Size and Size on Disk

  • Thread starter Thread starter FM
  • Start date Start date
F

FM

When I right click > properties on a file or folder I have two readings for
the size of the file or folder, that is, "Size" and "Size on Disk". Size on
Disk is almost always larger. This might be obvious but whats the difference
and which is truest.

Using XP Pro and Fat32.
 
Files are stored in blocks. The smallest block is hard disk/format dependant but is probably 1024 bytes for you. Therefore a 1 byte file is 1 byte but uses 1024 bytes on disk.

Think of parking a motorcycle in a car space. You use 1 whole car space (size on disk) even though the MC is very small.
 
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