Audio File Size Calculation Formula

Audio File Size Formula:

\[ \text{size} = \text{sample\_rate} \times \left(\frac{\text{bit\_depth}}{8}\right) \times \text{channels} \times \text{duration} \]

Sample Rate:

Bit Depth:

bits

Channels:

(1=mono, 2=stereo)

Duration:

seconds

File Size:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Audio File Size Formula?

The audio file size calculation formula determines the storage space required for uncompressed digital audio based on the audio's technical parameters. It's essential for storage planning and bandwidth considerations in audio production and distribution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the audio file size equation:

\[ \text{size} = \text{sample\_rate} \times \left(\frac{\text{bit\_depth}}{8}\right) \times \text{channels} \times \text{duration} \]

Where:

\( \text{sample\_rate} \) — Samples per second (Hz)
\( \text{bit\_depth} \) — Bits per sample
\( \text{channels} \) — Number of audio channels
\( \text{duration} \) — Length of audio in seconds

Explanation: The formula calculates the raw data size by multiplying the number of samples (sample_rate × duration) by the size of each sample (bit_depth/8 bytes) and the number of channels.

3. Importance of File Size Calculation

Details: Understanding audio file sizes helps in storage planning, bandwidth requirements for streaming, and choosing appropriate audio formats for different applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter standard values like 44100 Hz for CD quality, 16-bit depth, 2 channels for stereo. Duration can be in seconds (e.g., 180 for 3 minutes).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this formula work for compressed audio?
A: No, this calculates uncompressed (PCM) audio size. Compressed formats (MP3, AAC) will be smaller depending on compression ratio.

Q2: What's the difference between bit depth and bitrate?
A: Bit depth is bits per sample, while bitrate (kbps) is bits per second (sample_rate × bit_depth × channels).

Q3: How does sample rate affect quality?
A: Higher sample rates can capture higher frequencies (Nyquist theorem states max frequency is sample_rate/2).

Q4: What are common bit depth values?
A: 16-bit (CD quality), 24-bit (professional audio), 32-bit float (high-end production).

Q5: How to calculate for multiple files?
A: Calculate each file separately or sum their durations before calculation if parameters are identical.