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CCTV Storage Calculator
Works for both old-style analog HD-CCTV (DVR, coax cable — D1, 960H, AHD/TVI/CVI) and modern IP camera (NVR, network) systems. Pick your system type below and get the exact hard drive size for your retention period.
Your setup
Storage needed
Analog vs. IP — why storage math differs
Older analog HD-CCTV systems (recorded through a DVR over coax cable, using AHD, TVI, or CVI signaling) top out at lower resolutions and typically only support H.264 compression — no H.265 or smart-codec options. IP camera systems (recorded through an NVR over network cable) support far higher resolutions and modern codecs. This calculator switches its resolution list and codec options based on which type you pick, so the bitrate estimate matches your actual hardware.
Analog HD-CCTV resolution reference
| Format | Approx. bitrate (H.264) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| D1 (704×480) | ~2 Mbps | Legacy analog, low detail |
| 960H | ~2.5 Mbps | Slightly wider legacy analog |
| 720p (AHD/TVI/CVI) | ~3 Mbps | Entry-level HD-CCTV upgrade |
| 1080p (AHD/TVI/CVI) | ~4 Mbps | Most common HD-CCTV install |
| 4MP (TVI/CVI) | ~6 Mbps | Higher-end coax-based systems |
IP camera resolution reference
| Resolution | Approx. bitrate (H.264, 30fps) |
|---|---|
| 2MP (1080p) | ~4 Mbps |
| 4MP | ~6 Mbps |
| 5MP | ~7 Mbps |
| 8MP (4K) | ~12 Mbps |
Upgrading from analog to IP?
If you're quoting a system replacement (swapping an old analog DVR setup for IP/NVR), run the numbers for both system types with the same camera count and retention period — it makes the storage-capacity jump concrete for the customer, not just a "better picture quality" pitch. For network sizing on the IP side, follow up with the IP Camera Bandwidth Calculator to size the switch and NVR ports.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use this or the NVR Storage Calculator?
Use this one if any part of your job includes analog HD-CCTV (DVR, coax, AHD/TVI/CVI) hardware. If it's a pure IP camera install, the NVR Storage Calculator gives the same result with a simpler resolution list.
Why doesn't the analog side have codec options?
Analog HD-CCTV hardware is effectively locked to H.264. DVRs and coax-based cameras don't support H.265 or smart codecs, so the codec toggle only appears when you select an IP system.
How accurate are the analog bitrate figures?
Less precise than the IP figures. Analog HD-CCTV bitrates vary more by manufacturer than IP camera bitrates do, so treat these as a solid planning estimate and confirm against your specific DVR's datasheet before ordering a drive for a large or long-retention job.
Related CCTV tools
For a pure IP install, the NVR Storage Calculator covers the same math with a simpler resolution list. On the network side, use the IP Camera Bandwidth Calculator to size your switch uplink, and the Field of View Calculator to confirm camera placement and coverage.
Related guide
Not sure whether analog or IP is the right call for this job in the first place? See Analog vs. IP CCTV in 2026: Which Should You Actually Install for an honest, experience-based breakdown of when each one genuinely makes sense.
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