Audio File Size
Calculator

Inputs

File size mb
86.4

Results

File size mb
86.4

Media and photography results

File size mb86.4

formula-map diagram

File size mb
86.4

Media and photography relationship

Formula

size = rate × depth × channels × seconds ÷ 8

= 86.4

Note

This result uses the values you entered and a simplified planning equation; verify quantities and local requirements before purchasing or building.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between this calculator and a dedicated WAV or bitrate calculator?+

This is a general-purpose version of the same underlying formula, letting you estimate size for either compressed (bitrate-based: bitrate x duration / 8) or uncompressed (sample rate x bit depth x channels x duration / 8) audio, depending on which format you select. The math is identical to the dedicated calculators, just presented as one flexible tool.

Why does mono versus stereo make such a big difference in file size?+

Stereo audio stores two full, independent channels of data at the same sample rate and bit depth as mono's single channel, so it exactly doubles the total data (and file size) for the same duration and quality settings. This applies to both compressed and uncompressed formats.

How much smaller is a compressed audio file compared to uncompressed for the same content?+

Lossy compression (MP3, AAC) typically shrinks file size by a factor of 5 to 11 compared to uncompressed WAV, depending on the chosen bitrate, because it discards audio data judged less perceptible to human hearing rather than storing every sample at full resolution.

Why would I want to know file size in advance rather than just checking after exporting?+

Estimating size before exporting or recording helps you plan storage needs, batch-process many files without running out of disk space, or verify a project will meet a platform's upload size limit, all without needing to actually render the audio first. This is especially useful for podcast or audiobook production involving many long files.

Does the calculator account for metadata like ID3 tags or album art?+

No, this calculation covers only the raw audio data itself, tag data, embedded album art, and file container overhead add a small additional amount on top, usually negligible (a few KB) compared to the audio data for anything longer than a very short clip.