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Encoded Media and PCM Size Calculator

Estimate audio or combined-stream storage from average bitrate, or choose explicit PCM parameters. Add overhead and compare bytes, MB and MiB.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Total average bitrate (kbps), Duration (seconds), Container and metadata overhead (bytes), Sample rate (Hz), and 2 more
Output to expect
Estimated encoded file size, Planned PCM file size
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Encoded size from average bitrate

Payload bytes = ceil(total average kbps × 1000 × seconds ÷ 8); total bytes = payload + overhead A constant-average bitrate storage estimate.

PCM storage from sample frames

Frames = ceil(sample rate × seconds); payload bytes = frames × stored bits per sample ÷ 8 × channels; total = payload + overhead A byte-aligned PCM model.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

Identify every encoded stream included in the file. Sum their average bitrates and enter the duration in seconds. Add the container/metadata allowance separately. Check the actual exported byte size and playback.

Read the actual stored sample width, sample rate and channel count. Enter duration in seconds and a separate overhead allowance. Compare both MB and MiB with the host’s documented units. Inspect the exported file for its actual byte size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying encoded size from average bitrate outside its measurement scope

A quality setting is not a measured bitrate for variable bitrate encoding. This does not predict codec quality, upload speed, peak network traffic or archive retention. For PCM, use the explicit sample-format mode.

Applying pcm storage from sample frames outside its measurement scope

A 24-bit signal stored in a 32-bit container occupies 4 bytes per channel sample. WAV, AIFF and other containers have variable metadata and headers; no fixed header size is assumed. Compressed or lossless codecs require the encoded-bitrate mode or a measured file.

FAQ

Yes, with its combined average video and audio bitrate. The streaming bitrate may differ from the recording settings.

Use a measured or explicitly assumed average bitrate; the tool cannot infer compression from the file extension.

Encoder behavior, metadata, additional tracks and container overhead affect the total.

1 MB is 1,000,000 bytes; 1 MiB is 1,048,576 bytes.

No. Check its codec and stored sample format.

PCM stores whole frames. The model chooses enough frames to cover the entered duration.

About Encoded Media and PCM Size Calculator

Estimate audio or combined-stream storage from average bitrate, or choose explicit PCM parameters. Add overhead and compare bytes, MB and MiB.