H.264 Bitrate Calculator

Calculate optimal H.264 bitrate settings for video encoding, streaming, and recording. Get perfect x264 encoder recommendations for quality and performance.

H.264 Encoder Configuration
Calculate optimal H.264 bitrate and quality settings for video encoding and streaming

H.264 Configuration

Fixed bitrate for live streaming

CPU Usage: Medium - Recommended for streaming

H.264 Analysis

6,000 kbps
Target Bitrate
Quality Score:26%
CPU Usage:
Medium
Rate Control:
N/A (CBR)

Quality Assessment

Low quality - settings adjustment strongly recommended

Encoder Efficiency: 85%
Advanced H.264 Options
Encoder Efficiency
85%
Quality per bit
Complexity Score
124.4
Encoding difficulty
Recommended Profile
High
H.264 profile

H.264 Encoding Guide

Streaming Bitrates

  • 1080p60: 6,000-8,000 kbps (x264 medium)
  • 1080p30: 4,500-6,000 kbps (x264 medium)
  • 720p60: 3,500-5,000 kbps (x264 fast)
  • 720p30: 2,500-3,500 kbps (x264 fast)

Recording Bitrates

  • 4K60: 40,000-80,000 kbps (CRF 18-23)
  • 1440p60: 20,000-40,000 kbps (CRF 20-25)
  • 1080p60: 15,000-25,000 kbps (CRF 22-28)
  • Archive: Use CRF 18-23 for quality

x264 Encoder Presets

Fast Presets

  • Ultrafast: Lowest CPU usage
  • Superfast: Very low CPU
  • Veryfast: Low CPU usage
  • Use for: Live streaming

Balanced Presets

  • Fast: Good speed/quality
  • Medium: Default balance
  • Slow: Better quality
  • Use for: Most scenarios

Quality Presets

  • Slower: High quality
  • Veryslow: Maximum quality
  • Placebo: Diminishing returns
  • Use for: Archival recording

Rate Control Methods

CBR (Constant Bitrate)

  • • Maintains fixed bitrate
  • • Best for live streaming
  • • Predictable file sizes
  • • Required by most platforms
  • • Less efficient compression

CRF (Constant Rate Factor)

  • • Variable bitrate for quality
  • • Best for local recording
  • • Optimal quality/size ratio
  • • CRF 18-23 recommended
  • • More efficient compression

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Learn More About H.264

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Comprehensive guide covering H.264 encoding, presets, and optimization
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