RAID Capacity Calculator - Calculate RAID Storage

Disk Count

Disk Size

Unit

RAID Level

Find More Tools

RAID Storage Array Documentation

What is RAID?

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that combines multiple hard drives into a single logical storage unit. This technology improves data read/write performance and reliability.

Why Use RAID?

Improved Performance
- Increases data transfer speeds through parallel disk read/write
- Reduces I/O bottlenecks
Enhanced Data Reliability
- Provides fault tolerance through data redundancy
- Protects data in case of disk failure
Increased Storage Capacity
- Combines multiple physical disks into larger logical volumes
- Simplifies storage management

Common RAID Levels and Calculation Formulas

RAID 0 (Striping)

Features: Distributes data evenly across all disks
Advantages: Maximizes storage space and performance
Disadvantages: No redundancy, single disk failure causes total data loss

Capacity Formula:

Total Capacity = Number of Disks × Single Disk Capacity

RAID 1 (Mirroring)

Features: Data is completely duplicated across two or more disks
Advantages: Provides complete data redundancy
Disadvantages: Low storage efficiency, only 50%
Capacity Formula:
```
Total Capacity = Single Disk Capacity
```

RAID 5 (Striping with Parity)

Features: Data and parity information distributed across all disks
Advantages: Balances performance and redundancy
Disadvantages: Lower write performance
Minimum Disks: 3

Capacity Formula:

Total Capacity = (Number of Disks - 1) × Single Disk Capacity

RAID 6 (Striping with Double Parity)

Features: Uses two independent parity blocks
Advantages: Can survive two simultaneous disk failures
Disadvantages: Lower write performance
Minimum Disks: 4

Capacity Formula:

Total Capacity = (Number of Disks - 2) × Single Disk Capacity

RAID 10 (RAID 1+0)

Features: Combination of RAID 0 and RAID 1
Advantages: Combines performance and redundancy benefits
Disadvantages: High cost, low storage efficiency
Minimum Disks: 4

Capacity Formula:

Total Capacity = (Number of Disks × Single Disk Capacity) ÷ 2

RAID Selection Guidelines

Performance Priority: Choose RAID 0
- Suitable for temporary data or scenarios with other backup solutions
Data Security Priority: Choose RAID 1
- Suitable for critical small-capacity data storage
Balance of Performance and Security: Choose RAID 5
- Suitable for most enterprise storage scenarios
High Reliability Requirements: Choose RAID 6
- Suitable for large capacity storage and long-term archiving
Critical Business Systems: Choose RAID 10
- Suitable for scenarios requiring both high performance and reliability

Important Notes

RAID is not a substitute for backups
Use identical disk models and capacities when building RAID
Enterprise-grade drives provide better reliability
Regularly check RAID status and disk health
Configure appropriate spare disks for failure recovery