CAPACITY PLANNING
How much storage does Immich need?
Start with the size of your original photos and videos, then add generated files, database space, future growth and independent backups. The originals are only the first line of the calculation.
1. Measure the originals
The best starting point is the actual size of your current library. If you are estimating from counts, use average file sizes from your own recent photos and videos because modern phone and camera files vary widely.
2. Add generated-file overhead
Immich currently says thumbnails and transcoded video can increase the photo library size by roughly 10 to 20 percent on average. Workflows with lots of video can behave differently, so treat that range as a planning reference rather than a guarantee.
3. Allow for the database
Immich says its PostgreSQL database is typically around 1 to 3 GB. That is small compared with a multi-terabyte photo archive, but it is operationally important and should ideally live on local SSD storage.
4. Add growth before buying disks
A library grows continuously. Add enough free capacity for the period you expect the storage purchase to last rather than sizing the server to today's exact usage.
5. Add backups separately
Your live library and your backup capacity are not the same thing. Two additional full copies mean roughly three times the live-library storage before allowing for deduplication or incremental history.
Use the calculator
The photo and Immich storage calculator combines original photos, video, generated overhead, database allowance, growth and backup copies in one estimate.
Do you need a NAS?
Not automatically. A single large SSD or hard drive may be enough for a small library, while a larger household archive may benefit from multiple drive bays and easier expansion. Storage architecture should follow capacity, resilience and backup requirements rather than the application name.