Data Retention Savings Calculator
Compare two retention periods before changing a logging or analytics policy. Keep the ingestion volume, compression assumption and storage rate consistent between scenarios.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the daily data before compression (gib) using the units shown beside the field.
- Enter the current retention days using the units shown beside the field.
- Enter the proposed retention days using the units shown beside the field.
- Review the calculated values and check that the assumptions match your scenario.
- Change one input at a time when comparing scenarios so you can see which assumption drives the result.
Formula and assumptions
Stored volume = daily ingest × retention days × (1 − compression rate); monthly cost = stored GiB × entered price per GiB-month.
- Retention obligations, backups, replication and indexing can change actual costs. Do not shorten legally or operationally required retention based only on this estimate.
- The result is computed from the values you provide; it does not fetch external rates, live account data or local rules.
Worked examples
Worked example
80 GiB/day retained for 90 days at 40% reduction is 4,320 GiB; reducing retention to 45 days halves that volume and the modelled storage cost.
Example inputs: Daily data before compression (GiB) = 80, Current retention days = 90, Proposed retention days = 45, Storage reduction from compression (%) = 40.
Compare the displayed output with your own measurements before using it in a decision.
Understanding the result
Retention obligations, backups, replication and indexing can change actual costs. Do not shorten legally or operationally required retention based only on this estimate.
Results are estimates based on the stated model. If the situation depends on measured conditions or contractual specifications, use those source values rather than typical assumptions.
Important notes
Retention obligations, backups, replication and indexing can change actual costs. Do not shorten legally or operationally required retention based only on this estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What formula does this calculator use?
It uses the method described above: Stored volume = daily ingest × retention days × (1 − compression rate); monthly cost = stored GiB × entered price per GiB-month.
What should I verify before relying on the result?
Retention obligations, backups, replication and indexing can change actual costs. Do not shorten legally or operationally required retention based only on this estimate.
Can I compare different scenarios?
Yes. Change the inputs while keeping units and definitions consistent, and record the assumptions used for each scenario.
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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.