Updated 19 October 2026.
Resolution alone cannot tell you how much space a video uses. The most useful estimate comes from its average bitrate and duration. Two 4K recordings can differ greatly in size because of their codec, frame rate, compression settings and content.
Start with bitrate and recording time
For decimal units, use size in MB ≈ total bitrate in Mb/s × duration in seconds ÷ 8. Total bitrate includes video and audio; container overhead can add a little more. A megabit, written Mb, is not the same as a megabyte, written MB.
At 50 Mb/s, one minute is approximately 50 × 60 ÷ 8 = 375 MB. One hour is about 22.5 GB. That is a calculation for a chosen bitrate, not a universal storage requirement for 4K video.
| Average total bitrate | One minute | One hour |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Mb/s | 37.5 MB | 2.25 GB |
| 10 Mb/s | 75 MB | 4.5 GB |
| 25 Mb/s | 187.5 MB | 11.25 GB |
| 50 Mb/s | 375 MB | 22.5 GB |
| 100 Mb/s | 750 MB | 45 GB |
| 200 Mb/s | 1,500 MB | 90 GB |
These are illustrative calculations using 1,000 MB per GB. An operating system using binary units can show a different numerical size for the same file. Variable-bitrate recordings also change with the scene, so leave capacity headroom.
What HD, Full HD, 4K and 8K tell you
| Common recording label | Typical frame dimensions |
|---|---|
| HD 720p | 1,280 × 720 |
| Full HD 1080p | 1,920 × 1,080 |
| 4K UHD | 3,840 × 2,160 |
| 8K UHD | 7,680 × 4,320 |
These labels describe frame dimensions, not a fixed bitrate. Higher resolution and frame rate usually give an encoder more information to handle, but the camera or export settings determine how aggressively it is compressed. Do not multiply a 1080p file size by the pixel-count ratio and assume that predicts every 4K recording.
Codec and recording format can change the answer
Apple‘s HEIF and HEVC guidance explains the storage-efficiency difference between HEVC and older capture formats. Compatibility still matters: a format that saves space may need different software on an older device.
Professional recording formats can be much larger than ordinary compressed video. Check Apple’s ProRes recording guidance before using an estimate intended for HEVC. Likewise, QuickTime’s export options distinguish smaller-file and greater-compatibility formats; resolution is only one export setting.
Estimate your own phone’s recording capacity
- Select the resolution, frame rate and recording format you intend to use.
- Check the camera’s storage estimate if it provides one.
- Record a short representative clip and inspect its file size and duration.
- Scale that result to the expected recording time, allowing for changes in scene complexity and free-space overhead.
For example, a 30-second sample that occupies 200 MB suggests roughly 400 MB per minute under similar conditions. It is a planning estimate, not a promise for every scene.
Before removing recordings, verify your backup. Our Android storage guide distinguishes safe cleanup from app-data deletion, and the USB phone-connection guide explains why cable transfer depends on the devices and workflow.
Original illustrations and interface screenshots
These images come from the original 2020 guide. Interface labels, products and settings shown may differ from the current guidance above; historical diagrams are not current compatibility or performance tables.
Frequently asked questions
How many GB is one hour of 4K video?
There is no single answer. At a total average bitrate of 50 Mb/s, the calculation gives about 22.5 GB; a different bitrate gives a different result.
Does 60 fps always double the file size of 30 fps?
No. More frames can require more data, but the encoder and chosen bitrate determine the actual size.
Can two files with the same resolution have different sizes?
Yes. Duration, bitrate, codec, audio and recording or export settings can all differ.
Will copying a video preserve its quality?
A direct file copy can retain the original file, while an app may convert or recompress it during sharing. Check the exported format and verify the destination copy.