Technology
Audio File Size Calculator
Estimate audio file size across MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC formats at various quality levels.
Select format, bitrate, and duration then click Calculate
How is this calculated?
File Size (MB) = Bitrate (kbps) × Duration (sec) ÷ 8 ÷ 1024
Format Sizes (per minute, stereo):
WAV 44.1/16: 10.6 MB/min (1,411 kbps)
FLAC: ~6.3 MB/min (~840 kbps, varies)
MP3 320: 2.4 MB/min
MP3 128: 0.96 MB/min
AAC 256: 1.92 MB/min
OGG 192: 1.44 MB/min
Streaming per hour = Bitrate × 3600 ÷ 8 ÷ 1024 MBFAQ
Frequently asked questions about audio file sizes
How do I calculate audio file size?
File Size (MB) = Bitrate (kbps) × Duration (seconds) ÷ 8 ÷ 1024. For example, a 3-minute MP3 at 320 kbps = 320 × 180 ÷ 8 ÷ 1024 ≈ 7.03 MB.
What's the best audio format for quality?
FLAC and WAV provide lossless quality. FLAC compresses to 50-70% of WAV size without losing quality. For lossy, AAC at 256 kbps and MP3 at 320 kbps are near-transparent for most listeners.
How much data does streaming music use?
Spotify Normal quality: ~96 kbps (~43 MB/hour). High: ~160 kbps (~72 MB/hour). Very High: ~320 kbps (~144 MB/hour). Lossless: ~1,411 kbps (~635 MB/hour).
What bitrate should I use for podcasts?
Mono speech: 64 kbps (MP3) or 48 kbps (AAC) is sufficient. Stereo music podcasts: 128-192 kbps. Higher bitrates waste bandwidth without audible improvement for voice.
How big is a typical album in different formats?
A 45-minute album: WAV ≈ 475 MB, FLAC ≈ 280 MB, MP3 320 kbps ≈ 108 MB, MP3 128 kbps ≈ 43 MB, AAC 256 kbps ≈ 86 MB.
Does sample rate affect file size?
Yes. CD quality (44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo) produces 1,411 kbps uncompressed. Hi-Res (96 kHz, 24-bit) produces 4,608 kbps — over 3× larger. Most listeners can't distinguish above 44.1 kHz.