CCTV Hard Disk Calculator

Find the Right Storage for Your Security Cameras

When installing a CCTV system, one of the most common questions is: “How much hard disk space do I need? 

Our CCTV Hard Disk Calculator helps you estimate the required storage based on your camera type, resolution, frame rate, recording hours, and number of days you want to keep footage.

cctv hard disk calculator

CCTV Hard Disk Calculator

Estimates are approximate. Use surveillance-grade drives (WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk).

Why Use a CCTV Storage Calculator?

Choosing the wrong hard disk size can lead to:

  • Footage Overwriting Too Soon – Important video files may be lost.

  • Extra Costs – Oversized storage can waste money.

  • System Performance Issues – Using an incorrect drive can slow down recording.

Our calculator removes the guesswork so you can plan your CCTV storage accurately.

 
 

How the CCTV Hard Disk Calculator Works

The calculator uses the following factors to estimate storage:

  1. Number of Cameras – Total connected to your DVR/NVR.

  2. Video Resolution – 720p, 1080p, 4MP, 4K, etc.

  3. Frame Rate (FPS) – Higher FPS means smoother video but larger files.

  4. Recording Hours Per Day – Continuous or motion-based recording.

  5. Retention Period – Days you want to store footage.

  6. Compression Type – H.264, H.265, or H.265+

 

Example Calculation

For example:

  • 8 cameras

  • 1080p resolution

  • 15 FPS

  • 24 hours recording per day

  • 30 days storage

  • H.265 compression

The calculator might recommend: 4TB Surveillance Hard Disk.

 

Best Hard Drives for CCTV

For reliable recording, always choose a surveillance-grade HDD such as:

  • Western Digital Purple

  • Seagate SkyHawk

  • Toshiba S300 Surveillance

These are designed for 24/7 operation and longer lifespan compared to normal PC drives.

Try Our CCTV Hard Disk Calculator Now

Simply enter your camera details below and get your storage requirement instantly.