Internet Data Usage Calculator
Find out roughly how many gigabytes your household uses per month, and whether that fits your data cap. Enter your hours of use per person per day. Results update as you type.
How this estimate works
We multiply your hours by typical data use per hour: about 0.7 GB for standard-definition video, 3 GB for HD, 7 GB for 4K, 0.9 GB for video calls, and much less for music, browsing and social media. Everything is multiplied by the number of people and days. These are rough averages. Real use varies with app settings and video quality, so treat the result as an estimate.
Typical data use per hour
| Activity | Approximate data per hour |
|---|---|
| Music streaming | about 0.1 GB |
| Web browsing | about 0.12 GB |
| Social media | about 0.35 GB |
| Standard-definition video | about 0.7 GB |
| Video calls | about 0.9 GB |
| HD video (1080p) | about 3 GB |
| 4K video | about 7 GB |
How to use less data
- Lower the streaming quality. Dropping from 4K to HD saves more than half the data.
- Download shows and updates on Wi-Fi at off-peak times if you are on a capped plan.
- Turn off auto-play video in social apps.
- Check which devices and apps use the most data in your router or phone settings.
Wondering how fast a connection you need for your usage? See how much internet speed you need.
Frequently asked questions
How much data does streaming use?
Roughly 0.7 GB per hour for standard definition, 3 GB per hour for HD and 7 GB per hour for 4K. Actual use depends on the service and your quality settings.
How much data does a video call use?
About 0.5 to 1.5 GB per hour per person, depending on the app, resolution and whether others have video on.
How much data does a speed test use?
It depends on how fast your connection is, because the test runs for a fixed time. A 100 Mbps connection uses roughly 100 megabytes per test.
What if I go over my data cap?
Your provider may slow your connection or charge extra. Check your usage in your provider account and lower streaming quality to stay under the cap.
Related tools and guides
- Internet speed for 4K streaming: how much speed and data 4K needs.
- How much internet speed do you need?: Mbps by activity.
- Mbps vs MB/s: turn speeds into download times.
- Internet speed test: measure your connection.