A binary prefix is a unit of measurement used in computing to denote quantities of data based on powers of two. Common binary prefixes include kibi (2^10 or 1,024), mebi (2^20 or 1,048,576), and gibi (2^30 or 1,073,741,824). These prefixes help clarify the size of data in a way that aligns with how computers process information. Binary prefixes are part of the International System of Units (SI) and were standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 1998. They are particularly useful in distinguishing between binary and decimal measurements, as traditional prefixes like kilo and mega can refer to both 1,000 and 1,024, leading to potential confusion.