Many customers notice that their download manager or browser shows a much smaller number than their package speed. A 100 Mbps package might show downloads at around 11 or 12 MB/s. This is completely normal, and the reason is simple.
Bits and bytes
- Internet packages are measured in megabits per second (Mbps), with a small “b”.
- Download managers and browsers usually show megabytes per second (MB/s), with a capital “B”.
- One byte equals eight bits.
So to convert, divide by eight.
Quick conversion table
- 20 Mbps is about 2.5 MB/s
- 50 Mbps is about 6 MB/s
- 100 Mbps is about 12 MB/s
- 200 Mbps is about 25 MB/s
In practice you will see slightly less, because a small part of every connection is used for network overhead.
How long will my download take?
Divide the file size by your speed in MB/s.
- A 2 GB movie is about 2,000 MB.
- On a 100 Mbps package you download about 11 MB every second.
- 2,000 divided by 11 is roughly 180 seconds, or 3 minutes.
Why some downloads are still slow
Your package sets the maximum speed, but the server you download from also matters. A busy website abroad may send data slowly no matter how fast your connection is. Local servers, such as those on BDIX, usually deliver much closer to your full speed.
Check your real speed
To see what your connection can actually do, use a speed test, ideally with a cable. Our guide on running an accurate speed test explains how.
Summary
If your download shows roughly one eighth of your package number, your connection is working exactly as it should.