Audio File Size Calculator
Calculate audio file sizes for any format including MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, and OGG. Get accurate estimates based on bitrate, sample rate, and duration.
Audio Format
Duration
Result
Storage Capacity
About MP3
MP3 is the most widely supported lossy audio format. Good balance between file size and quality. 128 kbps is acceptable for casual listening, 192+ kbps for critical listening.
How Audio File Size is Calculated
Lossy Formats (MP3, AAC, OGG)
File Size (MB) = (Bitrate in kbps × Duration in seconds) ÷ 8192
Example: 128 kbps × 180 seconds ÷ 8192 = 2.81 MB
Lossy formats use compression to reduce file size by removing audio data that's less perceptible to human hearing. Higher bitrates preserve more audio information.
Lossless Formats (WAV, FLAC, AIFF)
File Size (MB) = (Sample Rate × Bit Depth × Channels × Duration) ÷ 8,388,608
Example: 44,100 Hz × 16 bits × 2 channels × 180 sec ÷ 8,388,608 = 30.2 MB
Lossless formats preserve all original audio data. FLAC and ALAC compress without quality loss (typically 40-60% of WAV size). WAV and AIFF store uncompressed audio.
Recommended Bitrates by Use Case
| Use Case | Format | Bitrate/Quality | File Size (per minute) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice/Podcast | MP3/AAC | 64-96 kbps | 0.5-0.7 MB |
| Music (casual) | MP3/AAC | 128-160 kbps | 1.0-1.2 MB |
| Music (high quality) | MP3/AAC | 256-320 kbps | 2.0-2.4 MB |
| Archival | FLAC | Lossless | 20-30 MB |
| Professional | WAV | 16-bit/44.1kHz | 10.1 MB |
| Studio Master | WAV | 24-bit/96kHz | 33.1 MB |
Format Comparison
- MP3: Most compatible. Good compression. 128-320 kbps typical. ~1 MB per minute at 128 kbps.
- AAC: Better quality than MP3 at same bitrate. Used by Apple, YouTube. Not as universally supported.
- OGG Vorbis: Open-source alternative to MP3. Better quality at lower bitrates. Used in gaming and streaming.
- WAV: Uncompressed, lossless. Very large files. Universal compatibility. No metadata support.
- FLAC: Lossless compression. 40-60% smaller than WAV. Supports metadata. Not playable on all devices.
- ALAC: Apple's lossless codec. Similar to FLAC. Better Apple ecosystem support.
Common Audio Scenarios
3-Minute Song
MP3, 192 kbps, Stereo
4.3 MB
1-Hour Podcast
MP3, 96 kbps, Mono
43.2 MB
10-Hour Audiobook
AAC, 64 kbps, Mono
281 MB
Album (FLAC)
12 tracks, 50 minutes, 16-bit/44.1kHz
350-500 MB
Frequently Asked Questions
What bitrate should I use for music?
For casual listening, 128-160 kbps MP3/AAC is acceptable. For better quality, use 192-256 kbps. Audiophiles should use 320 kbps MP3 or lossless formats like FLAC. Most people can't distinguish between 256 kbps and lossless on typical speakers/headphones.
What's the difference between lossy and lossless?
Lossy formats (MP3, AAC) discard audio data to reduce file size. You can't recover the original quality. Lossless formats (FLAC, ALAC) compress without losing quality - they can be decompressed to exact original. Lossless files are 5-10x larger than lossy.
How many songs fit on my device?
At 128 kbps MP3 (3.5 MB per song average): 1 GB = ~285 songs, 16 GB = ~4,570 songs, 64 GB = ~18,285 songs. At 256 kbps: 1 GB = ~143 songs. For FLAC: 1 GB = ~33 songs.
Should I use WAV or FLAC?
FLAC is better for most purposes - it's 40-60% smaller than WAV while maintaining identical quality, and supports metadata (artist, album, etc.). Use WAV only when you need maximum compatibility or for audio editing to avoid compression overhead.
What sample rate should I record at?
44.1 kHz at 16-bit is CD quality and sufficient for most uses. Use 48 kHz for video soundtracks. Higher rates (96/192 kHz, 24-bit) are for professional production but create much larger files with minimal audible benefit for final releases.