How to use the monthly data usage calculator
- List each activity, such as video, music, calls or browsing.
- Enter the hours per day, the data per hour in gigabytes and the days per month for each. The numbers shown are examples, so replace them with your own.
- Add more rows if you need them, and optionally enter your monthly data limit.
- Read the total for the month, the share each activity uses and the room left under your limit.
Formula
Data per month for an activity = hours per day x gigabytes per hour x days per month
Total = the sum of every activity
1 gigabyte is counted as 1,000 megabytes
Share of the total = activity data / total data. If you enter a limit, remaining = limit - total.
Streaming video, music, calls and browsing
Two hours a day of HD video at 3 GB per hour over 30 days is 2 x 3 x 30 = 180 GB. Music at 3 hours a day, 0.1 GB per hour for 30 days adds 9 GB, video calls at half an hour a day, 1 GB per hour for 22 days add 11 GB, and browsing at 1.5 hours, 0.1 GB per hour for 30 days adds 4.5 GB.
The total is 204.5 GB, and video is 180 / 204.5 = 88.0% of it. Against a 150 GB limit the video alone would already be 30 GB over, and the whole plan is 54.5 GB over.
Where to find your own numbers
The data per hour values are examples and not measurements, because the real figure depends on the service, the video quality, the device and the settings. Many apps let you choose a quality level, and your phone's settings or your provider's account page show how much data each app has used. Use those figures for a better estimate.
Hours per day can be a fraction, such as 0.5 for half an hour. Days per month is a whole number up to 31, so weekday only habits can use a smaller number such as 22.
What the estimate leaves out
Background updates, app downloads, photo backups, cached content and video that plays while you are not looking are not counted unless you add them as rows. Providers also measure and round data in their own ways, and some plans slow or charge after a limit. Treat the result as a planning number and compare it with your provider's usage page.
To convert between units see the unit converter, to add up monthly costs use the subscription cost calculator, and to add durations try the time calculator. The page runs in your browser.
Assumptions and limits
- The data per hour numbers are examples you replace, not facts about any service.
- One gigabyte is counted as 1,000 megabytes.
- Hours per day are from 0 to 24 and days per month are whole numbers from 0 to 31.
- Background and unlisted use is not included.
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate my monthly data use?
Multiply hours per day by data per hour by the number of days for each activity, then add them up. The calculator does this for every row.
Where do I find how much data an hour of video uses?
Check the quality setting in the app and your provider or app usage screen, which show real use. The default numbers here are only examples.
Does it matter if I use Wi-Fi for some of this?
Yes. Only the time on your mobile connection counts against a mobile plan, so enter just those hours, or reduce the days.
Why is the average per day based on 30 days?
It divides the monthly total by 30 to give a daily figure. Your own month may have 28 to 31 days, so the real figure differs a little.