How this tool works
Storage depends on the camera bitrate, how many hours a day you record and how long you keep the footage. The calculator uses typical bitrates for each resolution and codec, multiplies by cameras, hours and days, then adds 20% headroom for file-system overhead. Real bitrates change with movement, lighting and camera settings, so treat the result as a planning figure.
Common questions
How much storage does one 4 MP camera need per day?
With H.265 at 25 fps and 24-hour recording, a 4 MP camera uses about 35 GB per day. The same camera on H.264 uses about 65 GB. The calculator shows the exact figure for your settings.
Which hard drives should I use?
Use drives rated for surveillance (24/7 writing) rather than desktop drives. Most NVRs take 1 to 8 drives, so check the bay count and the maximum drive size before buying.
Does motion recording save space?
Yes. Recording only on motion or on a schedule cuts the hours per day, but busy scenes still record at full bitrate. Choose fewer hours per day in the calculator to estimate it.
