Video Management System (VMS) storage planning can make or break your surveillance project. Get it wrong, and you'll face costly overruns, system failures, or inadequate coverage when you need it most. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about VMS storage calculations, from basic concepts to advanced enterprise deployments.
VMS storage planning is the process of calculating how much storage capacity your video surveillance system will need over its operational lifetime. This involves analyzing camera specifications, retention requirements, and system architecture to ensure adequate performance without overprovisioning.
Why Accurate Storage Planning Matters:
Cost Control: Prevents expensive over-specification or costly emergency expansions
System Performance: Ensures adequate throughput for recording and playback
Compliance: Meets regulatory retention requirements across different jurisdictions
Scalability: Accommodates future system growth without major infrastructure changes
Core Storage Components
Primary Storage:
Recording Storage: Active recording capacity for incoming video streams
Working Storage: Buffer space for system operations and temporary files
Archive Storage: Long-term retention for compliance and forensic purposes
Redundancy and Backup:
RAID Configuration: Protection against drive failures
Backup Systems: Secondary storage for critical footage
Failover Capacity: Duplicate systems for high-availability deployments
Pro Tip: Use our VMS Storage Calculator to instantly calculate all these components with AI-powered server recommendations.
1. Resolution Impact Different camera resolutions dramatically affect storage needs:
*Table values vary significantly based on the codec used (H.264 vs. H.265), compression level, and most importantly, scene activity. A static hallway will use far less storage than a busy intersection at the same resolution.
2. Frame Rate (FPS)Higher frame rates provide smoother video but increase storage requirements linearly:
Total_Mbps: This is the total throughput, calculated by multiplying the Number of Sensors by their Bit Rate (Mbps).
× 3600: This converts the "per second" rate to "per hour" (since there are 3600 seconds in an hour). The result is Megabits per hour.
× 24: This converts the "per hour" rate to "per day". The result is Megabits per day.
/ 8: This converts the total Megabits per day into Megabytes per day (since there are 8 bits in a byte).
× Retention_Days: This calculates the total Megabytes required for the entire retention period.
/ (1024 × 1024): This converts the final Megabyte value into Terabytes. (1 Terabyte = 1024 Gigabytes, and 1 Gigabyte = 1024 Megabytes).
This level of detail is precisely why automated tools like the Wavestore Calculator are so valuable—they handle these complex, error-prone unit conversions correctly in the background.
Variable Bitrate (VBR): 20-40% storage savings over Constant Bitrate (CBR)
Smart Compression: Modern cameras often include dynamic compression technologies (sometimes called Smart Codecs, ROI, or Dynamic GOP) that can achieve 50-80% savings over standard CBR by allocating more data to moving objects and less to static backgrounds.
Region of Interest: Focus compression on critical areas
Best For: Multi-site organisations, limited WAN bandwidth
Hybrid Approaches:
Local recording with cloud backup
Edge storage with centralised management
Tiered retention (local short-term, central long-term)
Bandwidth and Network Considerations
WAN Bandwidth Planning:
Live Viewing: 10-25% of recording bitrate per concurrent stream. For example, viewing a single camera stream recorded at 4 Mbps might consume 1-2 Mbps of live viewing bandwidth on the network. If 10 security operators are viewing that stream simultaneously, you would need 10-20 Mbps of available network capacity just for that one camera.
Backup/ Synchronisation: Factor in peak backup windows
Remote Management: Include system management traffic
Expert Server Recommendations: Our VMS Storage & Server Calculator uses AI to recommend optimal server configurations, including failover setups, based on your specific requirements.
Pro Tip: The RAID 5 "Write Penalty"
While RAID 5 is a good balance for general-purpose storage, it has a "write penalty" because it needs to read existing data and parity, then write new data and new parity for every single write operation. In a 24/7 recording environment with dozens or hundreds of cameras, this can create a performance bottleneck. For this reason, RAID 6 (for better protection) or RAID 10 (for higher write performance) are often the preferred choices for medium to large-scale VMS deployments.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
Growth Planning Strategies
Scalability Buffer Recommendations:
Storage Capacity: 20-30% buffer for unexpected growth
Processing Power: 25-40% headroom for new features/analytics
Network Bandwidth: 30-50% capacity buffer for peak loads
Physical Space: Plan rack space for 2-3 years growth
Modular Growth Approaches:
Chassis-Based Systems: Add cards/modules as needed
Scale-Out Architecture: Add servers to distribute load
Storage Expansion: Hot-swappable drive bays
Network Segmentation: Isolated networks for different areas
Technology Evolution Planning
Emerging Technology Considerations:
AI Analytics Integration: Processing power requirements
Site Surveys: Professional assessment of requirements
System Design: Custom architecture planning
Migration Planning: Upgrade and migration strategies
Training: System administration and best practices
Partner Network:
Certified system integrators
Regional support contacts
Training and certification programs
Technical support resources
Conclusion: Start Your VMS Storage Planning Today
Proper VMS storage planning is critical for surveillance system success. The key is balancing adequate capacity with cost-effectiveness while planning for future growth and technology evolution.
Key Takeaways:
Start with accurate calculations based on real requirements, not worst-case scenarios
Factor in all system components - storage, processing, and network capacity
Plan for growth with appropriate buffers and scalable architecture
Consider total cost of ownership over the system lifecycle
Leverage modern technology like H.265 compression for efficiency gains
Next Steps:
Use our free calculator to get instant sizing recommendations
Review your specific compliance requirements for retention policies
Consult with certified integrators for complex deployments
Plan your migration strategy if upgrading existing systems
Our advanced calculator uses the latest AI technology to analyse your specific requirements and provide expert recommendations in minutes, not hours. Start planning your optimal VMS deployment today.
Sources and References
Seagate. "Video Surveillance Storage: How Much Is Enough?" Seagate Technology. Accessed 2024.
Grand View Research. "Video Surveillance Storage Market Report." Industry Analysis, 2024.
IEEE Research. "H.264 Vs. H.265: An analytical breakdown of video streaming codecs." December 2022.
Reolink. "H.264 vs. H.265: What's the Difference?" Technical Analysis, 2024.
BoxCast. "HEVC (H.265) vs. AVC (H.264): What's the Difference?" Storage Analysis, 2024.
Security Camera World. "Security Camera, NVR & CCTV Storage Calculator." Industry Guidelines, 2024.
OptiView USA. "Calculating How Much Storage You Need for your DVR." June 2025.
Security Industry Association. "Data Privacy Code of Practice – Video Surveillance." June 2025.
Western Digital. "Surveillance Hard Drive Storage Calculator." Technical Resources, 2024.
This guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest industry best practices and technology developments. For the most current recommendations and personalised assistance, contact our technical team or use our interactive calculator.
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