Security Camera Coverage Calculator
Calculate how many security cameras you need for full property coverage, plus storage and cloud cost estimates.
Inputs
Results
Outdoor Cameras Needed
6
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure your Perimeter Length (ft) and count Entry Points (doors, windows, gates) around the property.
- Enter Property Area (sq ft) and the number of Indoor Cameras you already plan to install in key interior locations.
- Review Outdoor Cameras Needed and Total Cameras to determine hardware quantity and system cost.
- Check Storage GB per Month to choose a NVR/DVR with adequate storage or size a cloud subscription.
- Review Coverage % to identify gaps in camera placement and adjust camera count or positioning accordingly.
- Use Monthly Cloud Cost to compare local storage vs cloud recording for your ongoing subscription budget.
How the result changes with Property Perimeter
| Property Perimeter | Outdoor Cameras Needed |
|---|---|
| 545 | 10 |
| 1,783 | 33 |
| 3,268 | 60 |
| 4,505 | 82 |
What each input means
- Property Perimeter
- Total perimeter length of the area to secure in feet.
- Entry Points
- Number of doors, gates, and garage entries to monitor.
- Property Area
- Total property area in square feet (used for coverage estimate).
- Indoor Cameras
- Additional indoor cameras for hallways, nursery, or high-value rooms.
What each result means
- Outdoor Cameras Needed
- Cameras required for perimeter and entry point coverage.
- Total Cameras
- Outdoor plus indoor cameras combined.
- Monthly Storage
- Estimated storage for 1080p H.265 recording at ~4 GB/camera/day.
- Monthly Cloud Cost
- Estimated cloud storage subscription at ~$2.50-$3/camera/month.
- Perimeter Coverage
- Percentage of property perimeter covered by camera FOV.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersProperty Perimeter = 300, Entry Points = 4, Property Area = 8000, Indoor Cameras = 0 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Outdoor Cameras NeededOutdoor Cameras Needed6 = 6
- Calculate Total CamerasTotal Cameras6 = 6
- Calculate Monthly StorageMonthly Storage720 = 720
Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.
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