CCTV & Security
How Many CCTV Cameras Do I Need for My House, Compound or Business?
Short answer
Most homes start with 4 cameras covering the gate, driveway, front door and back door. Shops often need 4 to 8, and larger compounds, estates or factories need cameras along perimeters, entrances and loading areas. The right number comes from walking the site and listing every entry point and blind spot.
Typical starting points
| Property | Common camera count | Key areas |
|---|---|---|
| Small home | 4 | Gate, driveway, front door, back door |
| Larger home with garden | 6 to 8 | Add sides, garden, garage |
| Shop | 4 to 8 | Entrance, till, aisles, store, back door |
| Office | 4 to 12 | Reception, corridors, entrances, server room, parking |
| Compound or estate | 8 to 32 or more | Perimeter, gates, parking, common areas |
Indicative only. A site survey sets the real number.
How to work it out
- Walk the property and list every door, gate and window that can be reached.
- Mark areas you want to identify people (face height) and areas you only want to monitor.
- Choose lens width: narrow to see far, wide to cover more area.
- Count cameras so views overlap slightly and cover blind spots.
- Add a spare recorder channel or two for growth.
Next steps
See how to choose a CCTV system, what affects the price and our CCTV installation service.
Common questions
Is it better to have more cameras?
More cameras cover more but cost more and need more storage. Cover entry points and valuables first.
Can one camera cover a whole yard?
A wide lens can show the overall area, but faces and number plates need closer, dedicated cameras.
How far can a camera see at night?
It depends on the infrared range and conditions, commonly 20 to 50 metres on standard cameras.