DVD Size and Capacity: Know How Much Data Can A DVD Hold

Emma Sanchez
May 22, 2024 / Updated by Emma Sanchez to DVD

Among the vital factors to consider when choosing a disc for preserving contents is the DVD size and capacity, which will determine the data it can store. Since there are many types of DVDs, it’s safe to say that each holds a distinct storage size; however, there are also grounds that affect the DVD sizes. To help you figure that out, scroll down here to see the DVD size for all types and know more details about it.

Know the Size and Capacity of Different DVDs

How much data can a DVD hold? Regarding its physical dimensions, a DVD is 4.7 inches in diameter and 0.047 inches thick, whether a single layer (SL) or double layer (DL). How about their capacity, then? As stated earlier, different DVDs have their own size and capacity; learn them briefly using the table below.

DVD Types Diameter size (cm) Sides Layers Capacity Length DVD format
DVD-1 SS SL 8 1 1 1.36 G 0.5 hr DVD-RAM
DVD-2 SS DL 8 1 2 2.47 G 1.3 hrs
DVD-3 DS SL 8 2 2 2.72 G 1.4 hrs
DVD-4 DS DL 8 2 4 4.95 G 2.5 hrs
DVD-5 SS SL 12 1 1 4. 37 G 2 hrs DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW
DVD-9 SS DL 12 1 2 7.95 G 5 hrs DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL
DVD-10 DS SL 12 2 2 8.75 G 4.5 hrs DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW
DVD-14 DS SL + DL 12 2 3 12.33 G 6.5 hrs
DVD-18 DS DL 12 2 4 15.90 G 8 hrs DVD+R

How many videos and photos can be stored?

Now that you’ve seen the size and capacity of different DVD types, how many photos and videos can fit inside? Regarding DVD storage size for images, it will hinge on the file size; as you are aware, the resolution largely determines the final size. Scanners often digitize images at 300 to 600 dpi, although they can be scanned at up to 4000, which increases size.

For instance, a 35mm slide scanned at 2000 dpi often has a size of 5 MB, whereas a scan at 4000 dpi may have a size of 12-15 MB. An image scanned at 300 dpi typically has a size of about 2 MB. Meanwhile, as a rough estimate, you can store 9,400 images at 500 KB individually, 4700 images at 1 MB, and 2350 images at 2 MB. However, you also know that higher-resolution scanning produces higher-quality images.

As for the DVD storage size for videos, the file size affects its number, and in the same way, it affects the storage of images. However, instead of the resolution, the video's bitrate affects the file size. If you’re using an MPEG-2 compressed video with 6 Mbits/s, you could have a 2-hour video on a DVD.

A single-layer disc can store up to 4.7 GB, while double-layer ones have a storage capacity of 92.4 GB and 15.9 GB for particular DVD formats.

What Affects the DVD Size?

As you can see, there are four different sorts of DVDs: single-sided, double-sided, single-layered, and double-layered. The storage capacity of DVD will depend on what combination is used. A double-sided, double-layered disc may store far more than a single-sided, single-layered. For instance, a double-layer DVD can store up to 8.5 GB, while a single-layered DVD has a capacity of 4.7 GB.

What Are the Commonly-used DVDs

While there are many different kinds of DVDs, the following three are the most widely employed and well-liked for data storage.

DVD-5. With a maximum size of 4.7 GB, this single-layered disc is the most commonly used and widely recognized. Both the DVD-R and DVD+R/RW formats are supported.

DVD-9. This single-sided, dual-layered disc is compatible with DVD+R and DVD-R formats and can hold 8.5 GB of data. It can store twice as much data as a DVD-5 and does so at a greater quality than the DVD-5.

DVD-10. Meanwhile, DVD-10 is a double-layered, double-sided disc compatible with DVD+RW format. Note that in order to access the content stored on the other side of the disc, you must turn it over.

How To Check What DVD Size Suits Your Computer

Following the information you received on DVD capacity in GB, you are probably wondering which DVD size is best for your current computer. If yes, read on! Upon reading this, you’ll receive an additional recommendation on where to play your DVD content best.

Use your computer’s "Windows Search" bar to swiftly navigate to the "Device Manager" and check it. The DVD drive will be visible when you find the "DVD/CD-ROM drives" or "Disk drives" category and click on its arrow. Please make a note of the "model number," and then open whatever online browser, then input the model number in the search bar. You can later examine the first result of the top page for the DVD size of your computer.

Device Manager Windows

After you’re done with the DVD size and capacity details, you can use the AnyRec Blu-ray Player for Windows and Mac to play your DVD content and wrap up the operation. While it is free DVD player, it has incredible capabilities to play your favorite disc content with excellent audio and visuals! To provide you with the vivid audio effects, it also makes use of advanced algorithms. It also offers abundant easy-to-use playback features, like volume controls, video effects, snapshot abilities, and more, allowing you to control how you tailor your DVD-watching experience.

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Conclusion

That’s it! You learned today everything you must know about DVD size and capacity. For different types, each holds up distinct sizes, layers, lengths, formats, etc. Also, you see which factors affect the DVD size, as well as your computer’s DVD size. Ultimately, you can play your DVD, even Blu-ray content, with AnyRec Blu-ray Player. It provides high-quality visuals and audio with many customization options for video playback. Download it today and see what more it can do.

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