GCSE Computer Science Tool

Sound File Size CalculatorCalculate audio file sizes with GCSE exam-ready explanations.

Calculate sound file sizes using sample rate, bit depth, channels, and duration. Perfect for GCSE Computer Science exam questions.

Sound Size Calculator

Common durations: 60s (1 min), 180s (3 min), 3600s (1 hour)

Example Calculations

Telephone call (8 kHz, 8-bit, mono, 60 seconds)
8,000 Hz, 8-bit, 1 channel, 60s
Sound file size: 480000 bytes (468.75 KB, 0.4578 MB)
CD quality song (44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo, 180 seconds)
44,100 Hz, 16-bit, 2 channels, 180s
Sound file size: 31752000 bytes (31007.81 KB, 30.2811 MB)
HD podcast (48 kHz, 24-bit, mono, 3600 seconds)
48,000 Hz, 24-bit, 1 channel, 3600s
Sound file size: 518400000 bytes (506250.00 KB, 494.3848 MB)
Studio recording (96 kHz, 24-bit, stereo, 300 seconds)
96,000 Hz, 24-bit, 2 channels, 300s
Sound file size: 172800000 bytes (168750.00 KB, 164.7949 MB)

How to Calculate Sound File Size

Sound File Formula
Sample Rate × Bit Depth × Channels × Duration ÷ 8

Sample Rate

How many times per second the sound is measured. Higher rates = better quality = larger files.

Bit Depth

Bits per sample. More bits = more dynamic range = larger files. CD quality is 16-bit.

Channels

Mono = 1 channel, Stereo = 2 channels. More channels = larger files.

What Are Sample Rate and Bit Depth?

Sample Rate (Hz)

Telephone quality
Basic telephone calls
8,000 Hz
Very low
AM Radio
AM radio broadcasting
22,050 Hz
Low
FM Radio / CD Quality
CD audio, FM radio
44,100 Hz
Standard
DVD Quality
DVD audio, professional recording
48,000 Hz
High

Bit Depth (bits)

8-bit
Basic quality, 256 levels
8 bits
48 dB
16-bit
CD quality, 65,536 levels
16 bits
96 dB
24-bit
Professional recording, 16.7 million levels
24 bits
144 dB
32-bit float
Studio master quality
32 bits
Unlimited

Mono vs Stereo

Mono (1 Channel)

  • • Single audio channel
  • • Same sound from all speakers
  • • Smaller file sizes
  • • Used for podcasts, voice recordings
  • • Good for basic audio needs

Stereo (2 Channels)

  • • Two audio channels (left/right)
  • • Different sound for each ear
  • • Twice the file size of mono
  • • Used for music, movies, games
  • • Creates immersive sound experience

Frequently Asked Questions

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