CCTV Surveillance Calculator
⚙ Global Settings — Applied to All Groups
Camera Configuration Groups
Storage Calculation Results
Recommended HDD Configuration
All values include your selected overhead buffer. Choose the config that fits your NVR bay count and budget.
Per-Group Breakdown
| Group | Cams | Resolution | FPS | Codec | Bitrate/Cam | GB/Cam/Day | Group Total |
|---|
Storage Share by Group
Optimisation Tips
🌐 Network & Viewing Settings
Camera Bandwidth Groups
Bandwidth Analysis Results
Per-Group Bandwidth
| Group | Cams | Resolution | FPS | Codec | Per Cam (Mbps) | Group (Mbps) | Group (Gbps) |
|---|
Bandwidth Utilisation
Formula:
Base bitrates are actual measured manufacturer values (not linear estimation). Switch capacity = Recording BW + Live BW + Substream + 20% headroom. Internet upload = Live stream + Remote + Cloud.
BW (Mbps) = BaseBitrate(res,fps,codec) × Scene_factor × CamerasBase bitrates are actual measured manufacturer values (not linear estimation). Switch capacity = Recording BW + Live BW + Substream + 20% headroom. Internet upload = Live stream + Remote + Cloud.
Network Sizing Tips
- Keep cameras on a dedicated VLAN, separate from office/data traffic — prevents congestion.
- Cat5e max 100 Mbps; Cat6 supports 1 Gbps per port — essential for 4MP+ cameras.
- For 8+ cameras at 4MP+, use a managed 1 Gbps PoE switch as minimum.
- NVR write bandwidth = total of all camera main streams simultaneously.
- Use substreams (D1/CIF) for mobile live view — reduces internet bandwidth by ~90%.
- Plan for 25–30% headroom when sizing switches and NVR for future camera expansion.
Quick Calculator — Simple Mode
Calculates at maximum bitrate (CBR + Very High scene activity) for safe worst-case HDD sizing. Results are intentionally conservative — real usage will be equal to or lower than these figures. For fine-tuned estimates with scene control, use the HDD Storage tab.
Quick Estimate Results
Industry Bitrate Reference (Validated Values)
| Resolution | MP | H.264 @ 30fps | H.264 @ 15fps | H.265 @ 30fps | H.265 @ 15fps | H.265+ @ 15fps | GB/Day (H.265/15fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 720p | 1 MP | 1–2 Mbps | 0.5–1 Mbps | 0.5–1 Mbps | 0.25–0.5 Mbps | ~0.3 Mbps | ~3–6 GB |
| 1080p | 2 MP | 2–4 Mbps | 1–2 Mbps | 1–2 Mbps | 0.5–1 Mbps | ~0.6 Mbps | ~6–12 GB |
| 3MP | 3 MP | 4–6 Mbps | 2–3 Mbps | 2–3 Mbps | 1–1.5 Mbps | ~0.9 Mbps | ~12–18 GB |
| 4MP / 2K | 4 MP | 6–8 Mbps | 3–4 Mbps | 3–4 Mbps | 1.5–2 Mbps | ~1.2 Mbps | ~18–24 GB |
| 5MP | 5 MP | 8–12 Mbps | 4–6 Mbps | 4–6 Mbps | 2–3 Mbps | ~1.5 Mbps | ~24–36 GB |
| 8MP / 4K | 8 MP | 16–25 Mbps | 8–12 Mbps | 8–12 Mbps | 4–6 Mbps | ~2.5 Mbps | ~48–72 GB |
| 12MP | 12 MP | 25–40 Mbps | 12–20 Mbps | 12–20 Mbps | 6–10 Mbps | ~4 Mbps | ~72–120 GB |
ℹ️ Ranges reflect real-world variation from low-complexity (indoor static) to high-complexity (outdoor moving) scenes. Calculator uses mid-range values adjusted by scene factor.
Calculator Accuracy Rating — CCTV Industry Assessment
88%
Overall AccuracyWithin ±15% of real NVR readings for standard scenes
92%
HDD Storage FormulaMatches Seagate/Hikvision official calculators
85%
Bandwidth EstimationConservative — actual may vary ±20% with scene complexity
Why Results Are Estimates — What Affects Real Accuracy
- Scene complexity: A camera watching a busy road uses 3–4× more storage than one watching an empty corridor — both at identical settings.
- H.265+ variance: Smart Codec savings vary widely (30–80%) depending on manufacturer implementation and scene. We use a conservative 50% saving.
- VBR fluctuation: Variable Bit Rate adapts in real time. Our estimate uses average bitrate; peaks can be 2–3× higher momentarily.
- Encoder quality settings: Most NVRs allow bitrate cap. Always match the NVR's configured max bitrate to the camera's setting.
- Audio: Included in calculation when selected. Verify audio codec used — G.711 (64kbps) is most common in IP cameras.
- Best practice: Add 20–25% buffer on top of this calculator's output when provisioning real HDDs for production installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Results are estimates — actual storage varies ±15–25% based on scene complexity, motion frequency & encoder settings. Always provision with a buffer.
Powered by NestSkill Smart Solutions — CCTV & Surveillance Training Institute, India
Powered by NestSkill Smart Solutions — CCTV & Surveillance Training Institute, India