How it works

Start with the question, not the plan

Use the speed calculator for a connection profile, the transfer tools for a file or backup, and the data tools for a monthly allowance. The network section explains the parts that a speed number cannot describe.

Bits versus bytes

Providers normally advertise megabits per second (Mbps). File downloads and storage often show megabytes per second (MB/s). Eight bits make one byte, so divide Mbps by eight for an approximate MB/s value.

Capacity versus delay

Bandwidth describes how much data can move. Ping describes how long a round trip takes. A connection can have plenty of bandwidth and still feel delayed if latency or packet loss is high.