Backup Storage Growth Calculator
This simple model adds stored full copies and daily incremental data across the retention period. It is a capacity estimate, not a vendor-specific billing forecast.
How to use this calculator
- Enter size of one full backup (gib), incremental data per day (gib), retention days, full copies retained using the same measurement window and units.
- Check the result and intermediate values, then change one input at a time when comparing scenarios.
- Keep the stated scope and assumptions attached to any result you share.
Formula and method
Storage estimate = full backup size × retained full copies + daily incremental data × retention days.
- Estimated storage is 1,540 GiB.
- Snapshots, deduplication, compression, synthetic fulls and retention cleanup can change provider usage significantly.
Worked examples
Worked example
Two 500 GiB full copies plus 18 GiB of daily increments for 30 days.
Estimated storage is 1,540 GiB.
Estimated storage is 1,540 GiB.
Understanding the result
Estimated storage is 1,540 GiB.
Snapshots, deduplication, compression, synthetic fulls and retention cleanup can change provider usage significantly.
Important notes
Snapshots, deduplication, compression, synthetic fulls and retention cleanup can change provider usage significantly.
Use measured inputs or documented assumptions, and validate important decisions with the appropriate source specifications or professional guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include deduplication?
No. Use observed stored bytes if deduplication or compression is material.
Should every day add an incremental?
The model assumes one incremental dataset per retention day; adjust inputs or method for a different schedule.
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Related explanations
Learn the method behind the number or compare the terminology before using the calculator.
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This page provides a calculation tool plus explanatory information so you can understand what the result means and when the underlying method may not fit your situation.