Database Sizing

Database Sizing

CostOS Database Size Overview

Summary: The total size of a CostOS database is mainly driven by three areas: estimating data, attached BIM/design files, and accumulated action/history logs.

  • Estimating data: BOQ items and assigned resources.

  • Design storage: BIM models, drawings, and PDF files stored in SQL Server.

  • Logs and history: User actions and project changes that grow over time.

Project Estimating Data (BOQ)

The table below shows the approximate database size based on the number of BOQ items per project. Each BOQ item includes one assigned resource.

BOQ Items per Project

Data File

Log File

BOQ Items per Project

Data File

Log File

3,000 items

32 MB

16 MB

10,000 items

92 MB

42 MB

50,000 items

436 MB

290 MB

100,000 items

858 MB

290 MB

BIM and Design File Storage

3D and 2D design files attached to projects are stored directly in the database using SQL Server. These files can significantly increase total database size depending on the complexity and number of models. The table below provides approximate size ranges per file type.

File Type

Typical Size per File

File Type

Typical Size per File

IFC (3D model)

10 MB — 500 MB

Revit RVT (3D model)

50 MB — 500 MB

DWFx / DWG / DXF (2D drawing)

1 MB — 50 MB

PDF Drawing

1 MB — 20 MB

These are indicative ranges. Actual sizes depend on model complexity and the number of elements.

Action Logs and History

CostOS keeps a full log of all user actions, changes and project history. This data grows continuously over time based on the number of active users and the frequency of changes made in the system. For large teams working daily over several years, log data can become a significant portion of the total database size. It is recommended to monitor log growth and archive older logs periodically.