Estimate how long a file takes to download at a given connection speed.
What this calculator does
Enter a file size and your connection speed and this calculator estimates the download time, handling the difference between megabits and megabytes.
Remember 8 bits make a byte — a 50 Mbps line moves about 6.25 MB per second.
Try it with these numbers
As an example, with a file size of 700, connection speed of 50, the calculator returns a download time of 2 min. Alongside it, Speed comes out at 6.25 MB/s. Change any field and every figure updates as you type.
How to fill it in
- Enter the file size and unit.
- Enter your connection speed and unit.
- Read the estimated download time.
The formula
time = file size (bits) ÷ speed (bits per second)
1 byte = 8 bits
FAQ
Why is my download slower than my plan?
Plans are quoted in megabits (Mbps) but files are in megabytes (MB). Divide the Mbps by 8 for MB per second, before overhead.
What’s the difference between Mbps and MB/s?
Mbps is megabits per second; MB/s is megabytes per second, eight times larger. This tool converts between them.
Does this account for overhead?
It’s a theoretical best case. Real transfers are a bit slower due to protocol overhead and congestion.