CCTV Storage Calculator
Plan your CCTV recording storage before you buy the hard drive. Enter the number of cameras, resolution, codec and daily recording hours to see exactly how much space you need and how many days each drive size will last.
Note: a 1TB HDD actually gives about 931 GB of usable space — the calculation is based on that. The actual size can differ slightly depending on frame rate and scene activity.
How to use
- Select the number of cameras, resolution and codec.
- Set how many hours per day are recorded and the motion-only percentage.
- Instantly see GB/day, storage for 7/15/30 days, and the days each HDD size will last.
Tips
- H.265 uses noticeably less space than H.264 for the same quality - choose it if your cameras and recorder support it.
- Motion-only recording can cut storage needs sharply in quiet areas; estimate a realistic motion percentage.
- Add a safety margin of at least 20 percent so an incident never runs out of recording space.
- 15 frames per second is usually enough for entrances and corridors, saving space versus 25 or 30 fps.
Formula: GB/day = Bitrate (Mbps) × Cameras × Hours × 3600 ÷ 8 ÷ 1000 × Motion%. To get CCTV installed: Azlaan Electric AC Solar Center, Faisalabad — 0300-8987448.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the CCTV storage calculator calculate?
It calculates how much space your cameras recording will use, and how many days your HDD will last.
What do I need to enter?
Select the number of cameras, resolution and codec, then set the recording hours per day and the motion-only percentage.
What results do I get?
You see the GB per day, the storage needed for 7, 15 and 30 days, and how many days each HDD size will last.
Does H.265 really use less space?
Yes. H.265 uses about 50 percent less space than H.264 for the same quality, so pick it if your cameras and recorder support it.
What does the motion-only percentage mean?
100 percent means continuous recording. For motion-only recording it is usually set to 30 to 50 percent, which can cut storage needs sharply in quiet areas.