How to Use the Home Recording File Size Calculator
Knowing how large your audio files will be helps you plan storage before a long recording session. Enter duration, sample rate, bit depth, and channel count to instantly see WAV (uncompressed), FLAC (lossless ~60%), and MP3 320kbps (lossy) file sizes. This is especially useful when planning multi-track sessions, podcast archives, or audio book recordings.
File Size Reference (60 min stereo)
| Settings | WAV Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 44.1kHz / 16-bit | ~635 MB | CD, final delivery |
| 44.1kHz / 24-bit | ~953 MB | General recording |
| 48kHz / 24-bit | ~1.03 GB | Video audio |
| 96kHz / 24-bit | ~2.06 GB | High-resolution music |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which format should I use for archiving recordings?
WAV or FLAC for archiving — both preserve full quality. FLAC saves about 40% space with no quality loss. Use MP3 for sharing or streaming where file size matters more than perfect quality.
How do I calculate storage for a multi-track session?
Multiply the stereo result by the number of tracks. A 16-track session equals 8 stereo pairs, so multiply the 2-channel result by 8 for total storage needed.