Video Bitrate Calculator
Calculate the exact average video bitrate needed for Handbrake or FFmpeg to compress a video to a specific target file size (e.g. 25MB for Discord).
Video Compression Calculator
Trying to compress a video for Discord, Twitter, or email? Instead of guessing settings and waiting for Handbrake to render, use this tool to calculate the exact Video Bitrate needed to hit your target file size perfectly on the first try.
Required Video Bitrate
How to use this setting in Handbrake:
- Go to the Video tab.
- Select Avg Bitrate (kbps).
- Enter XXXX.
- Check 2-pass encoding for best results.
Why use a Bitrate Calculator?
Compressing a large video file to share on platforms like Discord, Twitter, or via email can be incredibly frustrating. These platforms enforce strict file size limits (like Discord's standard 25MB limit).
If you just adjust the "crf" (Constant Rate Factor) or quality slider in a tool like Handbrake, it's a guessing game. You might render the entire video only to find out it's 28MB and you have to start all over again. By switching to Average Bitrate Base Encoding (2-pass) and calculating the exact required bitrate using our tool, your video will hit the target size accurately every single time.
The Math Behind Video File Sizes
The ultimate file size of an exported video is determined exclusively by two factors: Total Runtime (Duration) and Total Bitrate (amount of data processed per second). Resolution, frame rate, and codec influence the quality of the encode, but they do not actively override the mathematical limit set by your bitrate.
// The Core Calculation
Total Kilobits = Target Megabytes × 8192
Total Bitrate = Total Kilobits ÷ Duration in Seconds
Video Bitrate = Total Bitrate - Audio Bitrate
How to Export for Discord
- Input your video's exact length into our calculator.
- Set the target file size to 25MB (or 50MB if you have Nitro).
- Open Handbrake, load your video, and switch to the Video tab.
- Select the Avg Bitrate (kbps) radio button.
- Paste the exact Video Bitrate number our calculator generated.
- Select the 2-pass encoding checkbox to ensure the compressor properly distributes the limited data pool.
- Hit Start Encode. Your new video will be perfectly sized.
The tools and calculators provided on The Simple Toolbox are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or professional advice. While we strive to keep calculations accurate, numbers are based on user inputs and standard assumptions that may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a certified professional (such as a CPA, financial advisor, or attorney) before making significant financial or business decisions.
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