Upload Speed to Bitrate Calculator

Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the relationship between upload speed and recommended bitrates for live streaming at different resolutions:

Resolution	Frame Rate	Recommended Bitrate (kbps)	Recommended Upload Speed (Mbps)
720p	30 fps	2500 – 4000	5 – 8
720p	60 fps	3500 – 6000	7 – 12
1080p	30 fps	4500 – 6000	9 – 12
1080p	60 fps	6000 – 9000	12 – 18
1440p	30 fps	8000 – 20000	16 – 40
1440p	60 fps	12000 – 30000	24 – 60
4K	30 fps	15000 – 35000	30 – 70
4K	60 fps	20000 – 40000	40 – 80

This table provides a comprehensive overview of the recommended bitrates and corresponding upload speeds for various streaming resolutions and frame rates. Here are some key points to remember:

1. The recommended upload speed is generally about twice the bitrate to account for fluctuations and ensure a stable stream23.
2. Higher resolutions and frame rates require higher bitrates and, consequently, faster upload speeds13.
3. The actual bitrate you should use may vary depending on the content of your stream. Fast-moving or highly detailed content may require higher bitrates2.
4. Some streaming platforms have maximum bitrate limits. For example, Twitch caps at 6000 kbps for most streamers3.
5. It’s important to consider your audience’s download speeds when choosing your bitrate. A very high bitrate might cause buffering for viewers with slower internet connections2.
6. For the best streaming experience, use a wired ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi2.
7. You can experiment with different bitrates within the recommended range to find the optimal balance between quality and performance for your specific setup and content23.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Your optimal settings may vary based on your specific hardware, internet connection, streaming platform, and content type.