Real-World Transfer Time Calculator

Theoretical line speed is useful, but real transfers are usually slower. Apply an expected efficiency percentage to model a more practical throughput and completion time.

Choosing an efficiency value

There is no universal percentage. Protocol overhead, latency, packet loss, Wi-Fi, storage, encryption, server limits and workload shape all matter. If you have a measured transfer rate, the Transfer Efficiency Calculator can calculate your observed percentage instead.

Use measurements when possible

For important migrations and backup windows, measure sustained throughput on the actual path and use that result as your planning baseline.