Estimated recording storage
Encoded media only, before proxies, cache, projects, and backups.
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Formula or method
Storage = bitrate × duration × sources × sessions ÷ 8Assumptions
- All sources are assumed to use the same average bitrate.
- Add separate space for proxies, project files, cache, and backups.
How to use the recording storage
Estimate storage for one recording or a multi-camera session from bitrate, duration, and camera count. The result is a media-data estimate; a safe production plan also includes audio, proxies, project files, caches, exports, and backup copies.
Plan the complete session, not one camera card
For a two-hour interview recorded on three cameras at 100 Mb/s, enter the duration, bitrate, and camera count to estimate the primary camera media. Add separate allowances for external audio, stills, screen recordings, and a safety margin when actual codecs use variable bitrates.
Check whether the camera reports megabits per second or megabytes per second; confusing the two changes the estimate by a factor of eight. Use the maximum or a measured average for variable-bitrate formats depending on how conservative the plan must be.
Turn capture size into a backup requirement
A production copy is not a backup. If the workflow keeps working media plus two independent copies, multiply the primary estimate accordingly and place at least one copy on a different device or location. Leave free space for file-system performance and unexpected retakes.
Proxy media, render cache, optimized media, review exports, and final masters can exceed the original estimate during editing. Record real project totals after delivery so the next storage plan uses evidence from the same camera and post-production workflow.
Questions about this tool
Does the estimate include audio and proxy files?
No. It covers the entered video streams. Add external audio, proxies, cache, graphics, project files, exports, and backup copies separately.
Should I use the advertised card capacity?
Plan below the advertised capacity because formatting, reserved space, file-system behavior, and a safe free-space margin reduce practical recording capacity.
How much backup storage should I buy?
That depends on retention and redundancy policy. At minimum, avoid keeping the only copy on the original card or one working drive.