Video File Size Calculator
Estimate video file size from bitrate, duration and a codec adjustment; compare it with storage capacity.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Estimate storage from the entered bitrate and duration. Codec multipliers are simple planning assumptions (H.264 1.0, H.265 0.65, ProRes 4.5, RAW 6.0), not guaranteed properties of every encoding. The model uses decimal MB/GB and excludes audio, container overhead, variable-bitrate changes and card formatting/usable capacity.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Base bitrate (Mbps) 100 Mbps · Clip duration 10 minutes · Storage available 128 GB · Codec efficiency H.265 / HEVC Estimated size (GB) 4.88 GB · File size 4,875 MB · Size per minute (GB) 0.488 GB/min · Size per hour 29.3 GB/hr · Clips this card holds 26.3 · Recording time available 262.6 minutes · Effective data rate 8.13 MB/s
Method and assumptions
b=B×k; GB=b×60d÷8÷1000; MB=GB×1000; q=GB÷d; n=C÷GB Decimal units: 1 GB=1000 MB; bitrate is Mbps and duration is minutes. k is a fixed illustrative factor (H.264 1, H.265 0.65, ProRes 4.5, RAW 6), not a guaranteed codec ratio. Audio, overhead, VBR and usable-card formatting are omitted. Estimate storage from the entered bitrate and duration. Codec multipliers are simple planning assumptions (H.264 1.0, H.265 0.65, ProRes 4.5, RAW 6.0), not guaranteed properties of every encoding. The model uses decimal MB/GB and excludes audio, container overhead, variable-bitrate changes and card formatting/usable capacity. The references explain definitions and methods; any extra preset must be checked against the assumptions on this page.
Data sources
The references explain definitions and methods; any extra preset must be checked against the assumptions on this page.
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
b=B×k; GB=b×60d÷8÷1000; MB=GB×1000; q=GB÷d; n=C÷GB
- B
- Base bitrate (Mbps)
- k
- Codec multiplier
- d
- Duration (min)
- C
- Card size (GB)
- GB
- File size (GB)
- n
- Clips on card
Decimal units: 1 GB=1000 MB; bitrate is Mbps and duration is minutes. k is a fixed illustrative factor (H.264 1, H.265 0.65, ProRes 4.5, RAW 6), not a guaranteed codec ratio. Audio, overhead, VBR and usable-card formatting are omitted.
Frequently asked questions
Are codec multipliers guaranteed file-size ratios?
No. The factors 1.0 (H.264), 0.65 (H.265), 4.5 (ProRes) and 6.0 (RAW) are illustrative assumptions applied to your base bitrate. Actual bitrate and file size depend on encoding settings and content. The calculation uses decimal GB (1,000 MB per GB) and excludes audio/container overhead and variable-bitrate changes.
Which inputs and limits apply to Video File Size Calculator?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Base bitrate (Mbps): 0.1–10,000 Mbps; Clip duration: 0.01–100,000 minutes; Storage available: 0.1–100,000 GB b=B×k; GB=b×60d÷8÷1000; MB=GB×1000; q=GB÷d; n=C÷GB Decimal units: 1 GB=1000 MB; bitrate is Mbps and duration is minutes. k is a fixed illustrative factor (H.264 1, H.265 0.65, ProRes 4.5, RAW 6), not a guaranteed codec ratio. Audio, overhead, VBR and usable-card formatting are omitted. Estimate storage from the entered bitrate and duration. Codec multipliers are simple planning assumptions (H.264 1.0, H.265 0.65, ProRes 4.5, RAW 6.0), not guaranteed properties of every encoding. The model uses decimal MB/GB and excludes audio, container overhead, variable-bitrate changes and card formatting/usable capacity. The references explain definitions and methods; any extra preset must be checked against the assumptions on this page.
What is a complete worked example for Base bitrate (Mbps) = 100 Mbps; Clip duration = 10 minutes?
Inputs: Base bitrate (Mbps) = 100 Mbps; Clip duration = 10 minutes; Storage available = 128 GB; Codec efficiency = H.265 / HEVC. Calculation: b=B×k; GB=b×60d÷8÷1000; MB=GB×1000; q=GB÷d; n=C÷GB. Results: Estimated size (GB) = 4.88 GB; File size = 4,875 MB; Size per minute (GB) = 0.488 GB/min; Size per hour = 29.3 GB/hr; Clips this card holds = 26.3; Recording time available = 262.6 minutes; Effective data rate = 8.13 MB/s.