File Transfer Time Calculator (with Examples)

This tool calculates the time it takes to transfer a data file.

Enter

  • File Size
  • Transfer speed

Formula

Transfer Time = File Size / Transfer Speed

Background

The transfer time is directly proportional to the size of the file and inversely proportional to the transfer speed.

The slowest file transfer speed is 21 bits/second associated with Morse Code – the primary mode of data communication in the year 1844.

Terabit Ethernet in 2025 by comparison will achieve speeds of 1.6 Terabit/s (1.6*1012 bits/second).

Example Calculation

Transferring 1 Terabyte of data using Morse Code would take 4409171 days or 12080 years. Compare that with Terabit Ethernet. Over this interface, the same amount of data will take only 5 seconds.

Related Converters

  • Terabit to Bit

Related Calculators