CCTV Storage Calculator: How Much Storage Do Your Cameras Need?

Work out exactly how much video storage your CCTV setup needs — by camera count, resolution, recording mode and retention period. Based on H.265 compression, the standard for modern business cameras.

How to read your result

• On a DVR/NVR: your result is the disk capacity you must install — and keep working. A 10-camera 4MP site on 30-day retention typically needs 3–10 TB depending on activity; most off-the-shelf DVRs ship with 1–2 TB, which is why real-world systems quietly overwrite after 6–15 days.
• On cloud CCTV: the number is informational — retention is a plan setting, not hardware you buy. See how cloud CCTV works.
• Bandwidth line: compare against your internet plan's upload speed. Sites without broadband can use 4G SIM cameras with event-based upload.

How many days should you keep?

Most Indian businesses should retain at least 30 days; liquor retail, jewellery, fuel stations, schools and insurance-sensitive inventory often need 60–90. Full guidance with the regulatory background: CCTV footage retention rules for India.

Frequently asked questions

How much storage does one CCTV camera use per day?

At H.265: a 2MP camera about 10–16 GB/day continuous, a 4MP camera about 20–32 GB/day, an 8MP/4K camera 50–65 GB/day. Motion-based recording typically cuts this by 50–70%.

How many days will a 1TB DVR hard disk last?

For a typical 4-camera 2MP continuous setup: roughly 15–25 days. Add cameras or resolution and it shrinks fast — run your numbers above.

Does higher resolution always mean more storage?

Yes, roughly proportional to bitrate — which is why 4K everywhere is usually overkill; most businesses mix 4MP for detail areas (billing, entrances) with 2MP for general coverage.

Skip the disk math entirely: get a rental quote with cloud storage bundled, or talk to our team about the right retention for your industry.