500 MB to 2 GB |
| One hour of HD video streaming | 1 GB to 3 GB |
| One hour of 4K video streaming | 7 GB to 12 GB |
| One hour of cloud gaming | 3 GB to 7 GB |
So with only 1GB of data, you can still achieve an abundance of tasks. Now imagine what you could do with 50GB, or even an unlimited data business SIM only plan!
Did you know that the average UK smartphone user consumes around 8 GB a month in 2025? But when your phone is your job, 8 GB is not going to cut it. Check your current usage and opt for a plan that exceeds this to give you wiggle room for busy months.
More is always better than less data so you never find yourself struggling to stretch it out till the end of the month. This way you can consume data with ease and not have to track your usage every month, because that can get tedious.
On its own, 1 GB does not stretch as far as it used to, but it still covers a lot of everyday work. Roughly, 1 GB gets you any of:
In practice, most people mix these, so 1 GB is fine for a light day of email, browsing and the odd call, but it will not last a month for anyone who streams video or takes regular video calls on the move. For most business users, 1 GB is a daily figure, not a monthly one.
The right allowance depends on how your team works and how often they are away from Wi-Fi. As a rough guide:
A useful rule is to check each person’s recent usage and choose an allowance with some headroom, rather than paying for unlimited across the board when most staff do not need it. If several people share very different amounts, a shared data plan lets heavy and light users balance out on one pot.
Not sure what your team needs? Build a plan in about 30 seconds, browse business SIM-only deals, or send us a bill for a free review.
The average UK business saves
on business mobiles with BusinessMobiles.com
Most UK businesses are overpaying on their mobile bills. We spot the savings within 2 hours.
If you want to check your usage and how much you are consuming, then you can easily do so. Your carrier should provide you with your monthly usage history. Many allow you to do this online or via their app. This is useful when you want to keep track in real-time (especially if you are prone to going over your allowance).
If you use an iPhone:
Simply go to Settings > click on Mobile Data. There you can see your usage and which applications are eating away at your allowance.
For Android users:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet, then click on Data Usage. There you can see and assess your total usage, alongside the impact of each application.
Your network’s app or online account also shows your usage against your allowance, which is the easiest way to track it in real time.
If you find yourself struggling to stretch your data allowance till the end of the month then it might be time for an upgrade! We understand that this may not be an option for everyone so this is what you can do to save data in a pinch:
Firstly, use WIFI whenever possible:
So if you are home or in the office double-check that you are using WIFI instead of your precious data. Also, take advantage of free WIFI wherever you can!
Check your settings to reduce data usage consumption:
Background app refresh uses up a lot of data, so you can go into your settings and turn this feature off for the apps that you do not need to constantly be refreshing. On some phones, there is even a handy Data Saving Mode that you can activate to reduce your overall usage.
Download your music, podcasts, and documents:
When downloading, connect to whatever WIFI is available to reduce any excessive usage. Remember, utilise WIFI whenever possible.
Still using too much? Learn our 5 ways to reduce your mobile data usage now!
So now it’s time to decide how much you need!
If you are always asking for the WIFI password and hardly use your phone when not connected to WIFI then a low data plan is the one for you. 5 GB – 10 GB is enough for emails, web pages, and occasional posts.
Reduce your data usage across your commute – here’s how to get Free London Underground WiFi for EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 customers!
Are you constantly searching for directions, new places to go, and the answer to your million questions, then a larger plan is the one for you. You can get your answers in a click, send emails and even join a few video calls all with 10-20GB of data.
If social media is a huge part of your job and you need to update all platforms when on the go then 50-100GB should be the perfect amount for you. With this, you’ll have enough data to stay connected and upload your every move. Time to get scrolling!
If you are constantly on video calls, answering emails, updating socials, and streaming a few videos when you get a second to breathe then unlimited data is the one for you. Perfect for those who find themselves without WIFI but need data to keep up with their chaotic schedule. With an unlimited plan, you don’t have to be frugal and never have to panic about eating up your data.
Whether you need a single number or a full team of business mobiles, our experts will match you to the right setup – across all four UK networks.
Now that you are familiar with all things mobile data, it’s time to decide on the ideal plan. At Businessmobiles.com, we have the perfect plans for everyone. From low usage packages to unlimited data at the lowest prices, what more could you ask for?
So whether you are minimal in your mobile data usage or are consuming it like there’s no tomorrow, we have the perfect plan for you.
Get in contact with us today and book your free consultation, or click the image below. We are here when you are ready – save money on business mobile phones, receive expert advice, and buy only what you need!
If we’ve not covered your question here, Book A 15-Min Call with our team to talk about your mobile needs.
Once you know that 1 GB is 1,000 MB and roughly what that buys in real use, choosing a plan stops being guesswork. The trick is to size the allowance to how each person actually works, light Wi-Fi users need very little, while staff who are always out and tethering need far more, and to leave a little headroom rather than defaulting everyone to unlimited. Get the data tier right and you have solved most of the cost. If you would like your usage checked and the right allowance sized before you commit, talk to us, and we will stay as your point of contact afterwards.
Practical advise to save on your bill, switching tips, and the latest deals worth knowing about. No spam.
Unsubscribe any time. We never share your email.
Two minutes is all it takes to start. Pick the path that suits you:
Send us your bill – we’ll spot the savings within 2 hours.
Expert in…
Jacob Williamson is a technology writer and Marketing Executive at BusinessMobiles.com, with over four years of experience in the B2B telecoms sector and six years reviewing and testing emerging tech across automotive, consumer electronics, and digital finance. Writing for an independent specialist working across EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three, Jacob focuses on the practical questions business owners and IT managers are actually asking – from handset decisions to network performance, and most things in between.
Enjoy this post? Share it with your colleagues
Download your free MDM platform flowchart
Pop your details in and we'll send the PDF straight to your inbox.
Unsubscribe anytime · data never shared with 3rd parties
Your free MDM platform flowchart is on its way to your inbox. Check your spam folder if it doesn't appear within a few minutes.
Download your free SIM-only plan flowchart
Pop your details in and we'll send the PDF straight to your inbox.
Unsubscribe anytime · data never shared with 3rd parties
Your free SIM-only plan flowchart is on its way to your inbox. Check your spam folder if it doesn't appear within a few minutes.
