Streaming Data Usage Calculator

How the calculation works

Streaming data use depends on the stream's bitrate, the amount of data per second needed to show the video. The calculator multiplies a typical bitrate for each quality by your viewing time:

To convert, multiply the bitrate in megabits per second by 3,600 seconds and divide by 8,000 to get gigabytes. For example, 6.5 Mbps × 3,600 ÷ 8,000 ≈ 2.9 GB per hour.

Real streams vary. Sports and fast-moving content need more data than a news studio, and broadcasters encode at different bitrates. Treat the results as a good estimate rather than an exact figure.

Ways to use less data

• Choose a lower quality on small screens. On a phone, HD looks almost identical to Full HD and uses half the data.
• Use Wi-Fi at home. Save mobile data for when you are out.
• Stop streams you are not watching. A TV left on a live channel keeps downloading.
• Check background usage. On Android, Settings › Network › Data usage shows which apps use the most.

Buffering rather than data?

Paying for mobile data? See what your viewing costs with the streaming cost calculator.