16k

16k, often written as 16K, is a shorthand that can refer to several different concepts depending on context. In everyday numeracy it represents the decimal integer 16,000. In information technology and data storage, 16k commonly refers to 16 kilobytes. In this sense, 16 kilobytes is often understood as 16 × 1024 bytes, equal to 16,384 bytes, i.e., 16 KiB. Some contexts use decimal kilobytes (16,000 bytes), but binary prefixes KiB are standard in many computer systems.

In digital imaging and video, 16K refers to a display or image resolution near 16,000 horizontal pixels. A widely discussed specification for 16K ultra high definition is 15,360 × 8,640 pixels, totaling about 132 megapixels. This resolution is significantly higher than 8K and 4K standards and is largely in the domain of research, production, or experimental workflows, with substantial data throughput and storage requirements.

In other uses, 16K may appear in product names, model numbers, or branding, and the term is commonly found in contexts that discuss capacity or resolution. The distinction between decimal kilobytes and binary kibibytes (KiB) is important when interpreting 16k in technical documents.