Enough memory. Room to grow.
Select the software and games you use, tell us about your projects, and build a practical RAM and storage plan. Published requirements and editorial headroom stay separate.
Free to use · Calculations stay in your browser · No sign-up
Let’s put numbers to it.
Your result appears here as you adjust the inputs.
How the plan is built.
RAM: a floor, then headroom
The starting figure is the largest of the selected software RAM figures, the project-size baseline and any game allowance — at least 16 GB. We add 8 GB if you choose several demanding tasks, then your stated VM allocation, and round up to the next listed memory tier.
The 16/32/64 GB project baselines and 8 GB concurrency margin are editorial assumptions. Requirements are system totals, so adding every publisher figure would count shared operating-system memory repeatedly. CPU, GPU, VRAM, operating system version and architecture still need separate checks.
Some software has no fixed useful RAM recommendation in our catalogue. A zero source figure means no additional numeric floor was applied, not that the software uses no memory. Platform-specific values are used where recorded, including AutoCAD and Fusion on macOS.
Storage: allow room beyond the files
Needed capacity = total storage budget ÷ (1 − free-space fraction). A 400 GB budget with 20% of the drive kept free needs at least 500 GB. We round up through the listed storage tiers. Very large results are total capacity budgets and may need multiple drives.
Storage uses decimal GB and TB, as drive manufacturers do: 1 TB = 1,000 GB. Formatted capacity, operating-system reporting and recovery partitions vary. External storage can hold suitable files and game libraries, but it does not replace RAM or make every application installable there.
Very large results may require external storage or a workstation outside our catalogue. The estimate does not automatically choose a computer.
Where the requirements come from
Software figures use the same publisher-led requirements research as our course guide. Selecting an app reveals its source, review date and qualifications in the result. These catalogue sources were last checked on 23 October 2026.
Game examples: Minecraft Java & Bedrock official PC system requirements · Epic Games: Fortnite PC requirements. Reviewed 29 October 2026. Verify the current requirements for your edition, mods and update before buying.
A few useful answers.
Does more RAM make software compatible with my operating system?
No. A Windows-only desktop application does not become a native Mac or Linux app when you add RAM. Check platform, OS version, CPU architecture, GPU and licence requirements. The calculator highlights known platform conflicts and unverified Linux support.
Can I add all the software RAM requirements together?
Usually that overstates the baseline because published figures describe the whole system, not just one app process. This tool takes the highest numeric requirement, then applies separate planning allowances for project size, concurrent tasks and virtual machines. Real peak use is the better guide when you can measure it.
Does selecting a game set its storage requirement?
No. Installation sizes change with updates, optional content and mods. Enter the combined installed sizes yourself under “All installed games combined”. A game’s RAM figure does not predict its disk footprint.
Can I upgrade the memory later?
Only on models that support it. Some laptops have soldered RAM with no upgrade slot. Check the exact configuration and manufacturer service information before treating a later upgrade as part of your plan.
Turn your plan into a shortlist.
Keep the memory target in mind, then check software compatibility, graphics, budget and portability together.