Download Time Calculator
How long it takes to download a file at a given speed.
Tip: Note: internet providers advertise speed in Mbps (megabits), not MB/s (megabytes). 1 MB/s = 8 Mbps.
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About this digital tool
The download time calculator tells you how long it will take to download a file based on its size and your internet speed. Enter the size in MB or GB and the speed in Mbps or MB/s, and get the time in hours, minutes and seconds.
The formula is the size in megabits divided by the speed in Mbps. The tool converts GB to MB (1 GB = 1024 MB) and MB/s to Mbps (multiplies by 8) before calculating. The result is an ideal time; real speed may be lower because of the network, the server and the protocol. The tool is handy for large games, updates, films or cloud backups.
How to use
- Enter the file size and choose MB or GB.
- Enter the internet speed and choose Mbps or MB/s.
- Read the download time in hours, minutes and seconds.
- Compare with the rows of minutes and hours for a clearer picture.
Frequently asked questions
Why is real speed lower than advertised?
Network congestion, distance from the server, WiFi versus cable and protocols add delays. The advertised speed is the theoretical maximum.
How long does it take to download 1 GB at 50 Mbps?
1 GB is 1024 MB, so 8192 megabits. Divided by 50 Mbps this gives about 164 seconds, roughly 2 minutes 44 seconds, in ideal conditions.
What is the difference between Mbps and MB/s?
Mbps is megabits per second, while MB/s is megabytes per second. A megabyte has 8 megabits, so 100 Mbps is about 12.5 MB/s.
Why does my download take longer than the result?
The tool calculates the ideal time. In practice network load, server speed, Wi-Fi and other connected devices all have an effect. Take the result as the fastest possible limit.