Calculator
PSD and file size calculator
Enter resolution, layer count, bit depth, and compression — get a ballpark in megabytes and memory load.
Calculator form
How to
How to use
1
Resolution
Width and height in pixels as in the document.
2
Layers
Count visible raster layers; groups alone weigh less.
3
Bit depth
16 bit doubles size vs 8 bit per channel.
Examples
Sample calculations
4000×4000, 10 layers, 8 bit
Hundreds of MB in RAM; disk file smaller with compression
Pitfalls
Common mistakes
Mistake
Ignoring smart objects → Nested docs can multiply memory use.
Mistake
100 layers at 8K “just in case” → Merge interim layers or use a smaller working size.
FAQ
FAQ
Why is the file smaller on disk?
PSD compresses; RAM holds uncompressed raster while editing.
How much RAM?
Rule of thumb: layer total × 2 for history and cache headroom.
Lock it in with practice
Open the free editor and apply the result — a short sketch beats more reading.