Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 3-2-1 rule mean exactly?
It means keeping 3 total copies of your data, stored on 2 different media types (e.g., disk and tape, or local disk and cloud), with at least 1 copy stored offsite so a single disaster cannot destroy all copies simultaneously.
Why does the calculator compound growth?
Because each month's full backup reflects the current (grown) data size, not the original size. If you ignore growth and size to today's data, the backup chain will overflow your storage before the retention window closes.
What is the difference between full and incremental backups?
A full backup copies all data; it is large but restores are simple. An incremental copies only data changed since the last backup; it is small but restoring requires replaying the chain from the last full through every incremental.
Is RAID a substitute for the offsite copy?
No. RAID protects against drive failure inside one physical location. It does not protect against fire, flood, ransomware, or accidental deletion. The offsite copy addresses those threats.
How does this calculator handle GFS rotation?
It models a simplified fixed scheme. For GFS or synthetic-full rotations, use a purpose-built backup planning tool and treat this as a conservative upper bound.
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Estimates for informational purposes only.
Important Disclaimer: Estimates for informational purposes only.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.