Security Camera Storage Calculator
Work out how much storage a camera system needs to keep its recordings for the number of days you want. Change any number and the answer follows.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Each camera writes its bitrate in megabits every second. Multiply that by the seconds recorded in each day and the number of days, then divide by eight to get megabytes, and by 1000 for gigabytes.
This assumes recording all the time at a steady bitrate. Recording only on motion uses much less space.
Worked example
4 cameras at 4 Mbps, recording 24 hours a day and keeping 30 days, need about 5,184 GB, or 5.18 TB.
Questions
Where do I find the bitrate?
Camera specifications list it, often in Mbps. Use the figure for the resolution and frame rate you choose.
Does motion recording save space?
Yes, a lot, when the cameras only record when something moves. Set your hours to match the time they actually record.
Should I leave room spare?
It is wise. Storage fills up, and a small margin keeps the system from overwriting recordings too soon.
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