Synology Hybrid Raid Calculator

Synology NAS devices are widely known for their flexible storage solutions. One of the most powerful features is Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), which allows users to mix and match hard drives of different sizes while maximizing storage efficiency and ensuring data redundancy.

Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) Calculator
TB
Note: This calculator assumes all drives are the same size and uses a simplified SHR formula.
For mixed drive sizes and advanced calculations, use the official Synology SHR Calculator.

What is Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)?

SHR is an advanced RAID management system developed by Synology that allows:

  • Mixing Drives of Different Sizes – Unlike traditional RAID, SHR efficiently utilizes varying hard drive capacities.
  • Automatic Redundancy – Protects data from single or dual drive failures depending on the configuration (SHR-1, SHR-2).
  • Easy Expansion – Add new drives later without losing existing data.

SHR is ideal for both home users and small businesses, providing a balance of storage efficiency and fault tolerance.

How SHR Works

SHR works similarly to traditional RAID but offers greater flexibility. For example:

  • Single Disk Redundancy (SHR-1) – Protects against the failure of one disk.
  • Dual Disk Redundancy (SHR-2) – Protects against the failure of two disks.

The SHR system automatically calculates how much usable storage you get based on the sizes and number of drives you install.

How to Use the Synology Hybrid RAID Calculator

  1. Select the Number of Drives – Enter the total number of hard drives in your NAS.
  2. Enter Drive Capacities – Input the size (in GB or TB) of each drive.
  3. Choose Redundancy Level – Select SHR-1 for single disk protection or SHR-2 for dual disk protection.
  4. Click Calculate – The calculator provides:
    • Total usable storage
    • Redundant storage reserved for data protection
    • Maximum storage expansion possibilities

Example Calculation

Suppose you have:

  • Drive 1: 4 TB
  • Drive 2: 6 TB
  • Drive 3: 6 TB
  • Redundancy: SHR-1

Calculation Result:

  • Usable Storage: 10 TB (total minus one drive for redundancy)
  • Redundant Storage: 6 TB (reserved for fault tolerance)
  • Total Capacity: 16 TB

This ensures that even if one drive fails, your data remains safe.

Benefits of Using an SHR Calculator

  • Maximize Storage Efficiency – Determine how much storage you truly get.
  • Avoid Configuration Mistakes – Plan your RAID setup before physically installing drives.
  • Plan for Expansion – See how adding larger drives affects usable storage.
  • Ensure Data Safety – Choose the right level of redundancy for your needs.
  • Save Time and Effort – No manual calculations or guesswork required.

Additional Insights

  • SHR is ideal for users who upgrade drives over time instead of replacing all drives at once.
  • Traditional RAID systems require all drives to be the same size for maximum efficiency.
  • SHR automatically balances storage efficiency with redundancy, simplifying NAS management.
  • SHR-2 is recommended for business-critical data requiring dual-drive fault tolerance.
  • Regularly monitor your NAS health to ensure redundancy protection is active.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is SHR?
Synology Hybrid RAID is a flexible RAID system that allows mixing drive sizes while providing data redundancy.

Q2. How does SHR differ from traditional RAID?
Unlike RAID 5 or RAID 6, SHR optimizes storage when using drives of different sizes.

Q3. Can I mix 2 TB, 4 TB, and 6 TB drives in SHR?
Yes, SHR automatically calculates usable storage and redundancy.

Q4. What is SHR-1?
Single disk redundancy; protects against one drive failure.

Q5. What is SHR-2?
Dual disk redundancy; protects against two simultaneous drive failures.

Q6. How do I calculate usable storage?
Use the SHR calculator to input drive sizes and redundancy level.

Q7. Can SHR be expanded later?
Yes, you can add new drives or replace existing drives with larger ones.

Q8. Does SHR work on all Synology NAS devices?
Most modern Synology NAS devices support SHR.

Q9. Is SHR suitable for home use?
Yes, especially for users upgrading drives over time.

Q10. How safe is SHR compared to RAID 5/6?
SHR provides similar redundancy but with better efficiency when mixing drive sizes.

Q11. Can I lose data if a drive fails in SHR?
Data remains safe if redundancy is properly configured.

Q12. Does SHR require all drives to be the same brand?
No, but using reliable drives is recommended.

Q13. What happens if two drives fail in SHR-1?
Data may be lost; SHR-2 is recommended for dual-fault tolerance.

Q14. Can I switch from SHR to RAID later?
Yes, but it may require backup and reconfiguration.

Q15. How much storage does SHR waste for redundancy?
Depends on the number of drives and redundancy level.

Q16. Can I use SSDs with SHR?
Yes, SHR supports SSDs, but efficiency calculations remain the same.

Q17. Is SHR faster than traditional RAID?
Performance is comparable; SHR focuses more on flexibility and efficiency.

Q18. Does SHR support hot swapping?
Yes, many Synology NAS models support hot-swappable drives.

Q19. Can SHR handle drives of different speeds?
Yes, but overall performance may be limited by the slowest drive.

Q20. Should I back up data even with SHR?
Yes, redundancy protects against drive failure but not accidental deletion or corruption.

Conclusion

A Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) Calculator is an essential tool for anyone planning a NAS setup. It helps you maximize storage, ensure redundancy, and plan for future upgrades. Whether for home use or small business, SHR combined with this calculator ensures efficient, safe, and flexible storage management.