Disk Space Planner for Streamers
Calculate how much storage you need based on your streaming schedule, resolution, and codec. Find the right drive size for your setup.
Your Schedule
Drive Compatibility
Planning Your Storage
Running out of disk space mid-stream is every streamer's nightmare. This planner helps you estimate exactly how much storage you need based on your weekly streaming hours and how long you want to keep recordings.
We recommend keeping at least 20% free space on your recording drive for optimal performance. The recommended drive size above includes this headroom. For exact per-session calculations, use our Recording Time Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage do I need for streaming?
It depends on your resolution, codec, and how many hours you stream. A typical streamer recording 1080p 60fps with H.264 at 10 hours/week needs about 300 GB per month. Using HEVC reduces this to about 180 GB.
Should I use an SSD or HDD for recording?
An SSD is recommended for recording because it handles sustained write speeds better, especially at high bitrates (4K, ProRes). For long-term storage/archiving, a larger HDD is more cost-effective.
How much storage does 1 hour of 1080p recording take?
At 1080p 60fps with H.264, approximately 7-8 GB per hour. With HEVC, about 4-5 GB. ProRes 422 uses around 25-30 GB per hour at the same resolution.
How can I reduce recording file size?
Use a more efficient codec (HEVC or AV1 instead of H.264), lower your resolution or frame rate, or reduce your recording bitrate. Our Compression Calculator can help you estimate savings.