Video File Size Calculator

Estimate video file sizes based on duration, resolution, and codec. Plan your storage needs for any video project.

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Quick Facts

H.264 vs H.265
50% smaller files
H.265 offers better compression
4K vs 1080p
4-5x larger files
Higher resolution = more data
ProRes
3-5x larger than H.264
Professional editing format
1 Hour 4K H.264
~18 GB
Typical streaming quality

Estimated File Size

Calculated
File Size
0 MB
For your video
Per Hour
0 MB
Hourly rate
Bitrate
0 Mbps
Data rate

About Video File Size Calculation

Video file size depends on several factors including resolution, codec, duration, and bitrate. Understanding these factors helps you plan storage requirements for your video projects, whether you're creating content for YouTube, streaming platforms, or professional productions.

How Video File Size is Calculated

The basic formula for estimating video file size is:

File Size = Bitrate (Mbps) x Duration (seconds) / 8

This gives you the file size in megabytes. The bitrate varies significantly based on resolution and codec choice.

Understanding Video Codecs

  • H.264 (AVC) - The most widely compatible codec, great for streaming and general use
  • H.265 (HEVC) - 50% more efficient than H.264, ideal for 4K content but requires more processing power
  • ProRes - Professional editing codec with minimal compression, used in film and TV production

Typical Bitrates by Resolution

Resolution H.264 (Mbps) H.265 (Mbps) ProRes (Mbps)
720p (HD) 5 2.5 15
1080p (Full HD) 8 4 25
1440p (2K) 16 8 45
4K (Ultra HD) 40 20 100

Storage Planning Tips

  • Always plan for 20-30% extra storage beyond your calculated needs
  • Consider using H.265 for 4K content to save storage space
  • ProRes is best for editing workflows where you'll be re-encoding
  • Cloud storage services often have different pricing for frequently vs. rarely accessed files