Computer Memory Definitions What is a Bit? SUMMARY: This tip defines the computer memory term 'bit'.   The definition of a bit is the smallest amount of memory a computer can hold. A bit can literally hold only one of two values: 0 1 Think of this as a bit either being on or off, light or dark, true or false. While a bit in itself can hold very little data, bits are strung together in larger chunks that can hold more useful information. For example, eight bits make up a byte, which can hold a value from 0-255.   Add: Del.icio.us | Digg | Furl | My Yahoo!   Discuss This Tip Print This Tip Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online Return to the Computer Memory Definitions page.