HDMI Bandwidth Calculator
Pick your resolution, refresh rate and color depth to see whether HDMI or DisplayPort can carry it, and which cable to use.
Getting ready…
How It Works
A screen is sent every pixel of every frame, plus short gaps between lines and frames called blanking. The calculator adds up the whole frame, multiplies it by the refresh rate to get the pixel clock, then by the bits each pixel takes: 24 at 8-bit color, 30 at 10-bit and 36 at 12-bit. That is the data rate your setup needs.
Blanking follows the VESA reduced blanking standard (CVT-R2) that monitors use at high refresh rates: 80 pixels per line, and at least 460 microseconds per frame. TVs often use longer blanking, which needs a little more.
Every connection spends part of its speed on encoding, so it carries less than the number on the box. HDMI 2.0 is sold as 18 Gbit/s but carries 14.4 Gbit/s of picture. The calculator compares your data rate with what each version really carries.
Where a connection is too slow, Display Stream Compression (DSC) can shrink the signal by up to 3:1 with no visible loss. HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 and newer support it, but only when your graphics card and your monitor both do too.
Interpreting Your Result
Carries it means the connection is fast enough with no compression. With DSC means it fits only when your graphics card and monitor both support Display Stream Compression, as most fast 4K monitors do. Not enough means a lower refresh rate, resolution or color depth, or a faster connection.
The slowest part decides. The port on your graphics card, the cable and the port on your monitor each have a version, and the connection runs at the lowest of the three. An HDMI 2.1 monitor on an HDMI 2.0 cable is an HDMI 2.0 connection.
Close to the limit, above 95% of a connection, the answer depends on your monitor. Many monitors use slightly shorter blanking than the standard and fit a setup that looks just too fast here; TVs use longer blanking and may not.
Sorted out the connection? Check that your monitor really runs at its rate with the refresh rate test. A connection that cannot keep up usually leaves it at 60 Hz.
Setting up a new monitor? Look for faulty pixels with the dead pixel test while you can still return it.
Quick Answers for Popular Setups
Every row is worked out by the calculator above, for full color (RGB). Yes carries it as it is, DSC carries it with Display Stream Compression, and No cannot carry it.
Standard Range (8-Bit Color)
| Setup | Needs | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbit/s) | DisplayPort 1.4 (HBR3) | DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,920 × 1,080, 144 Hz | 8.00 Gbit/s | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1,920 × 1,080, 240 Hz | 14.00 Gbit/s | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1,920 × 1,080, 360 Hz | 22.38 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2,560 × 1,440, 144 Hz | 14.08 Gbit/s | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2,560 × 1,440, 165 Hz | 16.30 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2,560 × 1,440, 240 Hz | 24.62 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2,560 × 1,440, 360 Hz | 39.37 Gbit/s | No | Yes | DSC | Yes |
| 3,440 × 1,440, 144 Hz | 18.77 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3,440 × 1,440, 240 Hz | 32.83 Gbit/s | No | Yes | DSC | Yes |
| 3,840 × 2,160, 60 Hz | 12.54 Gbit/s | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3,840 × 2,160, 120 Hz | 25.82 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3,840 × 2,160, 144 Hz | 31.35 Gbit/s | No | Yes | DSC | Yes |
| 3,840 × 2,160, 240 Hz | 54.84 Gbit/s | No | DSC | DSC | Yes |
| 5,120 × 1,440, 240 Hz | 48.49 Gbit/s | No | DSC | DSC | Yes |
| 7,680 × 4,320, 60 Hz | 49.65 Gbit/s | No | DSC | DSC | Yes |
HDR (10-Bit Color)
| Setup | Needs | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbit/s) | DisplayPort 1.4 (HBR3) | DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,920 × 1,080, 144 Hz | 10.00 Gbit/s | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1,920 × 1,080, 240 Hz | 17.50 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1,920 × 1,080, 360 Hz | 27.97 Gbit/s | No | Yes | DSC | Yes |
| 2,560 × 1,440, 144 Hz | 17.60 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2,560 × 1,440, 165 Hz | 20.37 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2,560 × 1,440, 240 Hz | 30.77 Gbit/s | No | Yes | DSC | Yes |
| 2,560 × 1,440, 360 Hz | 49.21 Gbit/s | No | DSC | DSC | Yes |
| 3,440 × 1,440, 144 Hz | 23.46 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3,440 × 1,440, 240 Hz | 41.03 Gbit/s | No | Yes | DSC | Yes |
| 3,840 × 2,160, 60 Hz | 15.68 Gbit/s | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3,840 × 2,160, 120 Hz | 32.27 Gbit/s | No | Yes | DSC | Yes |
| 3,840 × 2,160, 144 Hz | 39.19 Gbit/s | No | Yes | DSC | Yes |
| 3,840 × 2,160, 240 Hz | 68.56 Gbit/s | No | DSC | DSC | Yes |
| 5,120 × 1,440, 240 Hz | 60.62 Gbit/s | No | DSC | DSC | Yes |
| 7,680 × 4,320, 60 Hz | 62.06 Gbit/s | No | DSC | DSC | Yes |
Have an HDMI 2.1 port that stops at 40 Gbit/s, or DisplayPort 2.1 at UHBR10 or UHBR13.5? Enter your setup in the calculator above: it checks every version.
What Each Connection Carries
The speed on the box is the link rate. Part of it goes to encoding, so the picture gets the rate in the third column, and that is what your setup has to fit in.
| Version | Link rate | Picture data | DSC | Cable to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 | 10.20 Gbit/s | 8.16 Gbit/s | No | High Speed |
| HDMI 2.0 | 18.00 Gbit/s | 14.40 Gbit/s | No | Premium High Speed |
| HDMI 2.1 (40 Gbit/s) | 40.00 Gbit/s | 35.56 Gbit/s | Yes | Ultra High Speed |
| HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbit/s) | 48.00 Gbit/s | 42.67 Gbit/s | Yes | Ultra High Speed |
| DisplayPort 1.2 (HBR2) | 21.60 Gbit/s | 17.28 Gbit/s | No | Any certified cable |
| DisplayPort 1.4 (HBR3) | 32.40 Gbit/s | 25.92 Gbit/s | Yes | DP8K |
| DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR10) | 40.00 Gbit/s | 38.69 Gbit/s | Yes | DP40 |
| DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR13.5) | 54.00 Gbit/s | 52.22 Gbit/s | Yes | DP54 |
| DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) | 80.00 Gbit/s | 77.37 Gbit/s | Yes | DP80 |
A cable has no version number. HDMI cables are certified by speed, with a label on the box you can scan with the HDMI Cable Certification app; DisplayPort cables carry a DP8K, DP40, DP54 or DP80 logo.
Passive cables lose speed with length, so the fastest ones are short. For a long run, buy an active or fiber cable certified for the same speed.
The Slowest Part Sets the Speed
A connection has three parts, and it runs at the fastest version all three support.
- Graphics card, console or laptopThe version of its port
- CableThe certification on its box
- Monitor or TVThe version of its port
An HDMI 2.1 graphics card, a Premium High Speed cable and an HDMI 2.1 monitor make an HDMI 2.0 connection, because the cable stops at 18 Gbit/s. Adapters, docks, switches and extenders are parts too, and often the slowest.
Which Port Is It?
Every version of a connector has the same shape, so the shape tells you the kind of port, not its speed. Look at the outline of the opening:
- HDMIWide, with both lower corners cut at an angle. On TVs, consoles, most graphics cards and many laptops.
- DisplayPortWide, with only one corner cut. On graphics cards and PC monitors; the plug often has a latch to press as you pull it out.
- Mini DisplayPortSmall, with both lower corners cut. On older laptops and some workstation cards. With a lightning bolt beside it, it is a Thunderbolt 1 or 2 port.
- USB-CSmall and rounded at both ends. It sends a picture only if it carries DisplayPort: look for a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt logo beside it.
Finding Your Version
Graphics card, console or laptop: look up its model with the word specifications, and read the HDMI and DisplayPort lines. The main ones are in the table below.
Monitor or TV: its specifications list every port. Many have only one or two ports at full speed, such as a single HDMI 2.1 port beside HDMI 2.0 ones, so plug into the fast one.
Cable: look for the certification on the box: Ultra High Speed, Premium High Speed, DP40, DP54 or DP80. A cable sold only as 4K or 8K may not be certified for any speed.
Graphics Cards and Consoles
The fastest outputs of the main graphics card generations and current consoles. Laptops with the same graphics often have slower ports, so check the laptop’s own specifications.
Graphics Cards
| Model | HDMI | DisplayPort |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 | 2.1b | 2.1b (UHBR20) |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 | 2.1a | 1.4a |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 | 2.1 | 1.4a |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 | 2.0b | 1.4a |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 | 2.0b | 1.4 |
| AMD Radeon RX 9000 | 2.1b | 2.1a (UHBR13.5) |
| AMD Radeon RX 7000 | 2.1 | 2.1 (UHBR13.5) |
| AMD Radeon RX 6000 | 2.1 | 1.4a |
| AMD Radeon RX 5000 | 2.0b | 1.4 |
| Intel Arc B580 | 2.1 | 2.1 (UHBR13.5) |
| Intel Arc A770 | 2.0b / 2.1 | 2.0 (UHBR10) |
Figures are the makers’ own reference specifications, checked October 15, 2026. A card from another brand built on the same chip can have different ports, so check its box or product page.
Consoles
| Model | HDMI | Top video modes |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro | 2.1 (32 Gbit/s) | 4K 120 Hz, HDR, VRR |
| Xbox Series X | 2.1 (40 Gbit/s) | 4K 120 Hz, HDR, VRR |
| Xbox Series S | 2.1 | 1440p 120 Hz, HDR, VRR |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Not published | 4K 60 Hz, 1440p 120 Hz, HDR |
Consoles send 4K HDR with less color detail (4:2:2 or 4:2:0) when the link is short of full color, so they reach modes this calculator, which assumes full color, says need more. The link rates are reviewers’ measurements: makers do not publish them.
Still Stuck Below Your Refresh Rate?
Work through these in order. Each is a common reason a monitor that should reach 144 Hz or more stays at 60 Hz.
Pick the rate in your system. On Windows 11: Settings, System, Display, Advanced display, then Choose a refresh rate. On a Mac: System Settings, Displays, Refresh Rate. Windows often leaves a new monitor at 60 Hz.
Plug into the graphics card. On a desktop, the video ports beside the USB ports belong to the motherboard: they can be slower, or show nothing once a graphics card is fitted.
Check the monitor’s own menu. Some monitors can be set to run DisplayPort as 1.2, as Dell’s can, which caps the rate. Many TVs need their enhanced HDMI signal turned on for that input: Input Signal Plus on Samsung, HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour on LG.
Use the cable the calculator names, certified for the speed. A cable that works at 60 Hz can still fail at 144 Hz, with flicker or a black screen.
Take out adapters, docks, switches and extenders, and test with one direct cable. Each has a version of its own and can be the slowest part.
Update your graphics driver, and the monitor’s firmware if its maker offers one.
Still short? Lower the color depth to 8-bit, turn on DSC if the monitor has the option, or on a TV, set the console or graphics card to send 4:2:2.
Then confirm it with the refresh rate test: it shows the rate your screen really runs at.
Sources
Link rates, cable names and timing come from the HDMI Forum and VESA, last checked October 15, 2026.
- HDMI Forum: HDMI 2.1b Specification
- HDMI Licensing: HDMI Cables
- HDMI Licensing: Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable
- VESA: Coordinated Video Timings Standard 1.2
- VESA: DisplayPort 1.4 and Display Stream Compression
- VESA: DP8K certified cables
- VESA: DisplayPort 2.1a and DP54 cables
- Wikipedia: DisplayPort link rates
- NVIDIA: GeForce graphics card comparison
- AMD: Radeon RX 9070 XT specifications
- Intel: Arc B580 specifications
- Sony: PS5 4K resolution guide
- Microsoft: Xbox Series X
- Nintendo: Switch 2 tech specs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can HDMI 2.0 do 4K at 144 Hz?
No. 4K at 144 Hz needs 31.3 Gbit/s at 8-bit color, and HDMI 2.0 carries 14.4 Gbit/s, enough for 4K at 60 Hz. Use HDMI 2.1, or DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC. Over HDMI 2.0, faster 4K is possible only by sending less color detail (4:2:0), which blurs text.
Does DSC lower picture quality?
Not visibly in normal use. DSC is built to be visually lossless up to 3:1, and side by side tests rarely find a difference in games or video. Its costs are elsewhere: switching modes can take a moment longer, and some graphics cards turn off features such as custom resolutions while it is on.
Do expensive HDMI cables give a better picture?
No. The signal is digital, so a cable either carries it cleanly or fails with flicker, sparkles or a black screen. What matters is the certification on the box: Premium High Speed for HDMI 2.0, Ultra High Speed for HDMI 2.1, and DP40, DP54 or DP80 for DisplayPort 2.1. More money buys length and build, not picture.
Is DisplayPort or HDMI better for a gaming monitor?
For a PC monitor, DisplayPort when both ends have it: monitors often reach their top refresh rate on DisplayPort first, and graphics cards have more DisplayPort outputs. HDMI 2.1 matches it for most setups, and it is the one for a TV or a console, which have no DisplayPort.
Can a USB-C or Thunderbolt port drive my monitor?
Often, if the port carries DisplayPort: look for a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt logo beside it, or check the laptop’s specs. It then runs as the DisplayPort version the laptop supports. A dock that also carries fast USB data may give the screen only half the lanes, so it can top out lower than a direct cable.
Why does my TV use 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 for 4K HDR?
To fit a slower connection. Chroma subsampling sends color at lower resolution: 4:2:2 cuts the data rate by a third, 4:2:0 by half. It is hard to see in films and games but blurs colored text. This calculator assumes full color (RGB), as PC monitors use, so a TV setup it says will not fit may still run with subsampling.