Video Storage Size
Calculator

Inputs

Size (MB, 1 GB = 1000 MB)
5,400

Results

Size (MB, 1 GB = 1000 MB)
5,400
Size (GB, 1 GB = 1000 MB)
5.4
Size (GiB, 1 GiB = 1024 MiB)
5.029141

Computing results

Size (MB, 1 GB = 1000 MB)5,400
Size (GB, 1 GB = 1000 MB)5.4
Size (GiB, 1 GiB = 1024 MiB)5.029141

formula-map diagram

Size (MB, 1 GB = 1000 MB)
5,400
Size (GB, 1 GB = 1000 MB)
5.4
Size (GiB, 1 GiB = 1024 MiB)
5.029141

Computing relationship

Formula

size_MB = bitrate_Mbps × minutes × 60 ÷ 8

= 5400

Note

This is a simplified model: it applies the standard computing formula to the numbers you entered and ignores protocol overhead, compression variability, retries, contention and other real-world effects. Size your systems with measured data.

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Frequently asked questions

How is the storage size of a video calculated?+

Storage size is a function of bitrate (how much data is used per second of video) multiplied by duration, then converted from bits to bytes. A higher bitrate or longer duration both increase the final file size proportionally.

Why do two videos of the same length have very different file sizes?+

File size depends primarily on bitrate, which itself depends on resolution, frame rate, codec efficiency, and content complexity. A 4K video encoded with an efficient modern codec can sometimes be smaller than a 1080p video using an older, less efficient codec at a higher bitrate.

What's the difference between constant bitrate and variable bitrate for storage estimates?+

Constant bitrate (CBR) uses the same data rate throughout, so this calculator's estimate is exact. Variable bitrate (VBR) allocates more data to complex scenes and less to simple ones, so the actual file size will be an approximation around the average bitrate you enter, not an exact match.

How do I estimate storage for a full camera or recording archive?+

Calculate the storage size for a single hour or clip at your chosen bitrate, then multiply by the total number of hours you plan to record and retain, adding extra headroom for metadata, thumbnails, or multiple quality versions if your system generates them.

Does audio count toward the video's storage size?+

Yes, if the bitrate you enter is the combined video-plus-audio bitrate (as it usually is for a finished file), audio is already included. Audio typically adds a relatively small amount, often 128-320 kbps, compared to typical video bitrates.