Understand digital audio sample rates and bit depths, and estimate file sizes. Pick a sample rate such as 44.1 kHz for CD, 48 kHz for video, or a high resolution rate like 96 kHz, choose a bit depth and channel count, and this tool shows the Nyquist frequency, the highest tone that rate can represent, along with the data rate and the uncompressed size of one minute of audio. The Nyquist limit is always half the sample rate, which is why 44.1 kHz comfortably covers human hearing up to about 20 kHz. Bit depth sets the dynamic range: sixteen bit gives about ninety six decibels while twenty four bit gives far more headroom. Use this to choose a project rate, plan storage for a session, or explain why raw audio files are large. Change any setting and the numbers recalculate at once.
The Nyquist limit is half the sample rate and is the highest frequency a digital recording can capture, so 44.1 kHz captures up to about 22 kHz.
It compares common rates including 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz and higher rates so you can choose the right one for a project.
Yes, it estimates uncompressed WAV file size per minute from the sample rate, bit depth and channel count.
Understand digital audio sample rates and bit depths, and estimate file sizes. Pick a sample rate such as 44.
Yes. Sample Rate and Bit Depth Reference is completely free, with no sign-up and no usage limits.
Yes. Sample Rate and Bit Depth Reference runs in any modern web browser. There is nothing to download or install.
Yes. Sample Rate and Bit Depth Reference runs entirely on your device in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded to a server.