Understanding your result
One-recording size excludes file headers, metadata, artwork, and filesystem overhead. MB uses one million bytes and MiB uses 1,048,576 bytes. Total storage is decimal GB for all copies. The bitrate output includes every channel.
For a clip with both video and audio streams, use the Video File Size Calculator to combine their rates and an optional overhead allowance.
The formula
Duration is entered in minutes and converted to seconds. PCM uses sample rate, depth, and channels; encoded mode ignores those three controls and uses the combined bitrate directly. One byte has eight bits. Copy count multiplies the payload after calculating a single recording.
Worked example
Ten minutes of 48,000 Hz, 24-bit stereo PCM contain 172,800,000 bytes: 172.8 MB or approximately 164.795 MiB. At a combined encoded bitrate of 192 kb/s, the same duration uses about 14.4 MB before headers and metadata.
How to use this calculator
- Choose PCM for uncompressed sample data or encoded mode for a known bitrate.
- Enter duration and the settings used by the selected model.
- Set copy count and compare one-file size with total storage.
Choose the export format, not the editor’s working format
An editor can process audio at a different bit depth than the exported file. Estimate the file using the export settings. Doubling PCM sample rate, channels, or bit depth doubles payload size when everything else remains constant. The size estimate does not determine audible quality.
Encoded bitrate is a combined rate
For an MP3 or AAC file, enter the total stated audio bitrate. Do not multiply a stereo encoded rate by two again. A constant rate gives a straightforward size estimate; for variable-bitrate output use a measured or expected average, recognizing that the encoder and material influence the actual size.
Lossless compression is not raw PCM
FLAC and similar formats reduce stored size without being represented by a fixed PCM compression ratio. This calculator does not guess that ratio. Measure a representative exported sample or enter its average bitrate in encoded mode. Large WAV workflows may also need a container that supports the resulting file size.
Assumptions & limitations
What this calculation assumes
- The selected rate is constant or is a representative average for the full duration.
What to keep in mind
- Container overhead, embedded images, upload limits, and codec compatibility are not checked.
Common questions
Why do MB and MiB differ?
They divide the same byte count by different powers. Decimal MB uses 1,000,000, while binary MiB uses 1,048,576.
Does encoded mode use the channel control?
No. The supplied combined bitrate already describes all channels. Channel count is used only for PCM.