CCTV Storage Calculator Melbourne
SIPKO helps you estimate CCTV recording storage based on camera count, resolution, recording mode, frame rate, compression type and retention days. Use this free CCTV storage calculator to work out how much hard drive space your Melbourne security system needs before you buy—no guesswork, no oversizing, no under-provisioning that wipes your footage too early.
How Storage Is Calculated
CCTV storage is calculated from bitrate (Mbps) multiplied by recording hours, then divided by 8 to convert bits to bytes. The bitrate depends on camera resolution, frame rate, compression codec and scene complexity. SIPKO uses this CCTV hard drive calculator to size NVR storage for Melbourne homes and businesses accurately.
Resolution vs Storage Impact
Higher resolution cameras produce more data. A 2MP camera at H.265 uses roughly 4 Mbps, while a 4K camera can use 25 Mbps at the same compression. That means a single 4K camera needs over six times the storage of a 2MP camera. This security camera storage calculator shows the difference in real numbers.
H.265 vs H.264 Compression
H.265 (HEVC) compresses video around 30–40% more efficiently than H.264 at the same visual quality. For a four-camera 4MP system recording for 30 days, switching from H.264 to H.265 can save hundreds of gigabytes of storage. This NVR storage calculator lets you compare both codecs side by side.
Why Professional Storage Planning Matters
Undersizing your hard drive means footage overwrites before you can review it. Oversizing wastes money on capacity you never use. SIPKO sizes storage based on your actual camera setup, retention needs and recording mode—so your CCTV recording days calculator result matches real-world performance, not just a theoretical number.
Request CCTV Storage Quote
Use the calculator above, then scroll down for your results. Complete this form to get professional storage planning from SIPKO.
CCTV Storage Calculator
Enter your camera settings below to estimate how much CCTV hard drive storage you need. This NVR storage calculator works for H.264 and H.265 compression, continuous and motion recording.
Your Camera Settings
Storage Estimate
Configure your camera settings and click Calculate Storage to see your estimated hard drive size, total storage and recommended NVR channel count.
CCTV Storage Calculator Melbourne — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about estimating CCTV storage, hard drive sizing and recording days for your Melbourne security system.
How accurate is this CCTV storage calculator?
This CCTV storage calculator uses typical bitrates for each resolution at the specified frame rate and compression. Real-world storage can vary by 10–20% depending on scene complexity, lighting changes and the specific camera encoder. The estimate is reliable for planning purposes and SIPKO verifies your storage needs during a site assessment.
How much storage do I need for 4 cameras at 4MP for 30 days?
Four 4MP cameras at 25fps H.265 continuous recording for 30 days need approximately 960GB (roughly 1TB). If you use H.264 compression, that increases to around 1.4TB. Motion-only recording at 4MP can reduce this to approximately 384GB. Use the calculator above to get exact numbers for your configuration.
Should I use H.264 or H.265 for my CCTV system?
H.265 is the better choice for most new CCTV installations in Melbourne. It delivers the same image quality at 30–40% less storage than H.264. Most modern NVRs and IP cameras support H.265 natively. SIPKO recommends H.265 unless you have older equipment that only supports H.264, or you need to view footage on very old software.
How many days of recording should I keep for my Melbourne property?
Most Melbourne homes need 14 to 30 days of recording. Commercial properties, retail shops and offices often require 30 to 60 days for compliance or incident investigation. Some businesses need 90 days or more. SIPKO helps you determine the right retention period based on your property type and risk profile, then sizes your hard drive accordingly.
Does motion recording actually save significant storage?
Motion recording typically uses 30–50% of the storage required for continuous recording, depending on how active the scene is. A quiet residential driveway may only record a few hours per day, while a busy shop entrance could record near-continuously. This CCTV recording days calculator uses 40% as a conservative estimate for motion-only mode.
What hard drive size does SIPKO recommend for CCTV?
SIPKO recommends using surveillance-grade hard drives (WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk) sized to your calculated storage plus 15–20% headroom. Common sizes are 1TB for small home setups, 2–4TB for typical homes, 4–8TB for commercial sites and 8TB+ for large installations. Use this CCTV hard drive calculator to get your estimate, then contact SIPKO for a verified storage plan.
Not Sure About Your Storage? Ask SIPKO
This CCTV storage calculator gives you a reliable estimate, but real-world storage depends on your property, camera placement, scene complexity and specific hardware. SIPKO verifies your storage plan during a Melbourne site assessment and supplies the right NVR and hard drive for your system.
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