A 2 GB game and a 100 Mbps connection. How long? The catch is that the two numbers use different units.
The calculation
Speed is advertised in megabits per second (Mbps), and file sizes in bytes. There are 8 bits in a byte, so convert first: 2 GB is 16,000 megabits (2 × 1,000 × 8). Divide by the speed: 16,000 ÷ 100 = 160 seconds, or 2 minutes 40 seconds.
Another: 500 MB at 50 Mbps is 4,000 megabits ÷ 50 = 80 seconds, or 1 minute 20 seconds.
Using the calculator
- Enter the file size and choose KB, MB, GB or TB.
- Enter the connection speed and choose Kbps, Mbps or Gbps.
- Read the estimated download time.
Sizes use decimal units (1 GB = 1,000 MB), the way file sizes are shown on most download pages. Values must be greater than zero.
Why real downloads take longer
- The figure assumes you get the full advertised speed, but real throughput is usually lower during busy hours or on Wi-Fi.
- Protocol overhead and server limits cut the rate further.
- Several devices sharing one connection divide the speed between them.
Treat the answer as a best case. Doubling it is a safer plan for a large download. For the bits-and-bytes distinction, read Megabits vs Megabytes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my 100 Mbps line downloading at 12 MB per second?
100 megabits per second is 12.5 megabytes per second. Your connection is working as advertised.
Does it include upload speed?
No. Upload speeds are often much lower than download speeds, so use your upload figure if you are sending the file.