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Download Time Calculator

Enter the file size and your internet speed to see how long a download takes. Plan speeds are in megabits per second, while files are in bytes, so this does the conversion for you.

The size of the file, game or backup. Decimal units: 1 GB = 1,000 MB.

Size unit
Mbps

Your plan speed in megabits per second, for example 100 Mbps or 500 Mbps. A speed test shows what you really get.

Advanced
%

Wi-Fi, the server and network overhead usually leave you below the plan speed. 90 is a common assumption; use 100 for the ideal case.

This result is an estimate only. Check with your bank or the relevant authority before making decisions.

How it is calculated

  • File size in bits = size × 8 × bytes per unit (MB = 1,000,000 bytes, GB = 1,000,000,000, TB = 1,000,000,000,000)
  • Real speed = plan speed in Mbps × 1,000,000 × efficiency %
  • Time in seconds = file size in bits ÷ real speed in bits per second

Working with video or screens? Try the aspect ratio calculator and the screen PPI calculator.

Worked example

A 5 GB file on a 100 Mbps plan at 90% efficiency:

  • File size: 5 × 1,000,000,000 × 8 = 40,000,000,000 bits
  • Real speed: 100 × 1,000,000 × 0.9 = 90,000,000 bits per second
  • Time: 40,000,000,000 ÷ 90,000,000 = 444 seconds, which is 0:07:24

Why your number may differ

Real speeds change from second to second. Servers can limit speed, Wi-Fi can drop it, and some downloads start slowly. Operating systems often show file sizes in 1,024-based units, which makes the file look about 7% larger than in decimal units. Treat the result as an estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my download slower than the plan speed?

Plan speeds are the maximum in megabits per second. Wi-Fi quality, the server you download from, network overhead and other devices on your connection all reduce the real speed.

What is the difference between Mbps and MB/s?

Mbps is megabits per second and MB/s is megabytes per second. There are 8 bits in a byte, so 100 Mbps is at most 12.5 MB/s.

Does this work for uploads?

Yes. Use your upload speed instead of your download speed. Upload speeds on home plans are often lower.

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