Audio File Formats & Bitrates
Decode the difference between MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, and ALAC. Calculate file sizes and discover when lossless actually matters.
.mp3 — MPEG Audio Layer III
128 kbps – 320 kbps
Podcasts, casual listening, legacy car stereos, maximum device compatibility.
Discards inaudible frequencies via psychoacoustics. At 320 kbps, 99% of human listeners cannot distinguish it from lossless in blind ABX testing.
Instant File Size Calculator
Select track duration to compare storage space required across formats:
Key Audio Fidelity Metrics Explained
How many audio snapshots per second. 44.1kHz covers up to 22kHz frequencies (exceeding human hearing limit of 20kHz).
Dynamic range. 16-bit provides 96dB (CD standard); 24-bit provides 144dB of headroom, eliminating studio noise floors.
Kilobits of audio data transferred per second. Higher bitrate preserves transient cymbal crashes and bass textures.