What is the difference between upload and download bandwidth?

The streamer (origin) needs upload bandwidth to push encoded video to the server or CDN. Each viewer needs download bandwidth to pull the stream. Total CDN egress = per-stream bitrate × number of concurrent viewers.

Why does the codec choice matter so much?

H.265, VP9, and AV1 achieve the same visual quality at roughly half the bitrate of H.264. For 100 concurrent 1080p streams, switching from H.264 to H.265 can cut CDN bandwidth costs by nearly 50%.

Does this include overhead for protocol and packaging?

The calculator applies a 10% overhead factor to account for HLS/DASH segment packaging, RTMP framing, and TCP/IP headers. Real-world usage may vary by 5–15% depending on segment length and network conditions.

What internet speed do I actually need to stream at 1080p60?

A stable upload of at least 8–12 Mbps is recommended for 1080p60 H.264 at high quality. Always aim for 1.5–2× the target bitrate to absorb network fluctuations without dropped frames.

How accurate are these bitrate estimates?

Estimates follow industry guidelines from Netflix, Apple HLS, and Twitch. Actual bitrates vary with content complexity (sports needs more, static screens need less). Use these as planning baselines, then tune with real encoder metrics.

Streaming Bandwidth Calculator

Name: Streaming Bandwidth Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Calculate the internet bandwidth required to stream video based on resolution, frame rate, codec, and number of concurrent viewers.

Stream Settings

Resolution

Frame Rate

Codec

Quality Tier

Audio Bitrate

Concurrent Viewers / Streams

How many viewers pull the stream simultaneously.

Configure settings and click Calculate Bandwidth

Copied!

Summary

Calculate the internet bandwidth required to stream video based on resolution, frame rate, codec, and number of concurrent viewers.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu