FREE CREATOR GUIDE

Target bitrate calculator: fit a video into your size limit

Have a maximum file-size target? Work backwards from minutes and storage to estimate the average video bitrate that fits.

Calculate it

Result—

How the calculation works

We convert gigabytes to megabits (1 GB = 8,000 megabits) and divide by seconds. Then we subtract the audio rate to estimate the remaining budget for the video track. This assumes a relatively consistent average bitrate. Real exports have container overhead and variability; aim below the calculated ceiling if your limit is strict.

Worked example: 1 GB for ten minutes

A 10-minute file with 192 kbps audio leaves an estimated video bitrate of 13.14 Mbps (1 × 8,000 ÷ 600 − 0.192). If you have a strict 1 GB upload limit, use a slightly lower setting to allow for overhead.

For a video encoder using variable bitrate or a quality-based rate-control mode, the value is a target average, not a guaranteed upper bound.

When this calculator is useful

Planning a recorded clip before a size-restricted upload.
Estimating an export bitrate when you know the duration.
Comparing different storage budgets for a long recording.

Related tools

Try the recording file-size calculator to estimate what a bitrate will produce, or the upload speed calculator to plan the transfer.

Math-based estimates are not guarantees. Values depend on actual average bitrate, container overhead and your network or device.