How Much Mobile Data Do I Need?
Not sure whether you need 5GB, 20GB, 100GB or unlimited data? Use our free mobile data calculator to estimate how much mobile data you could use each month based on how you actually use your phone.
Calculate Your Mobile Data Usage
Adjust the options below to match the time you spend using mobile data rather than Wi-Fi.
How Much Mobile Data Do I Need?
The right mobile data allowance depends on how you use your phone when you're away from Wi-Fi. Someone who mainly uses messaging, email and occasional web browsing may only need a small allowance, while regular video streaming can quickly increase monthly usage.
If you already have a mobile plan, it's worth checking your current provider's app, online account or recent bills before changing tariff. This will give you a useful picture of how much mobile data you actually use in a typical month.
As a rough guide, these allowances may suit different types of users:
What Uses the Most Mobile Data?
Video streaming is usually one of the biggest mobile data users. Watching YouTube, Netflix, BBC iPlayer or other video services for several hours can use considerably more data than sending messages or browsing websites.
Video quality also matters. Higher-resolution video can use several times more data than standard-definition streaming.
Other activities that can use significant amounts of data include video calls, social media feeds containing lots of video, app downloads and large software updates.
How to Reduce Your Mobile Data Usage
If you're regularly running out of data, a few small changes can make a noticeable difference.
- Use Wi-Fi for large app downloads and software updates.
- Download music, podcasts and programmes before leaving home.
- Reduce video streaming quality when using 4G or 5G.
- Check which apps are using the most data in your phone settings.
- Disable mobile data for apps that don't need constant internet access.
- Turn off automatic cloud photo and video uploads while using mobile data.
Mobile Data Calculator FAQs
Is 5GB of mobile data enough?
5GB may be enough if you mostly use your phone for messaging, email, web browsing and occasional social media while away from Wi-Fi. Regular video streaming can use a 5GB allowance relatively quickly.
Is 20GB enough for a month?
For many everyday users, 20GB can provide a comfortable amount of mobile data for social media, browsing, music and occasional video. Heavy video streaming may require a larger allowance.
Is 100GB a lot of mobile data?
100GB is a large mobile data allowance for most people and provides plenty of room for regular streaming and heavy phone use. Whether it is enough depends mainly on how much high-quality video you stream and whether you tether other devices.
How much data does Netflix or YouTube use?
Video usage varies considerably depending on quality. Standard-definition video may use under 1GB an hour, while high-definition streaming can use several gigabytes per hour. Lowering video quality can substantially reduce your data usage.
How much data does Spotify use?
Music streaming generally uses much less data than video. The exact amount depends on the selected audio quality. Downloading playlists over Wi-Fi can help reduce your monthly mobile data usage.
Does Wi-Fi use my mobile data allowance?
Normally, no. When your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, internet activity generally uses the Wi-Fi connection rather than your mobile data allowance. Your phone may switch back to mobile data if the Wi-Fi connection drops.
Does 5G use more data than 4G?
5G itself does not automatically use more data for the same activity. However, faster speeds can make it easier to stream higher-quality video, download larger files and consume more content, which can increase overall usage.
Is unlimited mobile data worth it?
Unlimited data may be useful if you stream a lot of video, tether other devices, rarely connect to Wi-Fi or simply don't want to worry about your monthly allowance. For lighter users, a smaller plan may offer better value.