Streaming at UltraHD 4K resolution requires between 15 Mbps and 50 Mbps download bandwidth.
This range applies for a single user. We’ve built a calculator to provide a more accurate number depending on the application (e.g. Netflix), number of users and time duration for which the streaming service is used.
The calculator gives
- total bandwidth required
- total data consumed per month based on daily usage.
How to use the Calculator
Enter the
- Number of users for each streaming service
- Number of hours per day that 4K media is streamed
The tool will provide
- Total bandwidth consumption
- Data usage per day and month
Streaming requirements
This table shows the bandwidth requirements that are consistent with 4K streaming. Streaming services do not require anything meaningful in terms of upload speeds.
| Service | Bandwidth UPLOAD (Mbps) | Bandwidth DOWNLOAD (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | – | 15 |
| Disney+ | – | 25 |
| HBO | – | 50 |
| Netflix | – | 15 |
| YouTube | – | 20 |
At the time of writing video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet and Skype don’t support 4K operation.
Example Calculations
Bandwidth Requirement
- Assuming two users watch Netflix at 4K setting, the download bandwidth requirement is 30 Mbps.
- If three users are online at the same time:
- One watching Netflix
- One watching Disney Plus
- One watching HBO
- The total bandwidth consumption is 90 Mbps on the downlink when the UHD 4K video setting is selected.
Data Usage
In the second case above with three users online, assuming each user watches 1 hour of streaming 4K content a day the total data usage is 1215 GB or 1.2 Terabyte.
Background
What is 4K?
4K resolution refers to a display or video format that has approximately four times the number of pixels as a standard 1080p high-definition resolution. It offers a significantly higher level of detail and clarity, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.
The term “4K” comes from the horizontal resolution of around 4000 pixels. This ultra-high-definition technology provides a more immersive and realistic viewing experience, particularly on larger screens. With four times the pixel density, this resolution offers sharper images with smoother edges and finer details. It allows for enhanced depth perception and greater color accuracy, resulting in more life-like visuals.
Additionally, 4K resolution provides better scalability, meaning that the content can be upscaled to fit larger screens without significant loss of quality. As 4K TVs and computer monitors become more affordable and widely available, this resolution is becoming the new standard for high-quality displays.
What Internet Speed is required to Stream 4K?
Streaming 4K content requires a faster speed compared to streaming in lower resolutions like 1080p. Disney for example recommends an internet speed of at least 25 Mbps for streaming 4K TV. Some streaming services may recommend lower or higher speeds for the best streaming experience (see the table above).
4K content has a higher resolution, meaning it requires more data to be transferred per second.
With a higher internet speed, you can ensure that there is enough bandwidth to deliver a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience.
Not all streaming services offer 4K content, so it is important to check whether the service you are using supports it. By ensuring you have the appropriate internet speed, you can enjoy the best picture quality and vibrant visuals that 4K TVs have to offer.
Notes
- Streaming video services (such as Netflix) consume a negligible amount of upload bandwidth
- Streaming speed is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps or Mb/s)
- Data usage is measured in Megabytes/Gigabytes/Terabytes. (Use this calculator to convert from Megabit per second to Megabyte per second).
Related Calculators
- How much internet speed do I need to work from home?
- Bandwidth calculator per user – what’s my maximum speed for a fixed total bandwidth and a shared connection?
- How much bandwidth do I need for 1080p streaming?
- WhatsApp Data Usage
- Zoom Data Usage
- Teams Data Usage
References
[1] Disney+ Bandwidth Requirements
[2] Netflix Internet Speed Recommendations
[3] YouTube Bandwidth Requirements
[4] Amazon Prime Streaming Requirements