Streaming Bitrate & Storage Calculator
Estimate video file size, required bandwidth, and storage for any resolution, frame rate, and codec. Instant results.
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Results
1920×1080 @ 30fpsVideo Bitrate Range
Use These Settings in OBS
OBS → Settings → Output → Streaming
Codec Comparison
| Codec | Bitrate | File Size | vs H.264 |
|---|---|---|---|
| H.264 (AVC)active | 8.13 Mbps | 3.41 GB | 100% |
| H.265 (HEVC) | 4.93 Mbps | 2.07 GB | 61% |
| VP9 | 4.93 Mbps | 2.07 GB | 61% |
| AV1 | 4.13 Mbps | 1.73 GB | 51% |
| ProRes 422 | 28.13 Mbps | 11.79 GB | 346% |
| ProRes 4444 | 40.13 Mbps | 16.82 GB | 494% |
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- Runs in your browser, no data sent
- Updated for 2026 codecs: H.264, HEVC, AV1, ProRes
Popular streaming bitrate guides
How Does the Streaming Bitrate Calculator Work?
Our calculator estimates video file sizes by combining resolution, frame rate, codec efficiency, audio bitrate, and duration into a single, easy-to-read result. Whether you're a content creator planning storage needs or a streamer optimizing your OBS settings, this tool gives you accurate estimates in real time.
Supported Resolutions & Codecs
- Resolutions: 720p, 1080p, 1440p, 4K (2160p), 8K (4320p)
- Codecs: H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), VP9, AV1, ProRes 422, ProRes 4444
- Frame Rates: 24fps, 30fps, 60fps, 120fps
OBS Bitrate Calculator
For OBS streaming, choose your resolution, frame rate, codec, and stream length above to estimate the bitrate, file size, and upload speed you need. As a quick starting point, use 6,000 Kbps for Twitch 1080p 60fps, 9,000-12,000 Kbps for YouTube 1080p 60fps, and keep your stream bitrate below about 75% of your real upload speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage does 1 hour of 4K video take?
A 1-hour 4K video at 30fps using H.264 takes about 15 GB at a 35 Mbps bitrate. HEVC (H.265) cuts that to around 9 GB, roughly 40% smaller. Higher bitrates (50+ Mbps for pro-grade footage) scale the size up proportionally.
What bitrate do I need for 1080p streaming?
For 1080p at 30fps, a bitrate of 4,500-6,000 Kbps (H.264) is recommended. At 60fps, aim for 6,000-9,000 Kbps.
Is HEVC better than H.264 for streaming?
HEVC (H.265) offers ~40% better compression than H.264 at similar quality, meaning smaller files and lower bandwidth. However, encoding is slower and some older devices lack hardware decoding support.
Calculate by Resolution & Frame Rate
| Resolution | 24 fps | 30 fps | 60 fps | 120 fps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 720p (HD) | 720p/24fps | 720p/30fps | 720p/60fps | 720p/120fps |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1080p/24fps | 1080p/30fps | 1080p/60fps | 1080p/120fps |
| 1440p (2K) | 1440p/24fps | 1440p/30fps | 1440p/60fps | 1440p/120fps |
| 4K (2160p) | 4k/24fps | 4k/30fps | 4k/60fps | 4k/120fps |
| 8K (4320p) | 8k/24fps | 8k/30fps | 8k/60fps | 8k/120fps |
Platform-specific guides
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