# Data Transfer Calculator

Estimate how long a file takes to transfer, or the link speed needed to finish within a chosen time. Calculations run in your browser.

## Estimated Transfer Time

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Enable JavaScript to calculate a transfer. The formulas are available below.

## Units and Overhead

A byte contains eight bits. Decimal units use powers of 1,000: 1 GB is 1,000,000,000 bytes. Binary units use powers of 1,024: 1 GiB is 1,073,741,824 bytes. Link speeds here use decimal bits per second.

Useful throughput = link speed × (1 − overhead / 100). Transfer time in seconds = file size in bits / useful throughput. Required link speed = file size in bits / (time in seconds × (1 − overhead / 100)).

For example, an allowance of 10% leaves 90% of the link for file data. This is an illustrative assumption, not a recommended allowance. The result assumes a constant rate; congestion, retransmissions, storage and server limits can extend a real transfer.

Use the [ping test](https://netavo.com/tools/ping-test) to measure latency, or the [IoT data usage calculator](https://netavo.com/tools/iot-data-usage-calculator) to estimate fleet usage.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Why Are GB and GiB Different?

The Netavo calculator treats GB as 1,000,000,000 bytes and GiB as 1,073,741,824 bytes. Choose the unit shown by your file size source.

### Is This a Speed Test?

No. The Netavo calculator estimates time or required speed from the values you enter. It does not measure your connection.

## Work With Us

Explore [WAN and connectivity](https://netavo.com/services/connectivity) for your sites and applications.

[Work With Us](https://netavo.com/work-with-us)

Source: https://netavo.com/tools/data-transfer-calculator