Quick answer: The bitrate for a target size is the size in bits divided by the length in seconds, minus the audio bitrate. A 10 MB, one-minute video needs about 1.3 Mbps in total, roughly 1,180 kbps video with 128 kbps audio. Enter your size and length for the exact figure.
Need a video to come out at an exact size, like 10 MB for Discord or 2 GB for a delivery limit? Enter the size and the length and get the bitrate to set in your encoder.
Video bitrate calculator at a glance
| Price | Free, no sign-up, no watermark, no daily limit |
|---|---|
| Where it runs | In your browser |
| Works on | Chrome and Edge, Safari 17+, Firefox 130+ 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 video bitrate calculator
- Enter the target file size in MB or GB.
- Enter the length of the video.
- Choose the audio bitrate you will use.
- Set the video bitrate shown in your encoder, or copy the FFmpeg command.
The formula
Video bitrate = (target size in bits ÷ length in seconds) − audio bitrate. One megabyte is 8,000,000 bits, so 10 MB over 60 seconds is 1,333 kbps in total; with 128 kbps audio that leaves about 1,200 kbps for the video. The calculator keeps 2% in reserve for the MP4 container and for encoders that overshoot a little.
Is the bitrate enough?
A useful rule of thumb for H.264 is bits per pixel: bitrate ÷ (width × height × frame rate). Around 0.1 looks good, 0.05 is acceptable for web video, and below that the picture turns blocky. The calculator suggests the largest resolution that keeps about 0.07 at 30 fps.
| Resolution at 30 fps | Good from about |
|---|---|
| 720p | 2 Mbps |
| 1080p | 4.5 Mbps |
| 4K | 17 Mbps |
Let the browser do it
Two-pass encoding in FFmpeg or HandBrake hits a size most precisely. No encoder installed? Compress video takes a target size, works out the bitrate and resolution and checks the result, on your device, for free. Ready-made presets: for Discord, for email.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate gives a 10 MB one-minute video?
About 1.3 Mbps in total, so roughly 1,180 kbps video with 128 kbps audio after a small reserve. That suits 720p or lower.
Why is my file bigger than planned?
Single-pass encoders often overshoot. Use two-pass encoding, or aim a few percent lower.
Does the frame rate change the bitrate?
Not the bitrate needed for a size, but the quality: at 60 fps each frame gets half the data it gets at 30 fps.
Can I share the result?
Yes. The inputs are kept 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