Digital

How many hours can I stream with my mobile data?

Use remaining data and an observed hourly rate to estimate continuous streaming and days at several daily viewing patterns.

Formula version 2.0.0 · Last reviewed 2026-08-30

Preparing the calculator.

Calculator inputs and results

Editable example values

Presets and defaults are not guarantees. Replace them with values observed in your service, device, or encoder for a better estimate.

Quality and bitrate vary by platform, codec, and scene. Choose an example, then replace it with an observed value.
Prefer a measured hourly rate when the app provides one. Bitrate mode assumes a steady transfer rate.
Advanced settings
hours
%
How far baseline usage may move up or down. It provides the basis for the result range.

Check the inputs and calculate

Changing an input immediately clears the previous result so conditions cannot be mixed up.

Formula and assumptions

Continuous hours assume the same quality and rate throughout. Daily scenarios describe streaming-only duration and exclude data used by other apps.

Convert remaining data to GB and divide by GB used per hour. Divide those continuous hours by daily patterns such as one, two, or four hours to create day scenarios.

Why the result can vary

Service, codec, resolution, frame rate, adaptive quality, ads, preloading, and the carrier's unit convention all change real usage.

Example

Plan video viewing during a trip

Inputs: 10GB remaining, observed use 1.5GB/h

Outcome: That is about 6.7 continuous hours, or roughly 3.3 days at two hours daily.

Cautions

  • Quality presets are not guaranteed figures for a particular service or plan.
  • The calculator does not estimate roaming or overage charges; check your plan terms.

Frequently asked questions

What GB-per-hour number should I use for HD video?

It varies by service and setting. Prefer the app's guidance or your device measurement, and edit any preset.

Does this account for GB versus GiB?

Display conventions can differ. When possible, obtain remaining data and usage rate from sources using the same convention.

Is background app data included?

No. Only the hourly streaming rate is calculated, so keep room for updates, photo sync, and other apps.