Memory Card Calculator — Photo & Video Capacity

Memory cards are marketed using decimal GB (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes) but cameras and computers use binary GB (1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). This means a 64GB card has about 59.6 GB of usable space — roughly 93% of the advertised capacity. This calculator accounts for this difference.

Resolution affects storage through bitrate. 4K at 100 Mbps uses about 750 MB per minute. 1080p at 50 Mbps uses about 375 MB per minute. Higher-quality codecs (ProRes, RAW video) use much higher bitrates — ProRes 4K can use 1-3 Gbps.

It depends on your camera sensor. A 24MP camera produces ~25MB RAW files (~2,400 photos). A 45MP camera produces ~50MB RAW files (~1,200 photos). A 61MP camera produces ~70MB RAW files (~860 photos). Compressed RAW reduces file sizes by 20-40%.

Professional photographers often prefer multiple smaller cards to reduce risk — if one card fails, you only lose part of the shoot. However, for video, larger cards avoid interrupted recordings. Many pros use dual card slots with backup mirroring for critical work.