Figuring out how much video storage you need for security cameras depends on several key factors. Most businesses need between 1TB and 8TB of storage for a basic system with 4-8 cameras recording for 30 days. However, your actual needs may vary significantly based on resolution, frame rate, compression, and how long you want to keep footage.
Getting storage wrong creates real problems. Too little storage means your oldest footage gets overwritten before you can review it. Too much storage wastes money on capacity you'll never use. The key is understanding what drives your specific requirements.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to calculate your video storage needs accurately.
Several variables determine how much storage your security camera system requires. Understanding each factor helps you make smarter decisions about your setup.
More cameras mean more storage. This seems obvious, but many businesses underestimate how quickly storage needs multiply. A system with 16 cameras needs roughly four times the storage of a 4-camera system—assuming all other settings remain equal.
Resolution has the biggest impact on storage consumption. Higher resolution captures more detail but creates much larger files.
Here's how resolution affects file sizes:
As you can see, jumping from 1080p to 4K can quadruple your storage requirements. Consider whether you truly need 4K resolution on every camera or only at critical locations.
Frame rate measures how many images your camera captures each second. Higher frame rates create smoother video but consume more storage.
Common frame rate settings include:
Most businesses find 15-20 fps sufficient for security purposes. Reserve higher frame rates for areas where you need to capture rapid movement.
Modern compression technology dramatically reduces storage requirements. The type of compression your system uses makes a huge difference.
H.264 remains the most common standard. It provides good quality with reasonable file sizes.
H.265 (also called HEVC) offers approximately 50% better compression than H.264. This means you can store twice as much footage in the same space—or use half the storage for the same recording time.
H.265+ improves compression even further through intelligent analysis of video content. If your system supports it, this option maximizes your storage efficiency.
How long do you need to keep footage? This decision often depends on your industry, insurance requirements, and how quickly you typically discover incidents.
Common retention periods include:
Doubling your retention period doubles your storage needs. Be realistic about how far back you actually need to search for footage.
You can estimate storage requirements using this general formula:
Storage (GB) = Cameras × Daily Storage per Camera × Retention Days
For example, a business with 8 cameras recording at 1080p (4 GB/day average) for 30 days needs:
8 × 4 × 30 = 960 GB (approximately 1 TB)
However, this simplified calculation doesn't account for all variables. For more accurate estimates, use a dedicated calculator tool. Western Digital offers a free surveillance storage calculator that factors in resolution, compression type, frame rate, and scene activity.
You have three main options for storing security camera footage. Each has distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) store footage on-site using internal hard drives. This remains the most popular option for businesses.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Professional security camera systems typically include NVRs sized appropriately for the number of cameras and desired retention period.
Cloud storage uploads footage to remote servers managed by a service provider. You access recordings through web browsers or mobile apps from anywhere.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Many modern systems combine local and cloud storage. Cameras record to a local NVR while also uploading important clips to the cloud. This approach provides both fast local access and off-site backup.
Some cameras include SD card slots for recording directly to the camera. This provides excellent backup if someone steals or damages your main recorder. However, SD cards offer limited capacity and wear out faster than hard drives.
Smart configuration extends your storage capacity without sacrificing security coverage.
Continuous 24/7 recording captures everything—including hours of empty hallways and parking lots. Motion-activated recording only saves footage when something moves in the frame. This can reduce storage needs by 50-80% depending on activity levels.
Not every camera needs maximum resolution. Use 4K cameras at critical entry points where facial detail matters. Standard 1080p works fine for general coverage areas. Lower resolution may suffice for wide-angle overview cameras.
Consider adjusting settings based on time of day. For instance, you might record at higher quality during business hours when more activity occurs, then switch to lower settings overnight.
Modern AI analytics distinguish between people, vehicles, and irrelevant motion like trees swaying. Recording only human and vehicle activity dramatically reduces storage consumption compared to traditional motion detection.
Your storage needs will likely increase over time. New cameras, higher resolution upgrades, and longer retention requirements all demand more capacity. Plan for this growth now.
We recommend choosing systems with expandable storage. Look for NVRs that support multiple hard drives or can connect to external storage arrays. Starting with extra capacity costs less than replacing your entire system later.
A good rule of thumb: calculate your current needs, then add 20-30% buffer for future growth and unexpected requirements.
Calculating video storage for security cameras involves many variables. Getting it wrong means either losing important footage or wasting money on unused capacity. Professional guidance ensures your system meets your actual needs.
At Wired, we design security camera systems that balance performance, storage efficiency, and budget. Our team calculates your exact requirements based on your facility, coverage goals, and retention needs.
Ready to build a security system with the right amount of storage? Contact Wired today for a free assessment. We'll help you determine exactly how much storage you need—and design a system that delivers reliable protection without overspending.