File Transfer Time Estimator
Results
About the math
MB/s uses decimal bytes (1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes). Total seconds ≈ (sizeBytes / effectiveBytesPerSec) × verifyMultiplier + perFileOverhead × files. Effective speed = linkSpeed × parallelStreams × efficiency × (1 − overhead%).
Estimating File Transfer Times for Video & Photo Workflows
In modern filmmaking and photography, massive file sizes are the norm. 4K, 6K, and even 8K video workflows generate hundreds of gigabytes per project, while high-resolution RAW photos can fill memory cards in a single session. One of the most time-consuming — and most overlooked — parts of production is the media transfer process: moving files from memory cards to editing drives, RAID storage, or cloud backups.
The File Transfer Time Estimator helps you plan this critical stage. By entering your file size and transfer speed, you can instantly see how long it will take to copy your media. The calculator factors in the difference between theoretical maximum speeds (what manufacturers advertise) and real-world performance (which depends on hardware, cables, and file types). This gives filmmakers, photographers, and post-production teams a realistic estimate of transfer times.
Transfer speed depends on several key variables:
- Connection type: USB 2.0 vs USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 3/4, or 10Gb Ethernet can mean the difference between hours and minutes.
- Media format: SD cards, CFexpress, and CFast cards each have different read speeds.
- Storage type: SSDs are much faster than HDDs, especially for small files.
- File structure: One large video file transfers faster than thousands of small photos.
This tool is especially useful for:
- DITs and camera assistants offloading footage on set while keeping production moving.
- Editors and post-production teams estimating how long it will take to ingest footage before a deadline.
- Photographers moving hundreds or thousands of RAW files between drives.
- Production managers planning media wrangling time for complex shoots.
With the File Transfer Time Estimator, you can avoid unpleasant surprises, schedule your offloads more efficiently, and ensure that your workflow stays on track. Whether you’re copying a 1 TB SSD to a RAID, backing up a wedding shoot, or transferring a 500 GB documentary shoot into the cloud, this tool gives you the clarity to plan ahead.