ARRI Data Rate & Media Calculator
Estimate recording data rate, total storage, and card runtime for common ARRI ARRIRAW and ProRes formats.
Why this ARRI data rate calculator matters
If you shoot with ARRI cameras, media planning is not optional—it is mission critical. ARRIRAW and high-quality ProRes formats deliver exceptional image quality, but they can consume storage very quickly depending on resolution, frame rate, and shooting ratio. This calculator helps you answer practical pre-production questions:
- How much storage do I need for the day?
- How long will one card last at my chosen format?
- How many cards should I prep for my expected runtime?
ARRI recording formats at a glance
ARRIRAW
ARRIRAW preserves maximum sensor information and gives you the most flexibility in grading and finishing. It is ideal for high-end feature work, VFX-heavy pipelines, and jobs where image latitude is the highest priority. The tradeoff: larger files and heavier post workflows.
ProRes 4444 / 4444 XQ
ProRes 4444 family options are a strong middle ground when you need robust quality with more manageable file sizes than ARRIRAW. Many productions choose these settings for commercials, narrative projects, and premium branded content.
ProRes 422 family
ProRes 422 HQ, 422 LT, and Proxy can dramatically reduce storage load while keeping a streamlined editorial workflow. They are excellent options for long-form documentary, multi-day travel shoots, and productions with tighter turnaround schedules.
How the calculator works
The tool uses an estimated base data rate at 24 fps for each format, then scales linearly to your selected frame rate:
- Estimated MB/s = Base MB/s × (fps ÷ 24)
- Total GB = (MB/s × Duration in seconds) ÷ 1000
- Card Runtime = (Usable card GB × 1000) ÷ (MB/s × 60)
Results are planning estimates and should be verified against your exact camera menu settings, firmware version, and official ARRI documentation before locking a production workflow.
Practical production tips
1) Build a safety buffer
Always plan beyond your exact runtime target. Extra takes, resets, pickups, and slates can quickly push data needs above the schedule estimate.
2) Match codec to delivery needs
Not every project needs ARRIRAW. If your finishing and grading requirements are moderate, a ProRes option may cut storage and post costs significantly without compromising the final deliverable.
3) Plan DIT and backup throughput
Media size is only one part of the equation. Verify your offload station, checksum workflow, RAID speed, and backup cadence can keep up with peak shooting volume.
Example planning scenario
Suppose you shoot at 48 fps in ARRIRAW 4.5K Open Gate for 90 minutes of total recorded time. The calculator will show a much higher data rate than 24 fps and can quickly reveal that multiple high-capacity cards are required. This lets the production team budget media, loaders, and offload windows before day one.
Final note
Use this calculator as a fast pre-production estimator for ARRI formats and data rates. For final technical sign-off, always confirm with your camera rental house, DIT, and ARRI’s latest technical resources.