Media calculator

Bitrate Calculator

Estimate average audio or video bitrate from file size and duration.

Average bitrate is not quality by itself

Codec, resolution, frame rate, bit depth, motion complexity and encoder settings matter. Two files with the same bitrate can look very different if one uses a more efficient codec or a better encode.

Example

An 800 MB media file with a 600-second duration contains about 6,400 megabits before overhead. That works out to roughly 10.7 Mbps average bitrate, then adjusted for the overhead value you enter.

Common mistakes

Do not confuse MB with Mb. File sizes are usually bytes, while bitrate is usually bits per second. One byte equals 8 bits.

Limitations

The calculator estimates average bitrate only. It does not inspect the file, separate audio and video streams, account for variable bitrate peaks or evaluate visual quality.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-17

Before relying on this result

Use this calculator together with the formula, assumptions, limitations and examples on the page. If the topic involves health, tax, lending, investment, legal, safety or current-rate decisions, treat the number as an estimate and check the relevant primary source or professional guidance.

Calculator metadata last reviewed: 2026-05-14.