Embodiments include a computer implemented method and apparatus for normalizing perceptual quality in media compression. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method for normalizing perceptual quality in media compression includes determining a maximum bit rate for a target media file, determining a quality setting for the target media file, and compressing the media file to a bit rate equal to the specific percentage of the maximum bit rate multiplied by the maximum bit rate using the computer. The quality setting is a specific percentage of the maximum bit rate.