Storage Planning Calculator

Professional video storage planning calculations. Calculate project storage requirements, backup needs, and workflow optimization for efficient production.

Storage Requirements Reference

Resolution Storage

1080p (8-bit)

~8GB/hour

Standard HD at 25 Mbps bitrate

4K (8-bit)

~32GB/hour

Ultra HD at 100 Mbps bitrate

4K (10-bit)

~40GB/hour

Professional 4K with higher bit depth

8K (10-bit)

~160GB/hour

Ultra-high resolution professional

Codec Efficiency

ProRes 422

~220 Mbps

Professional editing codec

ProRes 4444

~330 Mbps

Highest quality with alpha

H.264

~25 Mbps

Efficient delivery codec

H.265/HEVC

~12 Mbps

Next-gen compression

Workflow Storage

Raw Footage

40-60%

Varies by production type and shoot ratio

Proxies

5-10%

Low-res editing copies

Renders

20-30%

Exports and intermediate files

Project Files

5-10%

Sequences, bins, and metadata

Production-Specific Shoot Ratios

Commercial

Shoot Ratio:

5:1 to 10:1

Controlled environment with planned shots

Storage Multiplier:

1.2x

Workflow Codec:

1920×1080 ProRes Proxy or DNxHD 36

Backup Strategy:

3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite

Narrative

Shoot Ratio:

8:1 to 15:1

Multiple takes and coverage angles

Storage Multiplier:

1.5x

Workflow Codec:

1920×1080 ProRes Proxy or DNxHD 36

Backup Strategy:

3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite

Documentary

Shoot Ratio:

15:1 to 30:1

Extensive coverage and interview material

Storage Multiplier:

2.0x

Workflow Codec:

1920×1080 ProRes Proxy or DNxHD 36

Backup Strategy:

3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite

Storage Planning Calculations

Project Storage Calculator

Calculate total storage requirements for video projects including footage, proxies, and renders.

Formula:

Total Storage = Raw Footage + (Raw × Proxy %) + (Raw × Render %) + Project Files

Examples:

100GB raw footage, standard workflow

Calculation: 100 + (100 × 0.1) + (100 × 0.25) + 5 = 140GB

Result: 140GB total project storage

500GB raw footage, complex project

Calculation: 500 + (500 × 0.15) + (500 × 0.4) + 25 = 800GB

Result: 800GB total project storage

Pro Tips:

  • Add 20% buffer for unexpected files
  • Consider multiple project versions
  • Plan for color grading and VFX renders

Bitrate to Storage Calculator

Convert video bitrates to storage requirements over time.

Formula:

Storage (GB) = (Bitrate × Duration × 60) ÷ 8000

Examples:

100 Mbps for 2 hours

Calculation: (100 × 120 × 60) ÷ 8000 = 90GB

Result: 90GB storage needed

25 Mbps for 8 hours

Calculation: (25 × 480 × 60) ÷ 8000 = 90GB

Result: 90GB storage needed

Pro Tips:

  • Higher bitrates need exponentially more storage
  • Use variable bitrate for efficiency
  • Consider codec compression ratios

Backup Storage Calculator

Calculate backup storage requirements for different redundancy levels.

Formula:

Backup Storage = Project Storage × Redundancy Factor

Examples:

1TB project, 3-2-1 backup rule

Calculation: 1000 × 3 = 3TB total

Result: 3TB backup storage needed

500GB project, dual backup

Calculation: 500 × 2 = 1TB total

Result: 1TB backup storage needed

Pro Tips:

  • Follow 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite
  • Use different storage types for redundancy
  • Automate backup processes when possible

Transfer Time Calculator

Calculate file transfer times for different connection speeds.

Formula:

Transfer Time (hours) = File Size (GB) ÷ (Speed (Mbps) × 0.125)

Examples:

100GB over Gigabit Ethernet

Calculation: 100 ÷ (1000 × 0.125) = 0.8 hours

Result: 48 minutes transfer time

500GB over USB 3.0

Calculation: 500 ÷ (400 × 0.125) = 10 hours

Result: 10 hours transfer time

Pro Tips:

  • Use fastest available connection for large transfers
  • Consider network congestion in estimates
  • Plan transfers during off-peak hours

Optimize Your Storage Workflow

Get instant storage calculations with CineMath. Plan your projects efficiently and never run out of space during production.

Download CineMath