Calculator
How much mobile data do I need?
Move the sliders to match a typical day away from Wi-Fi. We turn it into GB a month, add some headroom and show today’s cheapest SIM for that amount.
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Does Wi-Fi count?
No — only count time on mobile data. Most people use far less than they think once home and work Wi-Fi are excluded.
Which activity uses the most?
Video, by far. An hour of HD streaming can use more than a month of browsing.
What if I go over?
Most plans slow you down or stop data until the next month; a 30-day SIM lets you move up a tier.
No price rise- Runs on Three
- 30-day rolling plan
- No credit check
- EU roaming included, 12 GB
£6 a month
Get this dealSMARTY review →The cheapest 30-day SIM with 10GB+ and no annual rise — live.
Hours a day on mobile data — not on Wi-Fi
You need about
How much data each activity uses
| Activity | Roughly per hour |
|---|---|
| Browsing, email, messaging | 0.1GB |
| Music and podcasts | 0.1GB |
| Social media with video | 0.7GB |
| Video calls | 0.5GB |
| Streaming video, standard | 1.5GB |
| Streaming video, HD or 4K | 3GB or more |
These are typical figures; apps vary, and most let you lower video quality on mobile data. We multiply your daily hours by 30 and add 15% so you don’t run out at the end of the month.
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Typical users and what they need
| You are… | Typical day away from Wi-Fi | Plan to look at |
|---|---|---|
| Light user | Messages, email, maps, some browsing | 5–10GB |
| Commuter | An hour of music or podcasts, social media, browsing | 20–30GB |
| Social and video | Daily short videos, video calls, some streaming | 30–60GB |
| Streamer or hotspot user | Films on the go, laptop tethering | 100GB or unlimited |
Check your real usage
Your phone already knows. On an iPhone go to Settings › Mobile Data (Mobile Service on newer iOS versions); on Android, Settings › Network & internet › Data usage (names vary by brand). Look at a full month, ignoring Wi-Fi, and add 15–20% headroom. Your network’s app shows the same figure per billing month.
Ways to use less data
- Set video apps to standard quality on mobile data — HD can triple usage.
- Download music, podcasts and films on Wi-Fi before you travel.
- Turn off auto-play for videos in social apps.
- Turn on Wi-Fi Calling at home; calls over Wi-Fi don’t use your allowance.
Running out, or paying for too much?
On a 30-day SIM you can move up or down a tier each month, so you don’t need to guess perfectly. When unlimited costs only a few pounds more than 100GB, it’s often worth it for heavy users. Compare SIM only deals or, without a contract, pay as you go bundles.
FAQ
Common questions
Is 10GB enough?
For browsing, messaging, music and some social media away from Wi-Fi, usually yes. Regular video on mobile data needs 30GB or more.
Is unlimited data worth it?
If you stream on the go or use your phone as a hotspot, often yes — unlimited SIMs can cost only a few pounds more than 100GB.
How do I check my usage?
Your phone’s settings show mobile data used per app; your network’s app shows the monthly total.