RAID Calculator Tool | HDD/SSD Storage Configuration Calculator

RAID Calculator Tool

Calculate storage capacity, performance, and redundancy for your HDD or SSD RAID configuration. Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60.

Configuration

Results

💾 Usable Capacity
0 GB
Total storage space available after RAID overhead
🛡️ Fault Tolerance
0 Drives
Number of drive failures the array can withstand
⚡ Read Performance
Standard
Expected read performance compared to single drive
📝 Write Performance
Standard
Expected write performance compared to single drive
📊 Storage Efficiency
0%
Percentage of raw capacity available as usable storage

RAID Level Information

RAID 0 (Striping)

Distributes data across multiple drives for improved performance but offers no redundancy. One drive failure results in total data loss.

RAID 1 (Mirroring)

Creates an exact copy of data on two or more drives. Excellent redundancy but halves usable capacity.

RAID 5 (Striping with Parity)

Distributes data and parity information across all drives. Can withstand one drive failure without data loss.

RAID 6 (Striping with Double Parity)

Similar to RAID 5 but with two parity blocks. Can withstand two simultaneous drive failures.

RAID 10 (Mirrored Stripes)

Combines mirroring and striping for both performance and redundancy. Requires an even number of drives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best RAID level for my storage needs?
The optimal RAID level depends on your specific requirements. RAID 0 offers maximum performance but no redundancy. RAID 1 provides excellent data protection but reduced capacity. RAID 5 balances capacity and protection with good read performance. RAID 6 offers enhanced fault tolerance. RAID 10 combines performance and redundancy but requires more drives.
How does RAID calculation work for different RAID levels?
RAID calculation varies by level: RAID 0 capacity is the sum of all drives. RAID 1 capacity equals a single drive. RAID 5 capacity is (n-1) drives, where n is the total number. RAID 6 is (n-2) drives. RAID 10 requires an even number of drives with capacity equal to half the total.
Can I mix different drive sizes in a RAID array?
While technically possible in some configurations, it’s generally not recommended. When mixing drive sizes, the RAID controller typically limits all drives to the size of the smallest drive, wasting capacity. For optimal performance and capacity utilization, use identical drives.
What is the difference between hardware and software RAID?
Hardware RAID uses a dedicated controller card to manage the array, offering better performance and additional features. Software RAID uses the host system’s CPU and operating system, which is more cost-effective but may impact system performance. Both approaches have their merits depending on budget and performance requirements.
How important is drive type (HDD vs SSD) for RAID performance?
Drive type significantly impacts RAID performance. SSDs offer much higher IOPS and lower latency, making them ideal for performance-critical applications. HDDs provide greater capacity per dollar but lower performance. Some RAID levels benefit more from SSDs, particularly those focused on performance like RAID 0 and RAID 10.

Conclusion

This comprehensive RAID calculator tool provides accurate calculations for various RAID configurations, helping you plan your storage solution effectively. Whether you’re building a home server, configuring enterprise storage, or setting up a NAS system, understanding RAID levels and their implications is crucial for optimal performance and data protection.

Key takeaways: RAID 0 maximizes performance but offers no redundancy. RAID 1 provides excellent data protection at the cost of capacity. RAID 5 and 6 balance capacity with single or dual drive failure protection. RAID 10 combines performance and redundancy but requires more drives. Always consider your specific needs for capacity, performance, and fault tolerance when selecting a RAID level.

Using this RAID calculation tool, you can make informed decisions about your storage configuration, ensuring you select the right balance of performance, capacity, and data protection for your specific use case. Remember that RAID is not a substitute for regular backups, but rather a component of a comprehensive data protection strategy.