OBS File Size Calculator
When using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) to record videos, various factors influence the file size of the recordings. Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key elements that affect OBS file sizes, including common settings and their implications:
| Parameter | Description | Typical Values | Impact on File Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | The width and height of the video. | 1920×1080 (1080p), 1280×720 (720p) | Higher resolution increases file size. |
| Frame Rate (FPS) | The number of frames displayed per second. | 30 FPS, 60 FPS | Higher FPS increases file size. |
| Bitrate | The amount of data processed per second. | 1500-6000 kbps for 720p; 4500-10000 kbps for 1080p | Higher bitrate increases file size. |
| Audio Bitrate | The quality of the audio track. | 128 kbps, 192 kbps, 320 kbps | Higher audio bitrate increases file size. |
| Codec | The method used to compress video data. | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.265 usually offers smaller file sizes but requires more processing power. |
| Recording Format | The container format used for the video file. | MP4, MKV, FLV | Some formats may be more efficient than others. |
| Audio Channels | The number of audio channels. | Mono, Stereo, 5.1 Surround | More channels may increase file size. |
| Scene Complexity | The visual complexity of the scenes being recorded. | Simple (few elements), Complex (many elements) | More complex scenes can increase file size due to higher data requirements. |
| Duration | The length of the recording. | Varies | Longer recordings result in larger file sizes. |
Key Considerations:
- Resolution and Frame Rate: Higher resolution and frame rates enhance video quality but significantly increase file sizes.
- Bitrate: Choosing an appropriate bitrate is crucial. While higher bitrates result in better quality, they also lead to larger file sizes. It’s essential to balance quality with file size.
- Codec Efficiency: Using more efficient codecs (like H.265) can help reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality, but they may require more processing power to encode and decode.
- Recording Format: Consider using MKV for recordings since it’s less prone to corruption. You can remux to MP4 later if needed.
Example Calculation:
For a 1-hour recording at 1080p, 30 FPS, and a bitrate of 6000 kbps, the file size can be roughly estimated as follows:
- Bitrate in bytes per second: 6000 kbps / 8 = 750 MB/s
- Total seconds in 1 hour: 3600 seconds
- File size: 750 MB/s * 3600 s ≈ 2.7 GB
Using this table, you can assess and adjust your OBS recording settings to meet your file size and quality needs.