SVG vs PNG vs JPEG File Size: Real-World Comparison
Exact file size numbers for common graphic types across SVG, PNG, and JPEG — and what it means for your web performance.
Test Methodology
We measured file sizes across 20 real-world graphics: 5 logos, 5 icon sets, 5 illustrations, and 5 photographs. Each was optimized for its format (SVGO for SVG, oxipng for PNG, MozJPEG for JPEG) before measurement.
Logo File Size Comparison
Simple logos with 2–4 flat colors.
| Logo Type | SVG | PNG @2x | JPEG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple wordmark | 3 KB | 45 KB | N/A (no transparency) |
| Flat icon + text | 6 KB | 72 KB | 28 KB |
| Multi-color emblem | 14 KB | 120 KB | 48 KB |
Icon Set File Size
24-icon set at 24×24px display size.
| Format | Total Size | Per Icon |
|---|---|---|
| SVG sprite | 22 KB | 0.9 KB |
| PNG @1x sprite | 48 KB | 2 KB |
| PNG @2x sprite | 140 KB | 5.8 KB |
Photograph Comparison
For photos, the relationship reverses. A 1200×800 photograph:
| Format | File Size | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG (q=85) | 180 KB | Excellent |
| WebP (q=80) | 130 KB | Excellent |
| PNG (lossless) | 2.1 MB | Perfect |
| SVG (vectorized) | 820 KB | Stylized art |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is SVG definitely smaller than PNG?
For logos, icons, and geometric illustrations with flat colors — typically 80–95% smaller than PNG @2x.
When is PNG smaller than SVG?
For complex illustrations with many paths, and always for photographs. SVG representing a photo is larger and lower quality than JPEG or WebP.
Does file size affect SEO?
Yes. Page speed is a ranking factor. Smaller images load faster, improving Core Web Vitals (LCP). SVG logos save hundreds of KB vs PNG for sites with many logo/icon instances.
What's the impact on mobile users with slow connections?
On a 3G connection (1.5 Mbps average): a 120 KB PNG logo takes 640ms; a 6 KB SVG takes 32ms. The 600ms savings is meaningful for mobile UX.
Should I use SVG or WebP for web graphics?
SVG for logos, icons, and illustrations. WebP for photographs. They're complementary — use both depending on the content type.
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