Memory Card Photo Capacity Calculator
Calculate how many photos or minutes of video fit on a memory card based on card size, resolution, and file format.
Memory Card Capacity for photos and video depends on the card size, image resolution, file format, and compression.
The basic formula:
Number of Photos = Card Size (MB) / Average File Size (MB)
Video Minutes = Card Size (MB) / Video Bitrate (MB/min)
Average photo file sizes by format and resolution:
JPEG (compressed):
- 12 MP (4000×3000): 3-6 MB
- 24 MP (6000×4000): 6-12 MB
- 45 MP (8192×5464): 12-20 MB
- 61 MP (9504×6336): 15-25 MB
RAW (uncompressed or lossless):
- 12 MP: 12-15 MB
- 24 MP: 25-35 MB
- 45 MP: 45-65 MB
- 61 MP: 60-120 MB
RAW+JPEG (both saved): Add both file sizes together for combined storage per shot.
Video storage rates:
- 1080p 30fps (H.264): ~130 MB/min
- 1080p 60fps (H.264): ~200 MB/min
- 4K 30fps (H.264): ~375 MB/min
- 4K 60fps (H.264): ~600 MB/min
- 4K 30fps (H.265/HEVC): ~250 MB/min
- 8K 30fps: ~1,000-2,400 MB/min (varies widely)
Common memory card sizes:
- 16 GB = 16,000 MB
- 32 GB = 32,000 MB
- 64 GB = 64,000 MB
- 128 GB = 128,000 MB
- 256 GB = 256,000 MB
- 512 GB = 512,000 MB
- 1 TB = 1,000,000 MB
Real-world capacity is about 93-95% of stated capacity because manufacturers use base-10 (1 GB = 1,000 MB) while computers use base-2 (1 GB = 1,024 MB).
Speed class matters too: For video recording, make sure your card meets the minimum write speed for your resolution. 4K typically requires UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or Video Speed Class 30 (V30).
Pro tip: Two 64 GB cards are often safer than one 128 GB card. If a card fails, you only lose half your photos.