Guides · updated October 22, 2026

Audacity MP3 to WAV

How Audacity handles an MP3 import and a WAV export, what sample rate and bit depth to choose, and when the browser is enough.

Tested: 22 October 2026 · Audacity 3.x · 44.1 kHz project · 16-bit and 32-bit float exports

Short answer

Import the MP3 into Audacity, then File → Export → Export as WAV. Audacity decodes the MP3 to PCM and writes a WAV at the project sample rate and the bit depth you choose. The audio quality is unchanged; the WAV is simply easier to edit and compatible with PCM-only tools.

Import and export

File → Import → Audio and choose the MP3.
Audacity decodes it to PCM and shows the waveform. The project sample rate is in the lower-left corner; the track’s source rate is shown in the track header.
File → Export → Export as WAV.
Choose the format: 16-bit PCM, 24-bit PCM, 32-bit float, or another option.
Save.

Audacity may warn that the project rate differs from the track rate. Decide whether to resample; for a simple format conversion, matching the source is the least surprising choice.

Sample rate

MP3 sample rates are 8–48 kHz. The common ones are 44.1 and 48 kHz. If the MP3 is 44.1 kHz, a 44.1 kHz WAV is the direct copy. If you export at 48 kHz, Audacity resamples; the file is larger and does not contain more detail.

For a DAW session that runs at 48 kHz, resampling is normal. For a one-off WAV, keep the source rate.

Bit depth

Format	Size per minute (44.1 kHz stereo)	Use
16-bit PCM	~10.1 MiB	Delivery, compatibility, CD
24-bit PCM	~15.1 MiB	Editing with more headroom
32-bit float	~20.2 MiB	Processing, avoiding clipping

The MP3 source does not have 24-bit or 32-bit detail. The higher bit depth is for the editing chain, not for recovering lost information.

Dither

Dither is used when reducing bit depth (for example, 32-bit float project → 16-bit WAV). It replaces quantization distortion with low-level noise. Audacity may offer dither in the export dialog; the exact option depends on the version.

The browser converter writes the decoded samples directly to 16-bit or 32-bit float WAV. It does not add dither. If you need a dithered 16-bit master, do that in Audacity or your DAW.

When the browser is enough

One MP3, no editing, just a WAV for a device or a DAW import.
You want to see the source sample rate before choosing the output.
You do not want to open a project or install anything.

Use Audacity when you need to edit, normalize, apply effects, batch, or control dither and bit depth precisely.

The common mistake

Do not export a 44.1 kHz MP3 to a 96 kHz WAV and call it “high-resolution”. The sample rate is higher; the information is not. A WAV is a container, not a time machine.

FAQ

What sample rate should I use in Audacity?

Match the source MP3. Most are 44.1 or 48 kHz. Audacity shows the source rate when you import; keep the project at that rate unless the destination requires another. Resampling to a higher rate does not add detail.

16-bit or 32-bit float for the WAV?

16-bit is the compatibility default and half the size. 32-bit float is useful while editing because it keeps headroom and avoids clipping during processing. For a WAV that will be edited further, 32-bit float is a good choice; for delivery, 16-bit is usually enough.

Does Audacity add dither on WAV export?

Audacity can apply dither when reducing bit depth, depending on the export settings and version. If you are exporting 16-bit from a 32-bit project, check the dither option. The browser converter does not add dither; it writes the decoded samples directly.

Can Audacity batch convert MP3 to WAV?

Yes, with a Macro: add Export as WAV, save, then Apply to Files. It is the right route for a folder. The browser converter is single-file.

Is the browser faster?

For one file, the browser avoids opening a project and setting an export dialog. Audacity is better when you need to edit, normalize or batch. Both are local.