Data transfer time calculator
This calculator estimates how long a file takes to download or upload at a given speed. It handles the common mix-up between bytes for file sizes and bits for internet speeds. It is useful before backing up files, sending large videos or choosing an internet plan.
- Runs in your browser
- Free, no account needed
- Copy or download the result
Result
Example
1
Ideal seconds: 80 Ideal minutes: 1.33333333333 Ideal hours: 0.0222222222222 Assumes a steady rate with no transfer overhead.
How to use the data transfer time calculator
- Type the file size, such as 1, in the main box.
- Pick a File size unit, such as Gigabytes (GB) or Gibibytes (GiB).
- Enter the Transfer rate, greater than zero, and choose its Rate unit, such as Megabits per second (Mbit/s).
- Press Run to see the ideal time, then Copy result or Download.
How it works
File size units are B, kB, MB, GB, TB, KiB, MiB, GiB and TiB.
Rate units are bit/s, kbit/s, Mbit/s, Gbit/s, B/s, kB/s, MB/s and GB/s, all decimal.
The math uses eight bits per byte. For example, 1 GB at 100 Mbit/s takes 80 seconds.
The result is an ideal time at a steady rate with no protocol overhead. Real transfers are often slower because of network congestion, Wi-Fi conditions or slower equipment.
A rate of zero is rejected.
Everything runs in your browser. Your input is not uploaded or stored.
Questions and answers
How long does it take to download 1 GB at 100 Mbps?
At an ideal steady 100 megabits per second, 1 GB takes 80 seconds. Real downloads usually take somewhat longer.
Why is my download slower than my internet speed?
Speeds are sold in bits per second, while file sizes are in bytes, and one byte is eight bits. Overhead, Wi-Fi and busy servers can slow it further.
What is the difference between Mbps and MB/s?
Mbps is megabits per second and MB/s is megabytes per second. 100 Mbps equals 12.5 MB/s.
Does this test my actual connection?
No. It only does the math from the numbers you type. Nothing is sent over the network.