Recording Time Calculator – Hours per GB

Calculate how many hours of video or audio you can record per GB or TB of storage.

About This Calculator

Calculate how many hours of video or audio you can record per GB or TB of storage. Use the calculator above for instant results.

Worked Examples

Example 1: 256 GB card, 100 Mbps (4K)

  • 256 × 1024 × 8 / 100 / 3600 = 5.8 hours

Answer: 5.8 hours

Example 2: 1 TB drive, 20 Mbps (1080p)

  • 1024 × 1024 × 8 / 20 / 3600 = 116 hours

Answer: ~116 hours

Example 3: 64 GB card, 50 Mbps drone

  • 64 × 1024 × 8 / 50 / 3600 = 2.9 hours

Answer: ~2.9 hours

Who Uses This Calculator?

📹
Camera Operators

Know how long your card will record.

🎥
Filmmakers

Plan shoot storage needs.

📱
Mobile Videographers

Check phone storage before filming.

📊
Surveillance

Plan recording storage for cameras.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Dual codec recording

Many cameras record both a proxy (small) and original (large) file simultaneously. Only count the larger bitrate.

❌ Buffer vs card speed

High-speed recording (4K 120fps) requires fast UHS-II or CFexpress cards. Slow cards cause recording to stop mid-shoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much storage for a wedding?

4K at 100 Mbps for 8 hours = ~360 GB. Always bring 50% more than calculated.

SD card speeds?

V60 = 60 MB/s minimum write (4K up to 200 Mbps). V90 = 90 MB/s (4K+ up to 400 Mbps). Check your camera's required spec.

Hours per GB by quality?

4K 100 Mbps: 0.02 hrs/GB. 1080p 20 Mbps: 0.11 hrs/GB. 1080p 8 Mbps: 0.28 hrs/GB. 720p 4 Mbps: 0.57 hrs/GB.