How Much Cloud Storage Do I Need? Calculator

The “storage almost full” message usually arrives with an upgrade button attached. Before you tap it, it helps to know how much space you actually use, how fast it grows, and whether a cleanup would keep you on the plan you already have.

Enter your photos, videos, backups, email and files to see how much storage you need now and in 12 months, and the smallest iCloud+, Google One or Dropbox plan that fits. The calculator also shows which category takes up the most space, so you can try a cleanup before paying for more.

Get real numbers in two minutes

Estimates work, but the exact figures are one screen away:

  • iPhone: open Settings › your name › iCloud to see what uses your iCloud storage. For photo and video counts, scroll to the bottom of Library in the Photos app.
  • Google: open one.google.com/storage to see how much Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos each use. They share the same 15 GB free allowance.
  • Dropbox: open your account settings and look at the Plan section to see space used.

If a number is available, switch that row to I know the size for the most accurate result.

How the estimate is worked out

ItemSize used in the calculator
iPhone photo (HEIC)About 2.5 MB
Android or JPEG photoAbout 4 MB
48 MP photoAbout 6 MB
1 minute of 1080p at 30 fpsAbout 60 MB
1 minute of 4K at 30 fpsAbout 170 MB
1 minute of 4K at 60 fpsAbout 400 MB

Video figures follow the sizes iPhone shows under Settings › Camera › Record Video for the default High Efficiency format. Video recorded as Most Compatible, and on many Android phones, is roughly twice as large, so tick that box if it applies. The 12-month figure adds your new photos and video at the same rates.

Plan sizes and prices

ServiceFreePaid plan sizes (US list price per month, November 2026)
iCloud+5 GB50 GB $0.99 · 200 GB $2.99 · 2 TB $9.99 · 6 TB $29.99 · 12 TB $59.99
Google One15 GB100 GB $1.99 · 200 GB $2.99 · 2 TB $9.99, plus larger and AI plans
Dropbox2 GBPlus 2 TB from $9.99 billed yearly · larger plans available

Prices differ by country and change from time to time, and Google often discounts the first months. Check the provider’s page before you buy. iCloud+ and Google One plans can be shared with up to five family members, so a shared plan needs room for everyone’s photos and backups. Dropbox Plus is for one person; Dropbox sells a separate Family plan.

Try a cleanup before you upgrade

The biggest category in your result is the best place to start:

Cloud storage is not a backup on its own. Deleting a photo from a synced library deletes it everywhere, so back up photos before deleting them.

Related guides

    The 15-Minute Phone Rescue Checklist

    A free one-page PDF that frees phone storage in a safe order. Enter your email and we will send you the download link.

    We only use your email to send the checklist and never share it.

    Plan sizes and US prices checked against Apple, Google and Dropbox pages in November 2026.

    Sources