Every resolution, refresh rate, bit depth, and chroma setting has a data rate. Match it to the right HDMI version and cable to avoid dropouts or a blank screen. Pick your format below for the uncompressed bandwidth and the HDMI version that supports it.
How HDMI bandwidth is calculated
The link carries total pixels per frame, including blanking, so the rate is total pixels x refresh x bit depth x channel factor x 10/8. The channel factor is 3 for 4:4:4 or RGB, 2 for 4:2:2, and 1.5 for 4:2:0, and the 10/8 term is the TMDS encoding overhead used up to HDMI 2.0.
Common formats and HDMI version
| Format | Rate | Minimum HDMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p60 8-bit 4:4:4 | ~4.46 Gbps | HDMI 1.4 |
| 4K60 8-bit 4:4:4 | ~17.82 Gbps | HDMI 2.0 |
| 4K60 10-bit 4:4:4 | ~22.28 Gbps | HDMI 2.1 |
| 4K120 8-bit 4:4:4 | ~35.6 Gbps | HDMI 2.1 |
Frequently asked questions
How much bandwidth does 4K 60 need?
4K60 8-bit 4:4:4 needs about 17.82 Gbps, within HDMI 2.0. Add 10-bit HDR and it exceeds 18 Gbps, needing HDMI 2.1 or reduced chroma like 4:2:2.
How is HDMI bandwidth calculated?
Total pixels (with blanking) x refresh x bit depth x channel factor (3 / 2 / 1.5) x 10/8 encoding overhead.
What are the HDMI version limits?
HDMI 1.4 up to 10.2 Gbps, 2.0 up to 18 Gbps, 2.1 up to 48 Gbps. Above these you need subsampling, lower bit depth, or Display Stream Compression.
Does chroma subsampling reduce bandwidth?
Yes. 4:2:2 is about two thirds of 4:4:4 and 4:2:0 about half, a common way to fit within an HDMI limit with little visible loss on video.
Why include blanking?
The link transmits blanking as well as active pixels, so bandwidth is based on total pixels per frame, which is higher than active resolution alone.
Distributing 4K over long runs? Key Digital HDMI over CAT6 extenders and matrix switchers move high-bandwidth signals reliably. Find a dealer to spec your project.