
This is about how much data it takes to download files: The richer and more high-tech the file, the more gigs you’ll use-that means you’ll spend a lot more data downloading prestige video games than you would a handful of MP3s. (A Hobbit trilogy movie marathon, perhaps?)ĭownloading files is where you really gotta watch out. Streaming in 4K uses up four times as much data as HD, so consider limiting your 4K viewing to special occasions. You’ll use up a lot more data by watching movies or TV on a streaming service like Netflix.
Streaming a 2-hour movie: 1 GB in SD, 4 GB in HD, 16 GB in 4K. Here’s how much you’ll use on everyday online stuff: Streaming music or playing games online also goes easy on your monthly allowance. One way to do that is to use an online data calculator-like this one from the internet provider Armstrong-which gives you a quick readout of how much data it takes to do particular tasks.ĭoing regular stuff like browsing the web and checking email won’t take up much data at all. To avoid going over your data cap, you’ll have to budget out your average data usage for the month, and then stick to your budget. Type in your zip code blow to see if there’s a provider that offers unlimited data in your area: They may still have fair use policies in place to prevent you from abusing the service, but generally you’ll be free to use as much data as you like. However, some providers don’t impose data caps. Depending on your ISP and your plan, that limit could range anywhere from a generous 1 terabyte (equaling 1,000 gigabytes) to a paltry 40 gigabytes. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) impose a monthly limit-or “data cap”-on the amount of gigabytes you can burn through each month. And all of that counts toward your monthly limit.
Whether you’re checking a couple emails or binge-watching The Crown in 4K, you’re using megabytes or even gigabytes of data. It’s also commonly referred to by internet providers as “data usage,” “data limit,” “usage allowance,” or “fair use policy.”Įverything you do on the internet uses data. A data cap is the maximum amount of internet you’re allowed to use per month.