Not sure which internet plan to pick? Use this free calculator to find out how many Mbps your household really needs. Enter what you do online at the same time and get a recommended plan size with a safety buffer included.
Internet Speed Calculator
Tell us what your household does online at the same time. We work out the download and upload speed you need.
Internet speed FAQ
How many Mbps do I need for a family of four?
A family of four that streams, browses and joins the occasional video call usually does well with 100 to 300 Mbps. If two or more people stream in 4K at the same time or someone works from home, aim for the upper end.
Is download or upload speed more important?
Download speed matters most for streaming, browsing and downloading. Upload speed matters for video calls, cloud backups and sending large files. Cable plans often have much slower upload than download, so check both numbers.
Why does the calculator add a 25% buffer?
Real connections rarely run at their advertised maximum. Wi-Fi interference, busy evening hours and background traffic all use some capacity, so a buffer keeps video and calls smooth.
Will faster internet fix buffering?
Not always. If your plan already covers your needs, buffering often comes from weak Wi-Fi signal, an old router or too many devices on one band. Moving the router or using a wired connection can help more than a bigger plan.
How this calculator works
The calculator adds up the bandwidth of every activity that runs at the same time, then adds a 25% buffer for Wi-Fi overhead and background traffic. The total is rounded up to the next common plan size, such as 100, 200 or 500 Mbps.
Typical bandwidth per activity
- 4K streaming: about 25 Mbps per stream
- HD streaming: about 5 Mbps per stream
- Video calls: about 4 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up per call
- Online gaming: about 6 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up per player
- Browsing and social media: about 3 Mbps per person
- Smart devices: about 0.5 Mbps each
These values are based on commonly published guidance from streaming and video-call services. They are planning estimates, not guarantees.
Download vs upload speed
Most plans advertise download speed. Upload speed decides how smooth your video calls, cloud backups and large file uploads feel. If you work from home or back up a lot of data, check the upload number on any plan before you sign up.
Tips before you buy
- Run a speed test at busy hours to see what you actually get today.
- Use a wired connection for gaming and work computers when you can.
- Place your router in a central, open spot away from thick walls.
- Compare the price after any promotional period ends.