Streaming bitrate calculator
The right video bitrate for your resolution, FPS and connection, and the size of a recording.
How it works
Guidelines (H.264): 720p30 ≈ 3,000 kbps, 1080p60 ≈ 6,000 kbps (Twitch max ≈ 6,000), 4K60 ≈ 20,000 to 35,000 on YouTube. Keep about 25% headroom on your upload speed.
Results are for guidance only and do not replace professional advice.
Worked example
With the default values:
- Resolution1080p
- Frames per second60
- Your upload speed (Mbps)20
- Recording length (hours)2
you get:
- Recommended video bitrate6,000 kb/s
- Ideal bitrate for this setting6,000 kb/s
- Recommended audio160 kb/s (AAC)
- Your connectionEnough ✓
Frequently asked questions
How does the “Streaming bitrate calculator” tool work?
Guidelines (H.264): 720p30 ≈ 3,000 kbps, 1080p60 ≈ 6,000 kbps (Twitch max ≈ 6,000), 4K60 ≈ 20,000 to 35,000 on YouTube. Keep about 25% headroom on your upload speed.
What do I need to enter?
Just fill in: resolution, frames per second, your upload speed, recording length. The result updates as you type.
Can you give an example?
Resolution: 1080p; Frames per second: 60; Your upload speed (Mbps): 20; Recording length (hours): 2 → Recommended video bitrate: 6,000 kb/s; Ideal bitrate for this setting: 6,000 kb/s.
Is this calculator free, and is my data private?
Yes. HOD Calc is completely free with no sign-up. The calculation runs in your browser: nothing you type is sent or stored.