Different values of free disk space

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1

I recently found different values of free disk space depending on programm I used.
Thunar showing 13.5 GB. Caja showing 14.5 GB. Gparted showing 15.3 GB.
Wondering what is true…?

2

  • First of all, there is a difference between decimal (i.e. base-10) sizes and binary (i.e. base-2) sizes, or otherwise put, between GB and GiB.

  • Secondly, if you use btrfs, then you have to use the btrfs-specific tools for ascertaining the exact used space, because btrfs works very differently due to the copy-on-write principle, and the potential presence of snapshots.

  • Thirdly, gparted gives you the raw partition size, not the actual capacity of a formatted partition. Filesystems do take up some space for internal organization, and they reserve some extra space so as to still allow for proper operation once the filesystem starts filling up.

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3

Ok, thanks for the info.
I’m using btrfs. Thunar und gparted showing GiB. Caja showing GB.
What are the btrfs specific tools?

4

See the man page… :arrow_down:

man btrfs-filesystem

You can get a quick overview of the used and free space with the command… :arrow_down:

btrfs filesystem df /
5

You can find good Information about Btrfs in the wiki

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