Live-stream data usage calculator

Estimate how much data you upload during a live stream, using the bitrates and streaming time you plan to use.

Why stream data usage matters

A stream constantly sends encoded video and audio upstream. Over a long broadcast, that adds up even if you never save a recording. If you have a mobile hotspot or an internet plan with a data allowance, estimating the upload volume helps you plan in advance.

Example: four hours of streaming

At 6 Mbps video and 160 kbps audio, a four-hour stream transmits approximately 11.09 GB of encoded media data (6.16 Mbps × 14,400 seconds ÷ 8,000). Network and protocol overhead can increase the actual data used.

Things this estimate does not include

• Extra data from chat, browser sources, game updates or other apps.
• Protocol overhead, retransmissions or multiple output streams.
• Separate local recordings saved to disk. Use the recording calculator for those.

Streaming vs recording

The same bitrate-duration math applies to both. Streaming focuses on data sent across your internet connection; recording focuses on space on a local drive. If you stream and record simultaneously at different settings, calculate them separately.

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