Video Resolution Calculator
Free online video resolution calculator. No sign-up, no installation. Runs entirely in your browser.
Streaming Bitrate Standards
| Resolution | Netflix | YouTube | Twitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360p | 0.5 Mbps | 0.5–1.0 Mbps | 0.5–2.5 Mbps |
| 480p | 1.0 Mbps | 1.0–2.5 Mbps | 1.5–4.0 Mbps |
| 720p | 2.5 Mbps | 2.5–5.0 Mbps | 4.5–9.0 Mbps |
| 1080p | 5.0–15.0 Mbps | 5.0–10.0 Mbps | 9.0–51.0 Mbps |
| 1440p | 15.0 Mbps | 10.0–20.0 Mbps | — |
| 4K | 20.0–25.0 Mbps | 35.0–45.0 Mbps | — |
What is a Video Resolution Calculator?
A video resolution calculator is a tool that estimates video file sizes and bitrates based on your encoding parameters. Whether you're planning storage, optimizing streaming bitrates, or comparing compression across codecs, this calculator helps you make informed decisions. It works in two directions: calculate file size from resolution settings, or work backwards from a target file size to find required bitrate and resolution.
How to Use This Tool
Forward Mode: Select your video resolution (or enter custom dimensions), frame rate, codec type, quality preset, and video duration. Click "Calculate" to get the estimated file size and required bitrate. Use this when planning encoding or storage space.
Reverse Mode: Enter your target file size limit and video duration, then calculate the bitrate you need to fit within that constraint. The tool suggests an appropriate resolution for the required bitrate. Use this when you have storage/bandwidth limits and need to find compatible settings.
Common Use Cases
- Streaming Setup: Match YouTube, Twitch, or Netflix requirements—e.g., 1080p60 ≈ 8–10 Mbps
- Storage Planning: Calculate total disk space needed for video libraries before backup or archival
- Bandwidth Estimation: Plan data usage for streaming or downloading over limited connections
- Codec Comparison: Compare file sizes across H.264, H.265, AV1 to find the best compression
- Live Broadcasting: Set OBS, Streamlabs, or hardware encoder bitrate to match platform specs
- Constraint-Based Encoding: Work backwards from file size or bandwidth limits to find valid settings
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between H.264, H.265, and AV1?
H.264 is the industry standard (2003) with universal support. H.265 (HEVC) offers 50% better compression but has licensing complexity. AV1 is the newest, royalty-free codec with ~40% compression vs. H.264, but requires more processing power to encode. Choose H.264 for compatibility, H.265 for efficiency, AV1 for future-proofing.
Why are my calculations different from real files?
This calculator estimates bitrate based on typical compression ratios. Real files vary due to scene complexity, encoder settings, audio bitrate, container overhead, and keyframe intervals. Use these estimates as baseline figures, not guarantees. Actual files may differ by 10–30%.
What bitrate should I use for YouTube uploads?
YouTube recommends: 360p (0.5–1 Mbps), 480p (1–2.5 Mbps), 720p (2.5–5 Mbps), 1080p (5–10 Mbps), 1440p (10–20 Mbps), 4K (35–45 Mbps). Upload at the high end—YouTube will transcode, but higher quality input improves their algorithm's output.
Can I use this for live streaming?
Yes. Use the forward calculator to find bitrate for your resolution and frame rate, then set your streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs) to that value. Platform recommendations: Twitch 1080p60 = 9 Mbps, YouTube Live 1080p60 = 10 Mbps, Facebook Live varies by audience size.
What's the difference between quality presets?
Quality presets control compression aggressiveness. Low = maximum compression (smaller files, lower quality), Medium = balanced (typical), High = less compression (larger files, better quality), Lossless = no compression (huge files, perfect quality). Most streaming uses Medium–High.
How does custom resolution work?
Select "Custom W×H" from the dropdown and enter pixel width and height (e.g., 1024×576). The calculator estimates bitrate based on pixel count relative to 1080p. Bitrate scales roughly with total pixel count: doubling pixels roughly doubles bitrate.