Same math. Just plug in your upload speed instead of download speed.

Why is my real download slower?

Overhead, congestion, Wi-Fi quality, VPNs, and server limits can reduce throughput versus the raw link speed.

Can I use MB/s instead of Mbps?

Convert MB/s to Mbps by multiplying by 8, or use the Data Transfer Rate converter first.

Does this account for latency or packet loss?

No. It’s a straightforward bandwidth-based estimate. High latency or loss will slow real transfers.

Why do some tools show different times?

Some use binary units (MiB) or factor protocol overhead differently. This uses decimal units for quick math.

tech calculator

Download Time Calculator

Estimate how long a download or upload will take based on file size and connection speed.

Results

Total seconds: 41.94
Total minutes: 0.70
Total hours: 0.01

How to use this calculator

Enter the file size and choose KB/MB/GB.
Enter your connection speed and unit.
See estimated time in seconds, minutes, and hours.

Inputs explained

File size: Size of the download or upload; pick the matching unit.
Connection speed: Bandwidth available for the transfer. Use upload speed for uploads.

How it works

We convert file size to bits, divide by your connection speed (converted to bits per second), and surface the duration in seconds/minutes/hours.

Formula

Time (seconds) = (File size in bits) ÷ (Speed in bits/sec)

When to use it

Planning whether a large download fits before a meeting or flight.
Estimating upload windows for video deliveries or backups.
Comparing ISP plans vs. real-world transfer needs.

Tips & cautions

Add buffer for overhead and congestion—real speeds can be lower than advertised.
If your speed is in MB/s, convert to Mbps (multiply by 8) or use the Data Transfer Rate converter.
Wi-Fi, VPNs, and latency can reduce throughput; this is an idealized estimate.
Assumes sustained throughput with no throttling or packet loss.
Uses decimal units (1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes); some tools use binary units.
Does not account for multi-connection acceleration or mirrors.

Worked examples

500 MB on 100 Mbps

≈ 40 seconds

5 GB on 50 Mbps

≈ 13.3 minutes

Deep dive

This download time calculator estimates how long a file transfer will take from file size and bandwidth. Enter size and speed to see the duration in seconds, minutes, and hours.

Use it to plan uploads/downloads for work, gaming, or backups. Real speeds vary—add buffer for Wi-Fi, VPN, or congestion overhead.

FAQs

Upload vs download?: Same math. Just plug in your upload speed instead of download speed.
Why is my real download slower?: Overhead, congestion, Wi-Fi quality, VPNs, and server limits can reduce throughput versus the raw link speed.
Can I use MB/s instead of Mbps?: Convert MB/s to Mbps by multiplying by 8, or use the Data Transfer Rate converter first.
Does this account for latency or packet loss?: No. It’s a straightforward bandwidth-based estimate. High latency or loss will slow real transfers.
Why do some tools show different times?: Some use binary units (MiB) or factor protocol overhead differently. This uses decimal units for quick math.

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Real transfers may be slower due to overhead, latency, or throttling.