How to Convert MP3 to WAV: Complete Guide
Converting MP3 to WAV is essential when you need uncompressed audio for editing, mixing, or professional production workflows. While MP3 uses lossy compression to reduce file size, WAV stores audio in a raw, uncompressed format that preserves every sample. This guide walks you through the conversion process, optimal settings, and what to expect from the output quality.
Try It Now — Free →MP3 vs WAV: Key Differences
Understanding the core differences between these two formats helps you decide when conversion makes sense.
| Feature | MP3 | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy (removes audio data) | Uncompressed (raw PCM) |
| File Size (per minute) | ~1 MB at 128 kbps | ~10 MB at 44.1 kHz/16-bit |
| Audio Quality | Good (depends on bitrate) | Exact digital representation |
| Editing Suitability | Poor (re-encoding degrades quality) | Excellent (no generation loss) |
| Metadata Support | ID3 tags (rich metadata) | Limited (BWF extension available) |
| Compatibility | Universal playback support | Universal in DAWs and editors |
How to Convert MP3 to WAV Online
- 1
Upload your MP3 file
Drag and drop your MP3 file into the converter or click to browse your device. Files up to 500 MB are supported.
- 2
Select WAV as the output format
Choose WAV from the output format dropdown. The converter will default to standard CD-quality settings (44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo).
- 3
Adjust audio settings
Optionally set the sample rate (44100 or 48000 Hz), bit depth (16 or 24-bit), and channel configuration (mono or stereo).
- 4
Start the conversion
Click Convert and wait for processing. The MP3 will be decoded and written as raw PCM data into a WAV container.
- 5
Download your WAV file
Once complete, download the WAV file. The file will be significantly larger than the original MP3.
Recommended WAV Output Settings
Since you cannot recover data lost during MP3 encoding, these settings match or exceed the original MP3 source quality.
Matches CD quality and the standard sample rate used in most MP3 files. Use 48000 Hz only if your project requires it.
Standard for playback. Use 24-bit if you plan to process the audio further in a DAW to preserve headroom.
Keep stereo if the MP3 is stereo, mono if mono. Converting mono to stereo doubles file size without adding information.
The most compatible WAV encoding. Nearly all software and hardware supports little-endian signed 16-bit PCM.
Does Converting MP3 to WAV Improve Quality?
No. Converting MP3 to WAV does not restore audio quality lost during MP3 compression. Once frequencies are discarded by the MP3 encoder, they cannot be recovered. The resulting WAV file contains the same audio data as the MP3 but stored in an uncompressed format. The main benefit is avoiding further quality loss: editing a WAV file and re-saving it does not degrade quality, whereas re-encoding an MP3 introduces additional compression artifacts with each save cycle. This makes MP3-to-WAV conversion valuable for audio editing workflows even though no quality is "gained."
Common MP3 to WAV Conversion Issues
Output WAV file is extremely large
This is normal. WAV files are uncompressed and roughly 10x larger than MP3. A 5 MB MP3 can produce a 50 MB WAV. Ensure you have sufficient disk space.
Clicking or popping sounds in the WAV output
This usually indicates a corrupted MP3 source file. Try re-downloading the original MP3 or use a different decoder that handles damaged frames more gracefully.
WAV file has no sound but correct duration
The MP3 may use a codec variant not supported by the decoder. Try converting with a tool that supports all MP3 standards including MPEG-1 Layer III and MPEG-2 Layer III.
Sample rate mismatch in editing software
Ensure your output sample rate matches your project settings. Most DAWs work at 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz. Mismatched rates cause pitch or speed issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WAV better quality than MP3?
WAV stores audio without compression, so it preserves all recorded data. However, a WAV converted from an MP3 only contains what the MP3 had. WAV is better quality only when created from an original uncompressed source.
Why convert MP3 to WAV if quality is not improved?
The main reason is to avoid generation loss during editing. Each time you edit and re-save an MP3, quality degrades. WAV can be edited and saved repeatedly without any quality loss.
How much larger is a WAV file compared to MP3?
A WAV file is typically 5-10 times larger than the equivalent MP3. A 4-minute song at 128 kbps MP3 is about 4 MB, while the same song as WAV at 44.1 kHz/16-bit is about 40 MB.
Can I use WAV files on my phone or portable player?
Most modern smartphones and players support WAV, but the large file sizes will consume storage quickly. WAV is best suited for desktop editing rather than portable listening.
What sample rate should I use for the WAV output?
Use 44100 Hz for music or general audio. Use 48000 Hz if the WAV will be used in video production, as 48 kHz is the standard for video audio.
Does MP3 to WAV conversion lose metadata?
Yes, most ID3 tag metadata from MP3 files (artist, album, track number) is not carried over to WAV format, which has limited metadata support. Consider noting this information separately.
Should I convert MP3 to WAV before burning a CD?
Yes. Audio CDs require uncompressed PCM audio at 44100 Hz, 16-bit stereo, which is exactly what a WAV file provides. Most CD burning software handles this conversion automatically.
Converting MP3 to WAV is straightforward and useful whenever you need uncompressed audio for editing or production. While the conversion does not restore quality lost during MP3 encoding, it prevents further degradation during subsequent edits. Use standard 44.1 kHz, 16-bit settings for most purposes, and keep in mind the significant increase in file size.
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