Our Secure CCTV Storage Calculator helps you estimate the storage requirements for your surveillance system based on camera settings, recording modes, and retention periods. Whether you’re a security professional, business owner, or homeowner, this tool ensures you purchase the right storage capacity without overpaying or underestimating your needs.
Secure CCTV Storage Calculator
Estimate the required storage space for your surveillance system
📖 How to Use the CCTV Storage Calculator – Step-by-Step Guide
Enter the Number of Cameras
- Input the total number of cameras in your surveillance system.
- Example: For a small business, you might have 4-8 cameras, while large facilities may need 16+.
Select Camera Resolution
- Choose from:
- SD (480p) – Low resolution, minimal storage
- HD (720p) – Balanced quality and storage
- Full HD (1080p) – High clarity, moderate storage
- 2K/4K – Ultra HD, highest storage needs
- Custom option: Manually set bitrate if using specialized cameras.
Choose Compression Type
- H.265 (HEVC) – Most efficient (saves ~50% vs. H.264)
- H.264 – Standard compression (good balance)
- MJPEG/Uncompressed – Highest storage usage (rarely used today)
Set Recording Mode
- 24/7 Continuous – Maximum storage needs
- 12/8 Hours per Day – Business-hour recording
- Motion-Activated – Saves storage by recording only when movement is detected
Enter Retention Period
- How many days of footage do you need to store?
- Common settings:
- 7-30 days (General security)
- 60-90 days (High-security/compliance)
Adjust Redundancy Factor
- No Redundancy (1x) – Basic storage (risk of data loss)
- Standard (1.5x) – Extra space for backups
- High Availability (2x-3x) – Critical systems needing failover
Click “Calculate Storage”
- Instantly see:
- Daily storage per camera
- Total daily storage
- Required storage for retention period
✅ Benefits of Using Our CCTV Storage Calculator
Avoid Overpaying for Storage
- Prevents buying unnecessary hard drives/NVRs by giving precise estimates.
Optimize Surveillance System Performance
- Ensures your NVR/DVR can handle the storage load without failures.
Plan for Future Expansion
- Easily adjust numbers to add more cameras without storage shortages.
Compliance & Security
- Helps meet legal requirements (e.g., 30+ days of footage retention).
Compare Different Configurations
- Test H.264 vs. H.265, motion vs. continuous recording, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CCTV Storage Calculator
What is a CCTV Storage Calculator?
A CCTV Storage Calculator is an online tool that helps estimate the amount of digital storage required to store video footage based on camera resolution, number of cameras, recording hours, days of retention, and video compression format.
How accurate is the CCTV Storage Calculator?
The calculator provides a close estimation based on standard video bitrates and compression formats (H.264 or H.265). Actual storage usage may vary slightly depending on scene complexity and motion levels.
What video resolution should I select for my cameras?
It depends on your security needs. Common options include:
- 720p (HD) for basic monitoring
- 1080p (Full HD) for detailed views
- 4MP/5MP/4K for high-security areas needing facial or license plate recognition
Choose the resolution that balances clarity and storage requirements.
What’s the difference between H.264 and H.265 compression?
- H.264 is the older standard and consumes more storage.
- H.265 (HEVC) is more efficient and can reduce file sizes by up to 50%, saving storage space while maintaining video quality.
How many days of footage should I keep?
It depends on your surveillance goals and legal requirements. Most users keep footage for:
- 7 to 30 days for home use
- 30 to 90 days for businesses
- 90+ days for critical or regulated environments
Can I use this calculator for IP and analog CCTV systems?
Yes, the calculator works for both IP cameras (NVR-based systems) and analog cameras (DVR-based systems) as long as you know your resolution, FPS, and compression format.
How do I choose the right hard drive based on the result?
Once you get the estimated storage (in GB or TB), select a surveillance-grade hard drive like Seagate SkyHawk or WD Purple that meets or exceeds that capacity and is designed for 24/7 recording.
Does higher FPS mean better quality?
Higher FPS (frames per second) offers smoother video, especially useful for fast-moving objects. But it increases file size. Common settings:
- 15–20 FPS for general use
- 25–30 FPS for smoother, detailed video
Can I calculate storage for motion detection recording only?
This version of the calculator assumes continuous recording. If you use motion detection, actual storage usage will be lower—often by 30–70%, depending on the environment.
Is this CCTV storage calculator free to use?
Yes, it’s 100% free to use for anyone planning or maintaining a CCTV system.