UK CCTV planning information
Estimate storage from the stream bitrate you actually use
Add camera groups using their configured bitrate, recording hours and retention period. The tool does not guess bitrate from resolution or codec.
Calculate from configured bitrateWhat brought you here?
I can see the camera bitrate
Enter the configured average and schedule to calculate a transparent video-data estimate.
I do not know the bitrate
Find the stream setting or use the camera/NVR maker’s own estimator; do not substitute resolution alone.
I am deciding how long to keep footage
Set a purpose first. This tool does not recommend a retention period.
What happens next
- Read the average bitrate configured for each camera group
- Enter the hours recorded and days needed for each group
- Check the raw decimal storage and throughput totals
- Confirm usable capacity, compatibility and policy with the system owner
Three useful starting points
- CCTV storage calculator from configured bitrateEstimate CCTV video storage from camera-group bitrate, daily recording hours and retention days. No codec or resolution bitrate is assumed.
- Find a CCTV camera stream bitrate before estimating storageFind the configured CCTV stream bitrate. This tool requires a bitrate input; it does not infer one from resolution or codec.
- CCTV retention and storage planning in the UKPlan CCTV retention around a defined purpose. UK data-protection law sets no standard period; ICO surveillance guidance is under review.
Decision guides
- Separate disk and recorder limitsDisk capacity and incoming bandwidth are different checks.
- Review the calculationSee the units, equation, assumptions and exclusions.
- Model recording hoursScheduled hours and motion-triggered recordings need different inputs.
- Check capacity unitsA video estimate is not the same as a recorder’s usable disk capacity.
A planning calculation only. No recorder, drive, camera or retention period is recommended.
Calculate from configured bitrateEstimate video data from configured stream rates
Enter the measured average bitrate and recording schedule. Values stay in this page; nothing is sent or saved.
Need to locate the rate first? Find the configured bitrate.
Estimated video data, not a recorder recommendation
| Group | Cameras | Bitrate | Days | Video TB |
|---|
Method and limitations
Model version: 2026-09-24-v1
- One Mbps recorded for one hour is 0.45 decimal GB. Group data is multiplied by entered cameras, hours and retention days.
- Configured average bitrate is required; resolution and codec are not converted into an assumed bitrate.
- Results exclude overhead, audio, extra streams, filesystem use, redundancy and recorder compatibility.
- The optional margin is your own input, not a recommended allowance or free-space calculation.