NAS, RAID and Backup Storage
Photo and video library growth.
Library growth per month is photos x average photo size plus videos x average video size. 600 photos at 8 MB and 40 videos at 250 MB add 14.8 GB a month, so a 1 TB library reaches 1,177.6 GB in a year and a 4 TB drive lasts about 16.9 years. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
Your library
Growth
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Worked example
A 1,000 GB library plus 600 photos at 8 MB (4.8 GB) and 40 videos at 250 MB (10 GB) every month adds 14.8 GB a month (177.6 GB a year), of which photos are 32%. The library reaches 1,177.6 GB in 1 year, 1,532.8 GB in 3 years and 1,888 GB in 5 years. A 4 TB drive fills in (4,000 - 1,000) / 14.8 = 202.7 months, about 16.9 years.
How it works
Monthly growth (GB) = (photos x photo MB + videos x video MB) / 1,000. Size after m months = current size + monthly growth x m. Months to fill = (capacity in GB - current GB) / monthly growth, with 1 TB counted as 1,000 GB.
Growth is treated as a constant rate. Real libraries jump when you change cameras or start shooting higher-resolution video, so re-run with new averages after a change. Every backup copy needs the same space again: size them with the 3-2-1 backup storage calculator and pick drives with the RAID calculator. For single uncompressed images see the uncompressed image file size calculator.
Estimates only. RAID is not a backup: it keeps an array running through a drive failure but does not protect against deletion, malware, fire or theft. Real arrays and drives vary, so use this for planning and check your own drive datasheets.
Sources and basis (opened 2026-10-08):
- Data Backup Options (CISA, Ruggiero and Heckathorn): Backups multiply the space needed (3-2-1 keeps 3 copies). Growth figures on this page are arithmetic on your own file counts and sizes; no typical file sizes are assumed.
FAQ
How much storage do I need for my photos?
Multiply files per month by average size, add your current library, and project forward. In the example, 14.8 GB a month takes a 1 TB library to 1,532.8 GB in 3 years.
What is the average size of a photo?
It varies widely with camera, format and settings. Look at the file sizes in your own library and enter an average for each type.
How do I plan storage for video?
Video dominates growth. In the example 40 videos add 10 GB a month against 4.8 GB for 600 photos. Use an average that reflects your real clips.
Should I plan for backup space too?
Yes. Each backup copy needs room for the whole library, and a 3-2-1 plan keeps two backup copies. Use the 3-2-1 backup storage calculator for that.
How often should I re-check my growth rate?
After any change of camera or shooting habits, and about once a year, because libraries rarely grow at a constant rate.