CCTV Storage Calculator (NVR / DVR)

What this tool does

Storage is simply the bitrate multiplied by the time recorded, so the bitrate each camera actually uses is the number that matters — take it from the camera or recorder settings rather than from the resolution, because the codec (H.264 or H.265), frame rate and how busy the scene is can change it several-fold. Recording on motion only can cut the hours per day dramatically. Results are in decimal units, as disks are sold; leave some free space, because recorders overwrite the oldest footage once the disk is full.

Formula

storage = cameras × bitrate × seconds recorded per day × days ÷ 8

Variables

Worked example

Limitations

• The result is an estimate based only on the values you type. Real situations often include factors this calculator does not know about.
• Coverage and consumption figures vary between products. Take the values from the manufacturer's datasheet for the product you are actually using.