Storage Calculator
Calculate how much storage space you need for your files.
Understanding Storage Requirements
Different types of content require varying amounts of storage space. This calculator helps you estimate storage needs based on content type and quality.
Average File Sizes by Content Type
Photos
| Quality | Size per Photo | 1000 Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Low (Phone/Social) | ~2 MB | ~2 GB |
| Medium (Standard JPEG) | ~5 MB | ~5 GB |
| High (DSLR) | ~12 MB | ~12 GB |
| RAW (Professional) | ~25 MB | ~25 GB |
Videos
Note: Video sizes are per minute of footage.
| Resolution | Quality | Per Minute | 1 Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | Low | ~150 MB | ~9 GB |
| Medium | ~200 MB | ~12 GB | |
| High | ~300 MB | ~18 GB | |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | Low | ~350 MB | ~21 GB |
| Medium | ~500 MB | ~30 GB | |
| High | ~750 MB | ~45 GB |
Music
| Quality | Size per Song | 1000 Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Low (128 kbps MP3) | ~3 MB | ~3 GB |
| Medium (256 kbps MP3) | ~5 MB | ~5 GB |
| High (FLAC Lossless) | ~10 MB | ~10 GB |
Documents & Apps
| Type | Average Size |
|---|---|
| Text Document | 0.1-0.5 MB |
| PDF with Images | 1-2 MB |
| Small App | ~50 MB |
| Medium App | ~150 MB |
| Large App/Game | ~500 MB |
Storage Tips
Best Practices
- Cloud Backup: Use cloud storage for important files (photos, documents)
- Compression: Compress rarely-used files to save space
- External Storage: Use external drives for large media libraries
- Regular Cleanup: Delete duplicates and unused files periodically
- Quality Balance: Not everything needs maximum quality
- Streaming: Consider streaming music/video instead of storing locally
Common Storage Scenarios
| Use Case | Recommended Storage |
|---|---|
| Casual Phone User | 64-128 GB |
| Photography Enthusiast | 256-512 GB (phone) + External/Cloud |
| Professional Photographer | 1-2 TB + Backup Drives |
| Video Creator | 2-4 TB + External Storage |
| Music Library (10,000 songs) | 50-100 GB |
| Movie Collection (100 movies) | 500 GB - 1 TB |
Quick Reference
How Many Items Fit?
64 GB Storage:
- ~12,800 photos (5 MB each)
- ~4 hours of 4K video
- ~12,800 songs (5 MB each)
256 GB Storage:
- ~51,200 photos
- ~17 hours of 4K video
- ~51,200 songs