Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator
Fill in the values and the answer updates as you type.
How the Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator works
One-way latency = buffer size ÷ sample rate × 1,000. Round trip counts the input buffer plus the output buffer, plus your interface's converter and driver overhead. The feel ratings are rules of thumb, since sensitivity varies by instrument and player. Lower buffers reduce delay but raise CPU load and the risk of clicks. Example: with Buffer size 256 samples, Sample rate 48,000 Hz, and Converter and driver overhead 1 ms, the result is Buffer latency, one way (ms) = 5.33; Round-trip latency (ms) = 11.67; Monitoring feel = Fine for most tracking.
Inputs and results
The Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator takes 3 inputs and gives 4 results.
What you enter
- Buffer size (samples) — starts at 256.
- Sample rate (Hz) — starts at 48000.
- Converter and driver overhead (ms) — starts at 1.
What you get
- Buffer latency, one way (ms)
- Round-trip latency (ms)
- Monitoring feel
- Buffer time per sample (µs)
Example: Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator with the starting values
With buffer size 256 samples, sample rate 48000 Hz and converter and driver overhead 1 ms, the calculator returns:
| Buffer latency, one way (ms) | 5.33 |
|---|---|
| Round-trip latency (ms) | 11.67 |
| Monitoring feel | Fine for most tracking |
| Buffer time per sample (µs) | 20.8 |
Change any value above and the results update straight away.
Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator FAQ
How do I use the Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator?
Enter buffer size, sample rate and converter and driver overhead in the fields, then read buffer latency, one way (ms), round-trip latency (ms), monitoring feel and buffer time per sample (µs) in the result panel. The answer updates as you type, and you can press Calculate or Enter to refresh it. Use “Copy link” to share your exact numbers with someone else.
What does the Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator calculate?
Latency in milliseconds for a buffer size and sample rate. It returns buffer latency, one way (ms), round-trip latency (ms), monitoring feel and buffer time per sample (µs) from the 3 values you provide.
What values does the Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator start with?
It opens with buffer size 256 samples, sample rate 48000 Hz and converter and driver overhead 1 ms so you can see a working result straight away. Replace them with your own numbers, or press Reset to return to these starting values.
Is the Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator free and private?
Yes. It is free, needs no account, and runs in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to or stored on our servers. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Can I rely on the Audio Buffer Size Latency Calculator for important decisions?
Treat the result as a well-rounded estimate. Real situations often have details a general calculator cannot know, so confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. See the Disclaimer for more.