How the download estimate works
Enter the file size and the speed shown by your connection. The estimate converts bytes to bits and uses decimal file and network units.
File size and speed formula
Time in seconds = file size in bits ÷ connection speed in bits per second.
Example: a 100 MB file at 100 Mbps
A 100 MB file at 100 Mbps takes about 8 seconds in ideal conditions.
Real downloads can take longer
Internet plans use megabits per second (Mbps), while file sizes are usually megabytes (MB). One byte has eight bits, and real transfers also have network overhead.
Compare file sizes and connection speeds
Estimate whether a large file will take seconds, minutes, or hours on your current connection.
Questions and answers
Why is actual download time longer?
Protocol overhead, Wi-Fi quality, server limits, and network congestion reduce real-world speed.
Are file sizes decimal?
This calculator uses decimal units: 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes.