FREE LOCAL PLANNING TOOL
CCTV storage calculator
Estimate a theoretical video data volume from the recording schedule you enter. This is a planning estimate, not a recorder or drive recommendation.
Estimate your recording volume
Enable JavaScript to calculate this estimate.
Formula and worked example
Bytes = cameras × average Mbps × 1,000,000 ÷ 8 × hours/day × 3,600 × days. Divide by 1,000,000,000,000 for decimal TB, then multiply by 1 + allowance ÷ 100.
Example: 4 cameras × 4 Mbps × 24 hours × 30 days = 5.184 decimal TB raw; a 20% planning allowance gives 6.221 TB.
This assumes a constant average bitrate. Variable bitrate, codec, frame rate, scene activity, audio, event schedules, filesystem overhead, RAID and reserve capacity change the result. Drive labels, recorder limits and usable RAID capacity are not the same as decimal TB. Validate with the selected recorder, storage configuration and observed bitrate.
An estimate does not guarantee retention, evidence quality or recorder compatibility. Confirm applicable privacy and retention requirements for your site.
Use the local site planner to include camera counts in an editable equipment sketch, or estimate a PoE power budget. Return to HTMS home to explore services.