How much storage will an OBS recording use?
OBS Studio can produce files of very different sizes depending on encoder settings and motion in the footage. Use bitrate math to plan an approximate storage budget.
Start with the average bitrate
If you configure a constant bitrate, the stated value provides a useful estimate. With variable bitrate or quality-based recording, the actual average can vary. If you have an existing recording, you can estimate an effective bitrate by dividing its measured size by its duration rather than guessing.
Illustrative one-hour examples
These are mathematical scenarios, not recommended OBS settings. Each assumes 192 kbps audio, 60 minutes and no significant container overhead.
| Video bitrate | Estimated 1-hour file | 10 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Mbps | 3.69 GB | 36.86 GB |
| 18 Mbps | 8.19 GB | 81.86 GB |
| 30 Mbps | 13.59 GB | 135.86 GB |
A practical recording workflow
- Choose your expected recording duration.
- Check the rate-control method in your recording software.
- Enter an estimated average video bitrate and audio bitrate in the recording size calculator.
- Make a short test recording with content similar to your actual footage.
- Compare the real file size with the estimate and adjust your planning margin.
Why codec choice can change the outcome
Different codecs can deliver different visual quality at the same bitrate. The size formula only depends on bitrate and time; it cannot predict how attractive a given encoder setting will look. It also doesn't account for multiple audio tracks, container metadata or unexpectedly high bitrate spikes.
Math-based estimates are not guarantees. Values depend on actual average bitrate, container overhead and your network or device.