Which of the following is the smallest unit of data in a computer?

Question

Which of the following is the smallest unit of data in a computer?

1. A. Bit (Correct answer)
2. B. KB
3. C. Nibble
4. D. Byte

Correct Answer

Option A — Bit

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Bit.

Key Points

• A bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit of data a computer can hold, taking the value 0 or 1.
• Four bits make a nibble, and eight bits make a byte.
• A kilobyte (KB) is 1024 bytes, so it is far larger still.
• The ascending order is therefore Bit → Nibble → Byte → KB.

Additional Information

• The full progression of storage units, each step a multiple of 1,024 in binary terms:

bit → nibble (4 bits) → byte (8 bits) → KB → MB → GB → TB → PB

• One byte is enough to store a single character in ASCII, which is why file sizes are quoted in bytes rather than bits.
• Note the distinction examiners sometimes exploit: 1 KB = 1,024 bytes in the binary convention used by operating systems, but manufacturers often quote 1 KB = 1,000 bytes in the decimal SI sense.