How to Use the Database Storage Calculator

This guide walks you through how to effectively use the Database Storage Calculator to estimate storage requirements for SQL or NoSQL databases based on custom fields and the number of users.

1. Choose Your Database Type

At the top of the app, you will see radio buttons for selecting your database type:

  • SQL: Structured Query Language databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).
  • NoSQL: Non-relational databases (e.g., MongoDB).

Action: Select either SQL or NoSQL based on your system design needs.

2. Add a Field for Calculation

The next section allows you to define your database schema. You can add as many fields as you like, each with specific parameters:

Steps to Add a Field:

  1. Field Name: Enter the name of the field (e.g., "user_name" or "age").
  2. Data Type: From the dropdown, select the data type for the field. Options vary depending on whether SQL or NoSQL is chosen.
  3. Size Input:
    • For text-based data types (e.g., VARCHAR, TEXT), you'll be prompted to enter the length in characters.
    • For BLOB data types, you'll be asked to input the size in KB.
    • For fixed-size data types (e.g., INT, FLOAT), the size is automatically displayed.
  4. Add the Field: Click the "+" button to add the field to your table of fields.

Repeat the above steps to add multiple fields.

3. View Added Fields

After adding fields, they will appear in a table below. This table will display:

  • Field Name: The name you assigned.
  • Data Type: The type of data you chose (e.g., INT, VARCHAR).
  • Size: The size in bytes calculated for that field.

You can continue adding more fields or adjust existing ones if needed by removing and re-adding them.

4. Enter the Number of Users

Below the table, you’ll see an input box where you can specify the number of users you expect.

Example: If you anticipate 10,000 users, enter "10000" in the input field.

5. Calculate Storage

Once you've added all your fields and entered the number of users, click the Calculate button. The app will compute the estimated storage for the specified number of users and display it in both GB and MB.

The output will include:

  • The total number of users.
  • The estimated storage in GB/MB for your database schema.

Best Practices

  • Adjust Field Lengths: Always set realistic text or BLOB lengths to avoid overestimating storage.
  • Batch Users: For high-scale systems, test calculations for different batches of users (e.g., 1,000, 10,000, 100,000).
  • Iterate: Recalculate storage as you add or modify fields.