What is a sample rate?

Sample rate is the number of audio samples captured per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Common rates are 44100 Hz (CD quality), 48000 Hz (broadcast/video standard), 88200 Hz, 96000 Hz, and 192000 Hz (high-resolution audio).

How are samples converted between rates?

The converted sample count is calculated by multiplying the source sample count by the ratio of target rate to source rate: converted = samples × (target_rate ÷ source_rate). This tool uses that formula directly.

How is the file size estimated?

For uncompressed PCM audio: file size (bytes) = sample_count × channels × (bit_depth ÷ 8). This does not account for compressed formats like MP3, AAC, or FLAC; it assumes raw PCM such as WAV or AIFF.

Why do 44100 Hz and 48000 Hz coexist?

44100 Hz originated with CD audio and consumer music production. 48000 Hz became the standard for video and broadcast (DAT, DVDs, professional video equipment). Many projects need to convert between them when mixing music for film or video.

Does this tool resample the actual audio?

No. This is a calculator only — it converts numbers and estimates sizes. Actual audio resampling requires a DAW or tool such as SoX, Adobe Audition, or a dedicated sample rate conversion library.

What bit depths should I choose?

16-bit is standard for CD/distribution. 24-bit is the professional recording and mixing standard. 32-bit float is used internally by most DAWs for processing headroom. 32-bit integer is less common but supported by some hardware.

Sample Rate Converter

Name: Sample Rate Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter a sample count and two sample rates to instantly convert samples, calculate audio duration, and estimate PCM file sizes.

Conversion Inputs

Sample Count

Number of audio samples in the source file or buffer.

Source Sample Rate (Hz)

Target Sample Rate (Hz)

Bit Depth

Channels

Bit depth and channels are used only for the PCM file size estimate.

Converted Sample Count

—

at target sample rate

Duration (source)

—

Duration (target)

—

PCM Size (source)

—

PCM Size (target)

—

Conversion Ratio

—

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Summary

Enter a sample count and two sample rates to instantly convert samples, calculate audio duration, and estimate PCM file sizes.

How it works

Enter the number of samples in your source audio.
Select or type the source sample rate (e.g. 44100 Hz).
Select or type the target sample rate (e.g. 48000 Hz).
The converted sample count, duration, and file size estimates appear instantly.
Adjust bit depth and channel count to refine the file size estimate.

Use cases

Convert a sample offset or loop point from one project sample rate to another.
Estimate the PCM/WAV file size before exporting at a given sample rate.
Check how many samples a specific duration contains at any sample rate.
Plan storage requirements when recording multi-track sessions at 96 kHz.
Align audio buffer sizes across different hardware or software configurations.
Verify sample counts when transferring stems between DAWs with different session rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed by Nham Vu