HDMI
Required interface
HDMI 2.1 / FRL 32 Gbps or higher
Required cable
Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable or higher
Standards & Compatibility
HDMI & DisplayPort resolutions, refresh rates and cables
Check the bandwidth and cable needed for your resolution and refresh rate, including Full HD 240–500 Hz, WQHD 240–360 Hz and 4K high refresh rates.
Find the required interface and cable
DisplayPort
Required interface
DisplayPort 1.3 / HBR3 or higher
Required cable
HBR3 DisplayPort cable or higher
8-bit RGB estimate. Monitor and GPU ports must support the selected resolution and Hz.
Formula and selection method
Required bandwidth (Gbps) = pixel clock (MHz) × 24 ÷ 1000. 8-bit RGB uses 24 bits per pixel: 8 bits for each of R, G and B.
Pixel clock (MHz) = total horizontal pixels × total vertical lines × Hz ÷ 1,000,000. Totals include blanking periods. Known CTA modes use registered pixel clocks.
Other modes use a Reduced Blanking estimate. Horizontal total = width rounded up to a multiple of 8 + 80. Line time = (1 ÷ Hz − 0.000460) ÷ height. Vertical blanking = max(20, floor(0.000460 ÷ line time) + 1). Vertical total = height + vertical blanking. Times are in seconds.
Compare demand with each link’s video bandwidth and select the lowest uncompressed option. TMDS clock limits are also checked. If no uncompressed option fits, retry assuming DSC reduces demand to one third. The cable is matched to the selected link.
The 20-line vertical blanking floor is a conservative simplification, not an exact CVT requirement. At 8-bit depth, RGB/4:4:4 uses 24 bits/pixel, 4:2:0 averages 12 bits/pixel, and 4:2:2 averages 16 bits/pixel; HDMI TMDS 4:2:2 uses fixed 24-bit transport packing. The checker uses 8-bit RGB only.
Calculation for the selected mode
2560×1440 / 240Hz · RB2-style reduced blanking estimate
Width: ceil(2560 ÷ 8) × 8 + 80 = 2640
(1 ÷ 240 − 0.000460) ÷ 1440 = 0.000002574 s
max(20, floor(0.000460 ÷ 0.000002574) + 1) = 179
Height: 1440 + 179 = 1619
Estimated pixel clock: 2640 × 1619 × 240 ÷ 1,000,000 = 1025.798 MHz
Estimated video bandwidth (including blanking): 1025.798 × 24 ÷ 1000 ≈ 24.619 Gbps
HDMI 2.1 / FRL 32 Gbps: 24.619 Gbps ≤ 27.591 Gbps
DisplayPort 1.3 / HBR3: 24.619 Gbps ≤ 25.92 Gbps
HDMI standards
Interface versions and cable ratings differ. HDMI 2.1 products implement different FRL rates. HDMI 2.2 officially lists 64 / 80 / 96 Gbps; check the actual port bandwidth.
| Interface / implemented bandwidth | Maximum raw bandwidth | Video bandwidth budget | Signal / encoding | DSC support | FHD 1920×1080 Maximum Hz estimate | 4K 3840×2160 Maximum Hz estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 | 10.2 Gbps | 8.16 Gbps | TMDS / 8b/10b | No | 120Hz / 144Hz*1 | 30Hz |
| HDMI 2.0 | 18 Gbps | 14.40 Gbps | TMDS / 8b/10b | No | 240Hz*2 | 60Hz*2 |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 9 Gbps | 9 Gbps | 7.76 Gbps | FRL / 16b/18b | Optional | 120Hz | 30Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 18 Gbps | 18 Gbps | 15.52 Gbps | FRL / 16b/18b | Optional | 240Hz | 60Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 24 Gbps | 24 Gbps | 20.69 Gbps | FRL / 16b/18b | Optional | 300Hz | 75Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 32 Gbps | 32 Gbps | 27.59 Gbps | FRL / 16b/18b | Optional | 360Hz | 120Hz*2 |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 40 Gbps | 40 Gbps | 34.49 Gbps | FRL / 16b/18b | Optional | 500Hz*2 | 144Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 48 Gbps | 48 Gbps | 41.39 Gbps | FRL / 16b/18b | Optional | 540Hz | 180Hz*2 |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 64 Gbps | 64 Gbps | 55.18 Gbps*3 | FRL*3 | Optional | 600Hz*3 | 240Hz*3*2 |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 80 Gbps | 80 Gbps | 68.98 Gbps*3 | FRL*3 | Optional | 800Hz or higher*3*2 | 280Hz*3 |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 96 Gbps | 96 Gbps | 82.77 Gbps*3 | FRL*3 | Optional | 900Hz or higher*3*2 | 300Hz*3 |
*3 HDMI officially confirms 64 / 80 / 96 Gbps. Public sources used here do not establish the HDMI 2.2 coding efficiency. Its video bandwidth, Hz and checker results assume 16b/18b × 97%, as for earlier FRL. These are model estimates, not confirmed HDMI 2.2 payload limits.
*1 The HDMI 1.4 official overview lists FHD at 120Hz. 144Hz may fit with 8-bit RGB and timings such as Reduced Blanking, provided both the GPU and monitor support the mode. An HDMI input limited to 120Hz cannot run 144Hz.
Uncompressed 8-bit RGB: highest supported rate among the listed test rates, including conditional reduced-blanking modes. Not an absolute device limit; DSC may allow higher rates. 1000 Hz is the calculation range limit.
The table samples Hz values including 800 and 900, up to 1000. “Or higher” means higher candidates remain within the model budget; it does not guarantee every higher rate. Values are not absolute device or certification limits.
*2 Conditional estimate: close to the bandwidth limit or requiring a Reduced Blanking timing. Verify the supported timing on both the monitor and GPU.
DisplayPort standards
Check the DisplayPort link rate and lane count, not just the version. DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 can implement UHBR10, UHBR13.5 or UHBR20. This page assumes four lanes.
| Interface / implemented bandwidth | Maximum raw bandwidth | Video bandwidth budget | Signal / encoding | Link rate per lane / Lanes | DSC support | FHD 1920×1080 Maximum Hz estimate | 4K 3840×2160 Maximum Hz estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DisplayPort / RBR | 6.48 Gbps | 5.18 Gbps | 8b/10b | 1.62 Gbps / 4 | No | 75Hz | 24Hz*2 |
| DisplayPort / HBR | 10.8 Gbps | 8.64 Gbps | 8b/10b | 2.7 Gbps / 4 | No | 144Hz | 30Hz |
| DisplayPort 1.2 / HBR2 | 21.6 Gbps | 17.28 Gbps | 8b/10b | 5.4 Gbps / 4 | No | 280Hz*2 | 75Hz |
| DisplayPort 1.3 / HBR3 | 32.4 Gbps | 25.92 Gbps | 8b/10b | 8.1 Gbps / 4 | No | 360Hz | 120Hz*2 |
| DisplayPort 1.4 / HBR3 | 32.4 Gbps | 25.92 Gbps | 8b/10b | 8.1 Gbps / 4 | Optional | 360Hz | 120Hz*2 |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR10 | 40 Gbps | 38.69 Gbps | 128b/132b + FEC | 10 Gbps / 4 | Optional | 540Hz*2 | 165Hz |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR13.5 | 54.0 Gbps | 52.22 Gbps | 128b/132b + FEC | 13.5 Gbps / 4 | Optional | 600Hz | 200Hz |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR20 | 80 Gbps | 77.37 Gbps | 128b/132b + FEC | 20 Gbps / 4 | Optional | 800Hz or higher | 300Hz |
Uncompressed 8-bit RGB: highest supported rate among the listed test rates, including conditional reduced-blanking modes. Not an absolute device limit; DSC may allow higher rates. 1000 Hz is the calculation range limit.
The table samples Hz values including 800 and 900, up to 1000. “Or higher” means higher candidates remain within the model budget; it does not guarantee every higher rate. Values are not absolute device or certification limits.
*2 Conditional estimate: close to the bandwidth limit or requiring a Reduced Blanking timing. Verify the supported timing on both the monitor and GPU.
HDMI cable standards
Choose a certified cable for the link. Standard HDMI is tested for 720p/1080i; it does not certify 1080p60. High Speed: 10.2 Gbps; Premium High Speed: 18; Ultra High Speed: 48; Ultra96: 96. A faster cable does not improve the ports.
| Cable for this link | Maximum raw bandwidth | Classification / certification | Full HD 1920×1080 Maximum Hz estimate | 4K 3840×2160 Maximum Hz estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard HDMI Cable | — | Certified scope: 720p / 1080i | Not certified | Not certified |
| High Speed HDMI Cable | 10.2 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 120Hz / 144Hz*1 | 30Hz |
| Premium High Speed HDMI Cable | 18 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 240Hz*2 | 60Hz*2 |
| Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable | 48 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 540Hz | 180Hz*2 |
| Ultra96 HDMI Cable | 96 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 900Hz or higher*3*2 | 300Hz*3 |
Estimates use the strongest link within the cable bandwidth, with uncompressed 8-bit RGB, including conditional timings. The monitor and GPU must also support the mode. DSC changes the result. 1000Hz is the calculation ceiling.
The table samples Hz values including 800 and 900, up to 1000. “Or higher” means higher candidates remain within the model budget; it does not guarantee every higher rate. Values are not absolute device or certification limits.
*2 Conditional estimate: close to the bandwidth limit or requiring a Reduced Blanking timing. Verify the supported timing on both the monitor and GPU.
DisplayPort cable standards
HBR/HBR2/HBR3 identify link capabilities. DP54 supports UHBR10/13.5; DP80 supports UHBR20. VESA revalidated original certified DP40 cables for DP54 (54 Gbps), so this page treats them alike. Check the actual certification; an unverified product labeled DP40 is not sufficient evidence.
| Cable for this link | Maximum raw bandwidth | Classification / certification | Full HD 1920×1080 Maximum Hz estimate | 4K 3840×2160 Maximum Hz estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HBR | 10.8 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 144Hz | 30Hz |
| HBR2 | 21.6 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 280Hz*2 | 75Hz |
| HBR3 | 32.4 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 360Hz | 120Hz*2 |
| DP40 → DP54 / UHBR10 / UHBR13.5 | 54 Gbps | Legacy certification / standard | 600Hz | 200Hz |
| DP54 / DP40 · UHBR10 / UHBR13.5 | 54 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 600Hz | 200Hz |
| DP80 / UHBR20 | 80 Gbps | Bandwidth class / certification | 800Hz or higher | 300Hz |
Estimates use the strongest link within the cable bandwidth, with uncompressed 8-bit RGB, including conditional timings. The monitor and GPU must also support the mode. DSC changes the result. 1000Hz is the calculation ceiling.
The table samples Hz values including 800 and 900, up to 1000. “Or higher” means higher candidates remain within the model budget; it does not guarantee every higher rate. Values are not absolute device or certification limits.
*2 Conditional estimate: close to the bandwidth limit or requiring a Reduced Blanking timing. Verify the supported timing on both the monitor and GPU.
Resolution and refresh rate table
Table: 8-bit RGB / 4:4:4, uncompressed by default. DSC cells show a separate estimated 3:1 alternative. HDMI rows name the implemented FRL rate; DisplayPort assumes four lanes. 10/12-bit and chroma settings change the results.
○ Estimated uncompressed support · △ Timing / product conditions · DSC Estimated compression alternative · × Insufficient bandwidth
Tables scroll horizontally. Select a resolution to focus the refresh-rate table.
| Interface / implemented bandwidth | 60Hz | 120Hz | 144Hz | 165Hz | 180Hz | 240Hz | 360Hz | 480Hz | 500Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 | ○ | ○ | △ | × | × | × | × | × | × |
| HDMI 2.0 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | △ | × | × | × |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 48 Gbps | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 64 Gbps*3 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 80 Gbps*3 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 96 Gbps*3 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| DisplayPort 1.2 / HBR2 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | × | × | × |
| DisplayPort 1.3 / HBR3 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | × | × |
| DisplayPort 1.4 / HBR3 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | DSC | DSC |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR10 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR13.5 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR20 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
Interface and cable combinations
Use the same input conditions as the checker. Each row lists the cable needed for the stated link capability, not a guarantee for a particular resolution or device.
| Required link capability | Cable for this link |
|---|---|
| HDMI 1.4 | High Speed HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.0 | Premium High Speed HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 9 Gbps | Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 18 Gbps | Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 24 Gbps | Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 32 Gbps | Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 40 Gbps | Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.1 / FRL 48 Gbps | Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 64 Gbps | Ultra96 HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 80 Gbps | Ultra96 HDMI Cable |
| HDMI 2.2 / Ultra96 96 Gbps | Ultra96 HDMI Cable |
| DisplayPort 1.2 / HBR2 | HBR2 |
| DisplayPort 1.3 / HBR3 | HBR3 |
| DisplayPort 1.4 / HBR3 | HBR3 |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR10 | DP54 / DP40 · UHBR10 / UHBR13.5 |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR13.5 | DP54 / DP40 · UHBR10 / UHBR13.5 |
| DisplayPort 2.0 / 2.1 / UHBR20 | DP80 / UHBR20 |
Notes and terminology
Actual resolution and refresh rate depend on the monitor, PC/GPU, ports and cable together. Results are estimates of interface capability. Check every device specification, including the maximum Hz on each input.
The 20-line vertical blanking floor is a conservative simplification, not an exact CVT requirement. At 8-bit depth, RGB/4:4:4 uses 24 bits/pixel, 4:2:0 averages 12 bits/pixel, and 4:2:2 averages 16 bits/pixel; HDMI TMDS 4:2:2 uses fixed 24-bit transport packing. The checker uses 8-bit RGB only.
Using the maximum refresh rate
Check the monitor maximum Hz → maximum Hz on that monitor input → PC/GPU port → link bandwidth and cable → color depth and DSC. The lowest supported capability limits the result. A 240 Hz monitor with an input limited to 180 Hz cannot reach 240 Hz through that input.
How the estimate works
Common CTA modes use known pixel clocks. Other modes use an RB2-style estimate with 80 horizontal blanking pixels and at least 460 µs vertical blanking, with width rounded up to 8 pixels. This is not a full CVT timing generator or EDID validation. TMDS accounts for deep color, 4:2:0 and fixed 24-bit 4:2:2 packing. FRL budgets use 16b/18b coding with a conservative 3% overhead reserve; UHBR budgets account for coding/FEC. Audio and transport overhead, exact timings and implementation limits can change the result.
*3 HDMI officially confirms 64 / 80 / 96 Gbps. Public sources used here do not establish the HDMI 2.2 coding efficiency. Its video bandwidth, Hz and checker results assume 16b/18b × 97%, as for earlier FRL. These are model estimates, not confirmed HDMI 2.2 payload limits.
Terminology
8/10/12-bit is the depth per color component. HDR often uses 10-bit; bandwidth follows depth rather than an HDR switch. RGB and 4:4:4 preserve chroma detail; 4:2:2 and 4:2:0 reduce it and can affect text. DSC compresses the stream and requires support at both ends. Reduced Blanking reduces inactive timing intervals. USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode may provide only two lanes; adapters, docks and MST also need separate checks.
Frequently asked questions
Does HDMI 2.1 always mean 4K 120 Hz?
Check the actual FRL bandwidth, timing, color depth and input specifications. A version number alone does not guarantee that mode.
Can DisplayPort 1.4 run WQHD 240 Hz or Full HD 360 Hz?
It depends on timing and color depth. HBR3 provides 25.92 Gbps before additional overhead; the checker shows the uncompressed estimate and a separate DSC alternative.
Which connection uses my monitor’s maximum performance?
Compare the maximum resolution and Hz stated for each monitor input with the GPU output and cable. A monitor can allow different maximum Hz on HDMI and DisplayPort.
Official sources and calculation reference
Sources checked: 2026-10-01