Audio File Size vs Duration: How Much Space Does a Minute of Audio Take?
Before a long recording session you may want to know how much storage you need. For uncompressed WAV the answer is simple arithmetic.
The formula for WAV
Bytes per second = sample rate × bytes per sample × channels. Bit depth 16 means 2 bytes, 24 means 3 bytes.
| Setting | Per minute | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 16 kHz, 16-bit, mono | about 1.9 MB | about 115 MB |
| 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo | about 10.6 MB | about 635 MB |
| 48 kHz, 24-bit, mono | about 8.6 MB | about 518 MB |
| 48 kHz, 24-bit, stereo | about 17.3 MB | about 1.04 GB |
MP3 is different
MP3 size depends on the bitrate: roughly bitrate ÷ 8 bytes per second. At 128 kbps that is about 1 MB per minute. See MP3 bitrate explained.
Working backwards
If a file is much bigger or smaller than the table suggests for its length, its real settings may differ from what you expected, for example stereo instead of mono. Use the duration calculator to read lengths, and the quality checker to read the sample rate and channels.
Reducing size
Lower the sample rate or channels only if the project allows it. Otherwise see how to reduce audio file size.
Add up the length of many audio files at once, without uploading them.
Open the duration calculator