Download Time Calculator
Estimate how long it takes to download any file at different internet speeds.
Enter file size in MB or GB and connection speed to get the result.
Download Time Calculator
Download time depends on two things: the size of the file and the speed of your connection. The calculation converts both to the same unit — bits — and divides.
Formula:
Download Time (seconds) = File Size (bits) / Connection Speed (bits per second)
Unit conversions:
| Storage unit | Bits |
|---|---|
| 1 byte | 8 bits |
| 1 kilobyte (KB) | 8,000 bits |
| 1 megabyte (MB) | 8,000,000 bits |
| 1 gigabyte (GB) | 8,000,000,000 bits |
| 1 terabyte (TB) | 8,000,000,000,000 bits |
Note: This calculator uses SI decimal units (1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes), which is how internet speeds are marketed.
Speed reference guide:
| Connection type | Typical speed |
|---|---|
| 3G mobile | 1 – 10 Mbps |
| Home broadband (entry) | 25 – 50 Mbps |
| Home broadband (standard) | 100 – 200 Mbps |
| Home broadband (fast) | 500 – 1,000 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 6 (local) | Up to 9,600 Mbps |
| 5G mobile | 100 – 2,000 Mbps |
Why actual download is slower than advertised:
ISP speeds are “up to” values shared across your neighborhood. Protocol overhead, server limits, Wi-Fi signal, and peak-hour congestion all reduce real-world throughput. A practical rule of thumb: expect 60–80% of your advertised speed for large downloads.
Common file size reference:
| File type | Typical size |
|---|---|
| MP3 song (4 min) | ~4 MB |
| HD movie (1080p) | 4 – 8 GB |
| 4K movie | 15 – 80 GB |
| PC game (modern) | 50 – 150 GB |
| Operating system ISO | 4 – 6 GB |