What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
byte
Example
The file size is 2 megabytes. [byte: noun]
Example
The computer can process one byte of data at a time. [byte: noun]
octet
Example
The IP address is represented by four octets. [octet: noun]
Example
The data is transmitted in octets over the network. [octet: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Byte is more commonly used than octet in everyday language and computing. It is a widely recognized term that covers a broad range of computing contexts. On the other hand, octet is a more specialized term used in specific technical standards and protocols.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between byte and octet?
Both byte and octet can be considered formal terms in the field of computing. However, byte is more commonly used and accepted across various formality levels, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
