Streaming Bandwidth Calculator
Calculate the internet bandwidth required to stream video based on resolution, frame rate, codec, and number of concurrent viewers.
Use the Streaming Bandwidth Calculator
Stream Settings
How many viewers pull the stream simultaneously.
Configure settings and click Calculate Bandwidth
Per Stream
—
Mbps
Total Egress
—
Mbps
Recommended
—
Mbps upload
Monthly Data
—
GB (24h/day)
Bandwidth Breakdown
Codec Comparison (same resolution & quality tier)
Estimates include a 10% protocol overhead (HLS/DASH packaging, TCP/IP headers). Recommended upload = 1.5× the per-stream bitrate to absorb network spikes. Monthly data assumes continuous 24-hour streaming.
Summary
Streaming Bandwidth Calculator estimates the total internet bandwidth you need to deliver live or on-demand video. Enter your resolution, frame rate, codec, audio quality, and number of simultaneous streams to get the required upload (origin) and download (viewer) bandwidth in Mbps. Calculations are based on industry-standard bitrate targets for H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, and AV1, and run entirely in your browser.
How it works
- Select the video resolution and frame rate for your stream.
- Choose the video codec (H.264, H.265, VP9, or AV1) and quality tier.
- Pick an audio bitrate appropriate for your content.
- Enter the number of concurrent viewers or streams.
- Click "Calculate" to see per-stream bandwidth, total origin upload, and viewer download requirements.
Use cases
- Size the upload bandwidth needed before going live on YouTube, Twitch, or a custom RTMP server.
- Estimate CDN egress costs for a VOD or live streaming platform.
- Plan data center or colocation bandwidth for a multi-stream encoder farm.
- Compare bandwidth savings when switching from H.264 to H.265 or AV1.
- Determine whether a home internet connection can handle simultaneous 4K streams.
- Budget monthly data transfer for a subscription video service.