RAID Calculator

- May 22, 2025
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Calculate storage capacity, performance metrics, and fault tolerance for different RAID configurations. This calculator helps you plan your storage array based on your requirements for capacity, redundancy, and performance.

Storage Configuration

RAID Configuration
Drive Configuration
Drive Performance (Optional)
MB/s
MB/s
ms

Advanced Options

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About RAID Technology

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) combines multiple physical disk drives into one or more logical units for data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. Different RAID levels offer different balances between key objectives: reliability, availability, performance, and capacity.

Common RAID Levels
  • RAID 0 (Striping): Data is split across all drives. Offers best performance but no redundancy. If one drive fails, all data is lost.
  • RAID 1 (Mirroring): Data is duplicated on two or more drives. Provides excellent redundancy but reduces capacity by 50%.
  • RAID 5 (Striping with Parity): Data is striped across drives with distributed parity. Can survive one drive failure.
  • RAID 6 (Striping with Double Parity): Similar to RAID 5 but with dual parity. Can survive two simultaneous drive failures.
  • RAID 10 (1+0): Combines mirroring and striping. Offers good performance and redundancy but requires at least 4 drives.
Key Considerations
  • Capacity: Different RAID levels use different amounts of space for redundancy.
  • Performance: Read and write speeds can vary significantly between RAID levels.
  • Fault Tolerance: How many drives can fail without data loss varies by RAID level.
  • Rebuild Time: Larger drives take longer to rebuild after a failure, increasing vulnerability.
  • RAID is Not Backup: RAID protects against drive failure, not user error, corruption, or disasters.
Best Practices
  • Use identical drives (same size, speed, and ideally same model) for best performance and reliability.
  • Implement a proper backup strategy in addition to RAID.
  • Consider using a hardware RAID controller for critical systems instead of software RAID.
  • Monitor drive health and have spare drives ready for quick replacement.
  • For maximum data safety, follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 off-site.

Understanding the RAID Calculator

The RAID Calculator is a handy tool that helps you figure out your data storage needs. Whether you're setting up a new system or upgrading an existing one, this calculator shows how different RAID configurations affect capacity, performance, and redundancy. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily select your RAID level and drive specifications to get precise results tailored to your requirements.

How to Use the RAID Calculator

Using the RAID Calculator is straightforward. You start by choosing a RAID level from options like RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 5. Then, you input the number of drives and their capacity. You can also include performance metrics like read and write speeds. This way, you can see how well your setup will perform and how much space you'll have available for your data.

Key Features of the RAID Calculator

  • Calculate usable storage capacity based on RAID configurations.
  • Assess fault tolerance and understand how many drives can fail.
  • Compare performance metrics such as read and write speeds.
  • Explore advanced options like file system overhead and detailed breakdowns.

The Importance of RAID Levels

Different RAID levels serve various purposes. RAID 0 is all about speed, while RAID 1 focuses on redundancy. RAID 5 and RAID 6 provide a balance between performance and fault tolerance. Knowing these differences helps you make informed decisions based on your specific needs, whether it's for personal use or a larger business environment.

Performance Metrics Explained

Performance metrics are crucial for understanding how fast your system can read and write data. The RAID Calculator lets you input read/write speeds for individual drives. This information can help you estimate the overall speed of your RAID configuration, giving you a clearer picture of its performance capabilities.

Storage Calculation Made Easy

The calculator simplifies the storage calculation process. It uses a straightforward formula to determine usable storage. You can see how to calculate capacity based on the number of drives and their individual sizes minus any space reserved for parity. This clarity helps in planning your storage needs effectively.

Advanced Options to Consider

  • File System Overhead: Enter a percentage to see how it affects your total capacity.
  • Show Detailed Breakdown: Opt to see detailed results for better insights.

Best Practices for Using RAID

When setting up your RAID system, keep a few best practices in mind. Always use drives of the same size and model for better performance. Ensure you have a robust backup system that complements your RAID setup. Regularly check the Health of your drives to prevent data loss and maintain optimal performance.