Calculator
Example data table
| Scenario | Settings | Typical video bitrate | Overhead + margin | Recommended upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming stream | 1080p, 60 fps, H.264, High, RTMP, 1 destination | ~9.0 Mbps | Overhead 10% + Margin 25% | ~12.4 Mbps |
| Talk show | 720p, 30 fps, H.264, Standard, RTMP, 1 destination | ~4.5 Mbps | Overhead 10% + Margin 25% | ~6.5 Mbps |
| Sports highlight | 1440p, 60 fps, HEVC, High, SRT, 1 destination | ~14.0 Mbps | Overhead 15% + Margin 30% | ~21.0 Mbps |
| Multi-platform simulcast | 1080p, 30 fps, H.264, Standard, RTMP, 3 destinations | ~6.0 Mbps | Overhead 10% + Margin 25% | ~24.8 Mbps |
Examples are approximate. Use the calculator for your exact settings.
Formula used
1) Total encoded bitrate
Total (Mbps) = Video (Mbps) + Audio (kbps ÷ 1000)
2) Overhead
Overhead (%) = Protocol overhead + Extra overhead + VBR headroom (if selected)
3) Required upload bandwidth
Required (Mbps) = Total × (1 + Overhead/100) × Upload streams
4) Recommended upload bandwidth
Recommended (Mbps) = Required × (1 + Safety margin/100)
5) Upload data usage
Data per hour (GB) = Total × (1 + Overhead/100) × 3600 ÷ 8 ÷ 1000 × Streams
How to use this calculator
- Select your resolution, FPS, codec, and quality.
- Choose Auto for a suggested video bitrate, or Manual for your own.
- Pick your protocol, then adjust extra overhead if needed.
- Set destinations and enable restream if you upload once.
- Add a safety margin, then calculate to view results above.
- Use the data estimates to plan monthly bandwidth limits.
FAQs
1) What upload speed should I target for stable streaming?
Use the recommended upload number, then test your connection repeatedly. Consistency matters more than a single fast test. Wired Ethernet usually improves stability and reduces packet loss during long sessions.
2) Why does simulcasting increase required bandwidth?
If you upload directly to multiple platforms, you send separate streams for each destination. That multiplies both the needed upload speed and your data usage. A restream service can reduce this to a single upload.
3) What is protocol overhead?
Overhead is extra traffic beyond your encoded audio and video, caused by transport headers, acknowledgments, and resilience features. Different protocols have different overhead levels, so the same bitrate can require different upload speeds.
4) Should I use CBR or VBR?
CBR keeps bandwidth steadier and is easier on unreliable networks. VBR can improve quality at the same average bitrate, but it may spike during motion. If you choose VBR, keep enough headroom in your upload speed.
5) How accurate is the auto video bitrate recommendation?
It provides a practical estimate based on resolution, frame rate, codec efficiency, and quality level. Actual needs vary with content complexity, encoder settings, and platform limits. If a platform recommends a specific range, use that as your manual input.
6) How do I reduce bandwidth without ruining quality?
Lower FPS first for talk-heavy content, then reduce resolution if needed. Switching to a more efficient codec can help if your hardware supports it. Also verify that your audio bitrate isn’t higher than necessary.
7) Why include a safety margin?
Real networks fluctuate due to congestion, Wi‑Fi interference, or ISP shaping. A safety margin helps prevent dropped frames and reconnects when your available upload dips. Larger margins are useful for mobile or shared connections.
8) Does download speed matter for streaming?
For sending your stream, upload speed is the key metric. Download speed matters mainly for monitoring, receiving guests, or watching playback. If your download is low, reduce monitoring quality to keep the encoder upload stable.