Calculator
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Cameras | Type | Resolution | Retention Days | Avg Cable Run (m) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Shop | 4 | Dome | 4MP | 14 | 30 | $1,780 |
| Office Floor | 8 | Turret | 4MP | 30 | 45 | $4,865 |
| Warehouse | 16 | Bullet | 8MP | 30 | 60 | $12,940 |
| School Gate | 6 | PTZ | 8MP | 21 | 80 | $8,420 |
These examples illustrate typical setups. Actual bids can vary by brand, building access, conduit needs, local labor rates, and compliance requirements.
Formula Used
Camera Equipment Cost = Number of Cameras × Base Camera Cost × Resolution Multiplier
Storage Needed (TB) ≈ Cameras × Bitrate (Mbps) × 10.8 × Retention Days × 1.15 ÷ 1024
Cable Cost = Number of Cameras × Average Cable Run × Routing Allowance × Cable Cost Per Meter
Labor Cost = Cameras × Hours Per Camera × Complexity Factor × Technicians × Hourly Labor Rate
Taxable Base = Preliminary Total + Contingency − Discount
Grand Total = Taxable Base + Tax
The calculator estimates equipment, storage, cabling, labor, add-ons, contingency, discount, and tax in one consolidated total.
Storage uses an approximate bitrate method. It helps budget projects quickly, but final storage planning should still confirm frame rate, motion recording, codec settings, and actual camera profiles.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the number of cameras, select the camera style, choose the recording resolution, and set the compression method.
Set your retention days and average cable run per camera. Then choose the cable type that matches the project scope.
Enter labor rate, crew size, estimated hours per camera, and other hardware costs such as mounts, recorder, storage, accessories, monitor setup, and miscellaneous charges.
Choose a site complexity level. Add contingency, discount, and tax percentages. Press the calculate button to display the total cost above the form.
After calculation, review the summary metrics, cost breakdown table, and Plotly chart. Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the estimate.
FAQs
1. What does this calculator include?
It includes camera equipment, recorder cost, storage, cable material, connectors, mounting hardware, labor, accessories, monitor setup, travel, contingency, discount, and tax. It is designed for early budgeting and proposal support.
2. Does the estimate cover storage sizing?
Yes. It estimates storage from camera count, resolution, compression, and retention days. The result is useful for planning, though final drive sizing should confirm actual bitrate settings, motion schedules, and recording policies.
3. Why does site complexity change labor cost?
Complex buildings need more installation time. Multi-story sites, industrial spaces, and difficult access areas usually require extra routing, lift work, safety preparation, testing, and coordination, so labor hours rise accordingly.
4. Should I include contingency in CCTV budgeting?
Usually yes. Small design changes, extra connectors, minor cable reroutes, weatherproofing, conduit adjustments, or access equipment can increase cost. A contingency percentage helps protect the budget from common field surprises.
5. Can I use this for both homes and commercial projects?
Yes. The structure works for homes, offices, shops, schools, warehouses, and similar projects. Just adjust quantities, labor rates, retention targets, and accessory allowances to reflect the installation environment.
6. Does cable type really affect total cost that much?
Often yes. Cable price, connector cost, weather rating, pathway difficulty, and run length can noticeably change total material cost. Longer routes and outdoor-rated products especially push budgets higher.
7. Is tax applied before or after discount?
This calculator applies tax after contingency and discount. That means the taxable base is the adjusted project amount, not the raw preliminary total. Many proposals follow this method for cleaner pricing logic.
8. Can I export the result for clients or internal review?
Yes. After calculation, use the export buttons to download a CSV or PDF copy of the estimate breakdown. That makes it easier to share, archive, compare, or attach to proposal drafts.