Last updated: Sep 27, 2025
Raid Calculator
Select drives
4 TB
8 TB
12 TB
16 TB
20 TB
24 TB
30 TB
TB
Select Type:
Usable Capacity
Protection
Unused space
JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks)
In Just a Bunch of Disks (JBOD), each disk operates independently without redundancy or striping. It is ideal to expand storage capacity by combining multiple hard drives into a single and larger logical volume. JBOD does not improve performance or provide fault tolerance. Data is just put on each disk in the order it was given. If one disk fails, only the data on that specific drive is impacted. JBOD is ideal for personal and low-priority storage needs.RAID 0 (Data Striping)
RAID 0 is all about splitting data evenly across two or more disks. This enables concurrent processing of data and improves read and write speeds. RAID 0 can significantly boost performance. It is used when high-speed data access is needed, like in video editing or gaming. RAID 0 is cost-efficient due to the lack of redundancy or parity. The trade-off is the risk of irretrievably lost data in case of a failed disk. This is why regular backups are a must-have for RAID 0.RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 1 uses mirroring for data security. Every disk maintains full copies of the data in the array. Even if a drive fails, data can still be accessed from the mirrored copies. By accessing data from numerous drives at once, RAID 1 can improve read rates, but it doubles storage requirements since each bit of data is stored twice. If high availability and security are needed, RAID 1 is the perfect choice.RAID 1E (Enhanced Mirroring)
RAID 1E (Enhanced Mirroring) combines the redundancy of RAID 1 with aspects of data striping of RAID 0. Mirrored portions are distributed throughout all the array to tolerate the failure of any single disk. RAID 1E provides better performance than traditional mirroring and preserves data redundancy. It's ideal for resiliency and efficiency.RAID 4 (Block-Level Striping with Dedicated Parity)
RAID 4 stores redundant data on a separate parity disk while stripping data across many disks. Parity data allows for complete reconstruction in the event of a disk failure. RAID 4 offers quicker read rates and simultaneous access, but writing operations are slower.RAID 5 (Block-Level Striping with Distributed Parity)
RAID 5 spreads parity information and data among all array drives for balance between speed, capacity, and fault tolerance. Any single disk in the array can fail without losing data. The parity data helps reconstruct lost information. RAID 5's effective use of disk space and enhanced read operation performance are the main reasons for its popularity.RAID 5R (RAID 5 with Reserved Space)
RAID 5R incorporates reserved spaces on each disk or an additional disk for faster recovery processes. This reserved space often holds extra parity information.It enhances the array's overall resilience and reduces the time and stress associated with rebuilding a failed disk. While this configuration marginally reduces usable capacity, it presents an appealing option for environments where maintaining uptime and swift recovery are critical.RAID 5EE (RAID 5 with Extra Disk for Hot Spare)
RAID 5EE integrates an additional disk as a hot spare within the array itself. If a drive fails, the system rebuilds automatically. It minimizes downtime. The spare is inactive until needed. RAID 5EE is all about the array's redundancy and performance. It is ideal for environments where continuous operation is vital.RAID 6 (Block-Level Striping with Double Distributed Parity)
RAID 6 adds another layer of security by storing two parity blocks for each data block. This is why it can deal with two simultaneous disk failures without data loss. The additional storage space is needed. RAID 6's data protection makes it ideal for storing crucial large datasets over extended periods.RAID 10 (Stripe of Mirrors)
RAID 10 (RAID 1+0) integrates striping and mirroring. It creates multiple mirrored sets and then stripes data across them. RAID 10 offers both the performance benefits of RAID 0 and the reliability of RAID 1. Its fast read/write rates and data security make it ideal for databases and online transaction processing systems.RAID 0+1 (Mirror of Stripes)
RAID 0+1 mirrors two or more RAID 0 arrays. It presents the benefits of both high read/write speeds from data striping and data protection from mirroring. Its susceptibility to multiple disk failures under certain circumstances can be a downside. A single disk failure in each mirror pair can compromise the entire array. RAID 0+1 is often used in scenarios where capacity and performance take precedence, alongside a sound backup plan.RAID 50 (RAID 5 and RAID 0 Combination)
RAID 50 combines the striping of RAID 0 over several RAID 5 arrays with the distributed parity of RAID 5. By adding RAID 0's speed advantage, it improves both the performance and fault tolerance of the individual RAID 5 sets. RAID 50 offers resilience against a single disk failure per RAID 5 and is popular with large-scale operations where substantial capacity, efficient performance, and robust fault tolerance are needed.RAID 50r (RAID 50 with Reserved Space or Hot Sparing)
RAID 50r extends RAID 50's capabilities. It incorporates reserved spaces or a hot spare disk for fast data recovery. This minimizes the downtime and performance impacts. RAID 50r is popular in dynamic enterprise environments where preserving the balance between performance and rapid recovery is essential for maintaining operations.RAID 60 (RAID 6 and RAID 0 Combination)
RAID 60 combines the striping of RAID 0 over several RAID 6 arrays with the distributed parity of RAID 6. By adding RAID 0's speed advantage, it improves both the performance and fault tolerance of the individual RAID 6 sets.Please rate this article.