How large is a 1 minute 4K video file?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid gamer and content creator who loves filming epic 4K gameplay and tutorials, I get a lot of questions about how much storage space 4K video requires. In this post, I‘ll dive deep into the exact file size for a 1 minute 4K video.

4K Video Bitrate Statistics

Based on the latest research, here are the average data rates for 4K gaming footage:

ResolutionFrame RateBitrate
4K (3840×2160)60fps100 Mbps

As you can see, true 4K resolution at the smooth 60 frames per second needed for gaming consumes on average 100 Megabits per second.

This corresponds to about 12.5 Megabytes per second (100Mbps / 8 bits per byte).

File Size Estimates for 1 Minute of 4K Footage

Given the bitrate numbers above, we can calculate the file size estimates for different 4K video lengths:

DurationTotal Size
1 minute750 MB
2 minutes1.5 GB
10 minutes7.5 GB

As you can see, on average a 1 minute 4K/60fps video will consume around 750 Megabytes of storage space given the high 100 Mbps bitrate required.

That‘s why when I‘m filming intense Elden Ring boss battles or building tutorials in Minecraft, I need a ton of SSD space!

4K Gameplay Storage Requirements

To give you an idea of how quickly 4K gaming footage eats up hard drive space:

  • A 512GB SSD, which costs around $150, can hold about 11.5 hours of 4K footage.
  • $300 nets you a 1TB drive with double the capacity at 23 hours.
  • On a $700 2TB portable external SSD you could store a full 50 hours!

Of course SSD prices fluctuate, but this shows why high capacity solid state drives are so essential for 4K recording and editing.

Comparison to Other Video Resolutions

Compared to lower resolutions like 1080p, 4K video files absolutely massive:

1080p HD4K UHD
Resolution1920 x 10803840 x 2160
Bitrate25 Mbps100 Mbps
1 Min Size187.5 MB750 MB

As you can see, 4K quadruples the pixels and requires 4X the bitrate, which really adds up in terms of sheer storage capacity required.

But with 4K gaming monitors and footage continuing to skyrocket, it‘s an unavoidable reality if you want crystal clear, high resolution videos!

Let me know if you have any other questions around 4K file sizes or storage requirements!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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