Reference
File size vs speed (estimated)
Times are approximate and assume ~90% real‑world efficiency.
| File size | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 250 Mbps | 500 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 MB | 3 min | 1 min | 44 sec | 18 sec | 9 sec | 4 sec |
| 1 GB | 6 min | 3 min | 1 min | 36 sec | 18 sec | 9 sec |
| 2 GB | 12 min | 6 min | 3 min | 1 min | 36 sec | 18 sec |
| 5 GB | 30 min | 15 min | 7 min | 3 min | 1 min | 44 sec |
| 10 GB | 59 min | 30 min | 15 min | 6 min | 3 min | 1 min |
| 20 GB | 2 h | 59 min | 30 min | 12 min | 6 min | 3 min |
| 50 GB | 4.9 h | 2.5 h | 1.2 h | 30 min | 15 min | 7 min |
| 100 GB | 9.9 h | 4.9 h | 2.5 h | 59 min | 30 min | 15 min |
How to use this chart
- Pick the file size (left column).
- Pick your plan speed (top row, in Mbps).
- Use the value as a baseline, then add a little extra time for busy Wi‑Fi or slow servers.
Read next
- Calculate a custom download time
- Mbps vs MB/s: what’s the difference?
- Why downloads are slower than expected
FAQ
How accurate is the download time chart?
It’s an estimate. Real downloads depend on Wi‑Fi quality, server limits, network congestion, and protocol overhead. The table assumes roughly 90% efficiency, which is typical for real‑world transfers.
Why does 100 Mbps not equal 100 MB/s?
Internet speeds are usually quoted in megabits per second (Mbps). Downloads are often shown in megabytes per second (MB/s). 8 bits = 1 byte, so 100 Mbps is about 12.5 MB/s before overhead.
What if my speed test is fast but downloads are slow?
Speed tests use nearby test servers and short bursts. Real downloads may be limited by the website/CDN, your device, disk speed, VPN, or the route your traffic takes.