Decision Lantern

Software and business calculator

Backup storage calculator

Reviewed Skip to the planner

People sizing cloud backup from endpoints and retention. The decision this page isolates is narrow on purpose: estimate versioned backup capacity from computers and retention. Seats, volume, and included limits usually decide the class before a brand name does.

This page produces an explainable category or size so options can be compared without a product ranking. The calculator does not rank Backblaze, IDrive, and pCloud. It produces an explainable class so Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup, IDrive 5 TB, and pCloud 2 TB can be compared as examples of that class.

The working method is: Multiply endpoints by gigabytes each and a version-retention factor. Planning notes are grounded in pCloud. Compressed and already-backed-up data can be much smaller.

How to use this calculator

People sizing cloud backup from endpoints and retention. Estimate versioned backup capacity from computers and retention. If you can answer computers or servers, gigabytes per endpoint, and version retention factor, this page can produce a class you can shop against.

What this page will not do

  1. Enter the planning inputs

    Estimate backup volume by recording computers or servers, gigabytes per endpoint, and version retention factor. Use real measurements or counts, not a rounded marketing number.

  2. Keep optional extras off until they are real

    This tool has no optional add-ons. If a number is uncertain, calculate a range and keep the more conservative class.

  3. Read the capacity category

    Calculate storage and treat the headline as a class, not a product name. Matching examples below follow 500 gb, 2 tb, 5 tb, and 10 tb.

  4. Compare official pages, then verify

    Open the official page for each example in that class. Confirm current specifications, dimensions, and terms. Decision Lantern does not quote a live price or complete an install review.

Planning classes on this page

500 gb
Example: Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup
2 tb
Example: Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup, IDrive 5 TB, pCloud 2 TB
5 tb
Example: Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup, IDrive 5 TB, pCloud 2 TB
10 tb
Example: Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup, IDrive 5 TB

Estimate backup volume

Capacity category

2 TB class

1,500 GB estimated

Compare options with at least:

  • At least 1,500 GB of versioned backup
  • 3 endpoints
  • 2× retention factor

Example products for Backup storage calculator

Real products that fit this planning category. Specs come from the manufacturer’s product page. These are examples, not rankings. The links are official product pages—not affiliate links yet.

Compare the official examples

The table below is a side-by-side of the official examples on this page. Columns are published facts—maker, planning class, and notes taken from the official page—not scores. Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup, IDrive 5 TB, and pCloud 2 TB are included so you can see how classes differ, then open the official page for the current specification.

Published facts for the example products on this page. Not a ranking.
ExampleMakerPlanning classesPublished notesOfficial page
Backblaze B2 + Computer BackupBackblaze500 gb, 2 tb, 5 tb, 10 tbUnlimited PC backup; B2 bucketsBackblaze B2 + Computer Backup official page
IDrive 5 TBIDrive2 tb, 5 tb, 10 tb5 TB; Multi-deviceIDrive 5 TB official page
pCloud 2 TBpCloud2 tb, 5 tb2 TB cloud drive; Optional cryptopCloud 2 TB official page

Which example fits which class

Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup

Backblaze

Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup from Backblaze is an example in the 500 gb, 2 tb, 5 tb, and 10 tb class. Published notes on the official page include Unlimited PC backup and B2 buckets. Keep it in the shortlist when your result lands in that class, then confirm the current specification before you buy.

IDrive 5 TB

IDrive

IDrive 5 TB from IDrive is an example in the 2 tb, 5 tb, and 10 tb class. Published notes on the official page include 5 TB and Multi-device. Keep it in the shortlist when your result lands in that class, then confirm the current specification before you buy.

pCloud 2 TB

pCloud

pCloud 2 TB from pCloud is an example in the 2 tb and 5 tb class. Published notes on the official page include 2 TB cloud drive and Optional crypto. Keep it in the shortlist when your result lands in that class, then confirm the current specification before you buy.

What to verify before you buy

How this estimate works

Multiply endpoints by gigabytes each and a version-retention factor.

Know the limits

  • Compressed and already-backed-up data can be much smaller.
  • Restore time and ransomware versions need a separate check.
  • Provider specifications and program terms can change and must be verified on official pages.

Frequently asked questions

How does the backup storage calculator work?

It converts computers or servers, gigabytes per endpoint, and version retention factor into a planning class using a published rule. Multiply endpoints by gigabytes each and a version-retention factor. The headline is a class such as 500 gb, 2 tb, 5 tb, and 10 tb, not a vendor ranking.

Is Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup better than IDrive 5 TB?

This page does not rank Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup, IDrive 5 TB, and pCloud 2 TB. Backblaze B2 + Computer Backup and IDrive 5 TB are listed because they are real products with official pages that map to different or overlapping classes. The useful question is which class matches your inputs.

Can I treat the result as a buying recommendation?

Compressed and already-backed-up data can be much smaller. Use the class to decide what to read next, then verify fit, terms, and installation requirements on the official page and with a qualified installer when the product needs one.

Do the product links earn Decision Lantern a commission?

Not on the current preview. Links go to official manufacturer or service pages. If compensated links are added later, the disclosure on this page will say so in plain language.

What should I verify after I get a class?

Confirm the current specification, dimensions or plan limits, and any program terms on the official page. Restore time and ransomware versions need a separate check. The next editorial review for this page is due 2026-11-14.

Why these 3 examples?

They are real software and business options with an affiliate program on file and an official product page. Backblaze, IDrive, and pCloud appear because each one can represent at least one planning class on this page, not because Decision Lantern tested or endorsed them.

Sources

  1. pCloud storage plans, pCloud. Retrieved .

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