Stream data and bitrate calculator
Two questions every streamer asks: what quality can my connection carry, and how many GB will I use a month? Work out both here.
The right bitrate for your connection
Measure your upload speed on a speed-test site and enter it here; we suggest a safe bitrate and resolution.
Monthly data use
Traffic is the data sent to each destination; traffic to Iranian platforms counts at 0.5×.
You'd use more than the largest plan. You can stack several plans (their traffic adds up) or, for a custom plan, contact us.
How stream data is calculated
An hour of streaming is the bitrate times the time: data (GB) = bitrate (Mbps) × 3600 ÷ 8 ÷ 1024. For example, 6 Mbps video with 160 Kbps audio comes to about 2.6 GB an hour.
When restreaming, that amount is sent to each destination, so two international destinations means twice as much. Traffic to Iranian platforms such as Aparat counts at a lower rate. See the pricing to pick a plan.
FAQ
How much data does an hour of 1080p streaming use?
At 6 Mbps (1080p at 60 fps) an hour uses about 2.6 GB per destination. At 4.5 Mbps (1080p at 30 fps) it's about 2 GB.
What upload speed do I need to stream?
At least 1.3 to 1.5 times your bitrate. For 1080p60 at 6 Mbps, a steady 8 Mbps upload or more is right. With restreaming you send only one stream, so that speed is enough for every platform.
Is a higher bitrate always better?
No. If the bitrate is more than your upload can carry, you get dropped frames and disconnects. A smooth picture at a slightly lower bitrate beats a sharp one that keeps stuttering.
How much of my own internet does it use?
Your connection carries the stream once, not once per platform. Your restream plan's traffic, however, counts each destination separately.