The Ultimate Guide to Downloading 21 GB Files Fast and Easy
How long does it take to download 21 GB?
Download speed is one of the most important factors that affect your online experience. Whether you are downloading a game, a movie, a software update, or any other large file, you want it to be fast and smooth. But how long does it take to download a file that is 21 GB in size? And what are the factors that influence your download speed?
In this article, we will explain what download speed is, how it is measured, and how it varies depending on various factors. We will also show you how to calculate the download time for any file size and internet speed, as well as how to improve your download speed with some simple tips and tricks. Finally, we will compare the average download speeds of different countries around the world.
how long does it take to download 21 gb
Understanding file sizes and internet speeds
Before we dive into the details of download time, we need to understand some basic concepts about file sizes and internet speeds.
File size is the amount of data or information that a computer file stores. It is measured in bytes, which are units of digital information. One byte is equal to eight bits, which are binary digits that can be either 0 or 1. A single letter or symbol in a text file takes up about one byte of storage space.
However, most files are much larger than one byte, so we use prefixes to express larger units of bytes. For example, one kilobyte (KB) is equal to 1,000 bytes, one megabyte (MB) is equal to 1,000 kilobytes, one gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,000 megabytes, and so on. The table below shows some common file sizes and their equivalent units.
File typeExampleFile size
Text documentA resume or a letterAbout 10 KB
ImageA photo or a logoAbout 1 MB
AudioA song or a podcastAbout 5 MB
VideoA movie trailer or a YouTube clipAbout About 50 MB
GameA mobile or a PC gameAbout 1 GB
SoftwareAn operating system or an applicationAbout 5 GB
Internet speed is the rate at which data or information can be transferred over the internet. It is measured in bits per second (bps), which are units of digital information. One bit is equal to one binary digit, either 0 or 1. A single letter or symbol in a text file takes up about eight bits of bandwidth.
However, most internet speeds are much faster than one bit per second, so we use prefixes to express larger units of bits per second. For example, one kilobit per second (Kbps) is equal to 1,000 bits per second, one megabit per second (Mbps) is equal to 1,000 kilobits per second, one gigabit per second (Gbps) is equal to 1,000 megabits per second, and so on. The table below shows some common internet speeds and their equivalent units.
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Why does it take different time to download 21 gb file on different devices or networks
Why does it take more time to download 21 gb file than expected or estimated
Why does it take less time to download 21 gb file than expected or estimated
Internet typeExampleInternet speed
Dial-upA modem that connects to the phone lineAbout 56 Kbps
DSLA broadband connection that uses the phone lineAbout 10 Mbps
CableA broadband connection that uses the cable TV lineAbout 100 Mbps
Fiber-opticA broadband connection that uses light signals through glass fibersAbout 1 Gbps
MobileA wireless connection that uses cellular networksAbout 50 Mbps for 4G and about 200 Mbps for 5G
SatelliteA wireless connection that uses satellites in orbitAbout 25 Mbps
How to determine download time
Now that we know how file sizes and internet speeds are measured, we can use a simple formula to calculate the download time for any file size and internet speed. The formula is:
Download time = File size / Internet speed
This formula assumes that the file size is in bytes and the internet speed is in bits per second. If they are in different units, we need to convert them to the same unit before applying the formula. For example, if the file size is in gigabytes and the internet speed is in megabits per second, we need to multiply the file size by 8,000,000,000 and divide the internet speed by 1,000,000 to get them both in bits.
Let's use this formula to calculate the download time for a 21 GB file at different internet speeds. We will assume that the file size is in gigabytes and the internet speed is in megabits per second, so we will apply the conversion factors as explained above. The table below shows the results.
Internet speed (Mbps)Download time (seconds)
1016,800
503,360
1001,680
200840
500336
1,000168
As you can see, the download time for a 21 GB file can vary significantly depending on the internet speed. The faster the internet speed, the shorter the download time. For example, at 10 Mbps, it would take about 4 hours and 40 minutes to download a 21 GB file, while at 1,000 Mbps, it would take only about 3 minutes.
How to improve download speed
If you are not satisfied with your download speed, there are some things you can do to improve it. Here are some tips and tricks to boost your download speed and reduce your download time:
Close other apps and devices that use bandwidth. If you have multiple apps or devices that are streaming, downloading, uploading, or browsing the internet at the same time, they will compete for bandwidth and slow down your download speed. Try to close or pause any unnecessary apps or devices that are using the internet while you are downloading a large file.
Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is convenient, but it is also prone to interference, signal loss, and congestion. A wired connection, such as an Ethernet cable, can provide a more stable and faster internet connection than Wi-Fi. If possible, connect your device directly to your router or modem with a cable when you are downloading a large file.
Update your hardware and software. Sometimes, your download speed can be limited by your hardware or software. For example, if you have an old router or modem, a slow processor, a low memory, or an outdated operating system or browser, they can affect your internet performance. Try to update your hardware and software to the latest versions and check if they improve your download speed.
Change your DNS servers. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a system that translates website names into IP addresses. Your internet service provider (ISP) usually assigns you a default DNS server, but it may not be the fastest or most reliable one. You can change your DNS server to a different one that may offer better performance and security. Some popular DNS servers are Google Public DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and OpenDNS. You can