Video Storage Calculator
What this free calculator does
Planning a shoot or an edit and don’t know how much hard drive space you’ll chew through? Use our free video storage calculator. Pick your format/codec, resolution, and frame rate, enter a duration, and we’ll convert bitrate → data rate → total storage. It’s fast, accurate, and built for real-world workflows at Yorkshire Podcast Studios.
How to use it
-
Select a Format/Codec
-
Choose a Resolution
-
Pick Frame Rate (fps)
-
Enter Hours : Minutes : Seconds
-
Hit Calculate to see MB/s, GB/hour, and your total in GB/TB + GiB.
Why it’s handy
-
Works with common codecs and formats (H.264/AVC, HEVC/H.265, ProRes, DNx, RAW, AV1 and more).
-
Covers popular resolutions (1080p, 1440p, 4K, 6K, 8K, etc.) and frame rates (24–240 fps).
-
Instant estimates in MB/s, GB/hour, total GB, TB and GiB (decimal and binary).
Tip: Storage vendors use decimal GB/TB (1,000 base). Some NLEs display binary GiB (1,024 base). We show both so there’s no head-scratching.
What's Included
Camera-friendly presets across major recording formats
High-frame-rate options (60/120/240 fps)
Decimal GB/TB for shopping drives; GiB for project planning
If you need a codec or camera we’ve missed, ping us and we’ll add it.
FAQ's
What is a video storage calculator?
It converts a stream’s bitrate (e.g., 100 Mbps) into data rate (MB/s) and total storage (GB/TB) over your chosen duration.
Why do my drive and my editor show different numbers?
Drives use decimal units (1 GB = 1,000 MB). Many apps use binary units (1 GiB = 1,024 MiB). We display both.
Does it matter which codec?
Absolutely. H.265/HEVC and AV1 are more efficient than H.264/AVC at the same quality, while ProRes/DNx/RAW often use much higher bitrates (bigger files, easier editing).
Are the results exact?
They’re realistic estimates. Variable bitrate (VBR), audio tracks, proxies, HDR metadata, and timecode can nudge totals up or down.
How do I plan backup storage?
Use the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two different media, one off-site. For production days, add 20–30% headroom above the calculator’s total.
Does it include audio?
Yes—typical audio data is tiny compared to video, but multi-track or high-sample-rate setups can add a bit. We include it implicitly in the listed bitrates when present.
Can you add my camera’s exact profile?
Yes. Tell us the camera/codec/framerate and we’ll add a line to the sheet so it appears in the dropdowns.
Let’s Work Together
Yorkshire Podcast Studios
Suite F1,
Woodhead House,
Woodhead Road,
Birstall,
Batley
WF17 9TD
0113 479 0774
