Estimate CCTV recording storage and check NVR capacity
Multiply total average camera bitrate by recording hours and retention days, then add the storage allowance you choose. This calculator also compares camera count, incoming bitrate, PoE ports and watts against the limits you enter.
Camera groups
Use a separate group when cameras have different bitrates or maximum power draws. Use measured average bitrate when available.
Recording
Motion recording varies by scene. Enter an estimated average number of recording hours; confirm with real footage before promising a retention period.
Equipment limits
Use usable storage after RAID and reserves. Use the manufacturer's maximum camera wattage, including IR/heater. For multiple switches, check each switch separately. Uplink check covers camera traffic only; allow for other traffic separately.
Planning example & assumptions
For example, eight cameras averaging 4 Mbps each record about 10.37 TB over 30 days of continuous recording, before adding headroom. Actual scene activity, encoding and recording schedules affect the result. Enter usable disk capacity after RAID and reserves.
Common planning questions
How much disk space does 1 Mbps use in a day?
Continuous recording at 1 Mbps uses approximately 10.8 GB per day in decimal units. Multiply that by total average camera bitrate, recording days and the fraction of each day recorded. Add the storage headroom selected in the calculator.
Does a passing result guarantee the camera system will work?
It means the entered numbers fit the entered limits. Confirm drive support, RAID reserves, maximum stream bitrate, camera compatibility and the actual network topology against equipment documentation.