Quick answer: Upload time is file size divided by upload speed plus overhead: 1 GB takes about 7.5 minutes at 20 Mbps, 3 minutes at 50 Mbps and 1.5 minutes at 100 Mbps (with 10% overhead). Enter your size and speed here for your own figure; 1 MB/s equals 8 Mbps.
Find out how long it takes to upload a file before you start: enter the size and your upload speed. Mbps, MB/s and overhead are handled for you.
Upload time calculator at a glance
| Price | Free, no sign-up, no watermark, no daily limit |
|---|---|
| Where it runs | In your browser |
| Works on | Any modern browser on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Send the result | Download it, or send it free with a link or by email (up to 20 GB) |
How to use the upload time calculator
- Enter the file size and pick MB, GB or TB.
- Enter your upload speed from a speed test, in Mbps (or MB/s).
- Keep the overhead allowance on for a realistic estimate.
- Read the time and the table for other speeds; copy the link to share it.
The formula
Time in seconds = file size in megabytes × 8 ÷ speed in megabits per second. The × 8 is there because files are measured in bytes and connections in bits. So 1 GB (1,000 MB) at 20 Mbps takes 1,000 × 8 ÷ 20 = 400 seconds, about 7 minutes; with 10% overhead, about 7.5 minutes.
| File | 10 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 MB | 1.5 min | 18 s | 9 s |
| 1 GB | 15 min | 3 min | 1.5 min |
| 10 GB | 2.5 hours | 30 min | 15 min |
Including 10% overhead; 1 GB = 1,000 MB.
Why uploads are slower than you expect
- Upload is not download: many cable and DSL plans upload at a tenth of their download speed. Run a speed test and use the upload figure.
- Wi-Fi: a weak signal can halve the speed; a cable or sitting near the router helps.
- Other traffic: cloud backups and video calls share the same upload.
Upload once, share a link
Sending a big file to several people? Upload it once and share the link: each recipient downloads at their own speed, and you never upload it again. Send files up to 20 GB free, no sign-up. For video, the video file size calculator tells you how big a recording will be first.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to upload 1 GB?
About 7.5 minutes at 20 Mbps, 3 minutes at 50 Mbps and 1.5 minutes at 100 Mbps, allowing 10% overhead.
What is the difference between Mbps and MB/s?
Mbps is megabits per second, used for connection speeds. MB/s is megabytes per second, used by some apps. 1 MB/s = 8 Mbps.
How do I find my upload speed?
Run any internet speed test and use the upload result, not the download one.
Can I share the result?
Yes. The inputs are saved in the page address; copy the link.
Need to send a big file?
Send files up to 20 GB with a download link or by email. Free, no account needed, original quality.
Send large files free