DVD Knowledge
1.1 Windows USB/DVD Download Tool
1.2 DVD Player Formats
1.3 CD VS DVD VS Blu-ray
1.4 DVD-R VS DVD+R
1.5 DVD Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
1.6 How to Fix a Scratched DVD
1.7 Unlock DVD Region Codes
1.8 DVD Capacity

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding DVD Capacity and Type

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding DVD Capacity and Type

DVDs have been popular for storing and distributing digital content for many years. Understanding the DVD capacity of different types is essential for selecting the right format to accommodate your data needs. Each format offers varying storage capabilities from single-layer to dual-sided to dual-sided DVDs. In this post, we will focus on the different DVD types and delve into their respective capacities, shedding light on the potential storage limits they provide.

DVD Capacity

Part 1. What is DVD Capacity

The capacity of a DVD varies depending on the type of DVD and how it is formatted. Here are the common DVD formats and their respective capacities:

DVD-R (DVD-Recordable)

DVD-R discs are write-once DVDs. The DVD-R capacity can hold up to 4.7 GB of data or approximately 120 minutes of video content. It is the most common DVD format for general data storage and video distribution.

DVD+R (DVD+Recordable)

Similar to DVD-R, DVD+R discs are also write-once DVDs with a capacity of 4.7 GB. They offer the same storage size of DVD and are compatible with most DVD players and drives.

DVD-RW (DVD-Rewritable)

DVD-RW discs are rewritable DVDs that can be erased and rewritten multiple times. They have a DVD size of 4.7 GB and provide flexibility for data storage and content creation.

DVD+RW (DVD+Rewritable)

Like DVD-RW, DVD+RW discs are rewritable DVDs with a capacity of 4.7 GB. They can be rewritten numerous times, making them suitable for data backup and multimedia storage.

DVD-RAM (DVD-Random Access Memory)

DVD-RAM discs are a rewritable DVD format designed for frequent and rapid data rewriting. The size of DVD-RAM varies depending on the version, ranging from 2.6 GB to 9.4 GB. The most common capacity is 4.7 GB.

Part 2. Size of Different DVD Types

Designation Size of DVD in Diameter Sides Layers DVD size in GB
DVD-R SS SL (1.0) 12 1 1 3.95
DVD-R SS SL (2.0) 12 1 1 4.70
DVD-RW SS SL 12 1 1 4.70
DVD+R SS SL 12 1 1 4.70
DVD+RW SS SL 12 1 1 4.70
DVD-R SS DL 12 1 2 8.50
DVD-RW SS DL 12 1 2 8.54
DVD+R SS DL 12 1 2 8.54
DVD+RW SS DL 12 1 2 8.54
DVD-RAM SS DL 8 1 1 1.56*
DVD-RAM DS SL 8 2 1 2.47*
DVD-RAM SS DL (1.0) 12 1 1 2.58
DVD-RAM SS DL (2.0) 12 1 1 4.70
DVD-RAM DS SL (1.0) 12 2 1 5.15
DVD-RAM DS SL (2.0) 12 2 1 9.13

LEGEND:

SS = single-sided

DS = double-sided

SL = single-layer

DL = dual-layer

Part 3. How to Fix Limited DVD Size

AnyMP4 DVD Copy is a powerful DVD copying software that enables you to create exact replicas of your DVDs. It allows you to make 1:1 copies of your DVDs, preserving the original structure, menus, subtitles, audio tracks, and video quality. AnyMP4 DVD Copy can compress DVD content, ensuring it fits onto blank discs with lower DVD capacity while maintaining good video and audio quality. Aside from copying DVD to DVD, it supports burning DVD folders or ISO files to blank discs, allowing you to create playable DVDs from copied content.

1Let’s begin by clicking the Free Download button to obtain the AnyMP4 DVD Copy. Launch it on your computer once the installation process is complete.

Free Download For Windows

Secure Download

Free Download For macOS

Secure Download

2Once done, insert the DVD you want to compress and rip into your computer’s DVD drive. Click the Source field to import the DVD content. It will analyze the DVD and display its content afterward.

Import DVD Content

3Select the DVD content you want to compress and rip. You can copy the entire DVD or select specific titles, chapters, or audio/subtitle tracks.

Select DVD Content

4Click the Target field and choose the destination folder to save the ripped DVD files. Then choose the Target Size as 4.35 or 7.35 GB, which can compress your large DVDs into smaller DVD-5 or DVD-9.

Save DVD Content

5Click the Start button to begin the DVD compression and ripping process. AnyMP4 DVD Copy will start compressing the DVD content and converting it into digital format automatically.

Start Compression and Ripping

AnyMP4 DVD Copy provides compression options to fit larger DVDs onto smaller-capacity discs, ensuring compatibility and convenience. With it, you will have the DVD content in a digital format with a reduced file size.

Another way of compressing DVD capacity is to rip DVD to a digital format, and erase this DVD disc to be blank for storing other data.

Part 4. FAQs about DVD Capacity

Can a DVD hold more than 4.7 GB?

YES! DVDs can hold more than 4.7 GB of data. While the standard DVD-5 format has a capacity of 4.7 GB, there are DVD formats that offer higher storage capacities. The DVD-9 format or dual-layer DVD capacity can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.

Why does a DVD have more capacity than a CD?

DVDs have more capacity than CDs due to several key technological differences between the two formats. These differences primarily lie in the physical structure of the discs and the laser technology used to read the data. DVDs also have the advantage of dual-layer technology. Dual-layer DVDs, such as DVD-9 and DVD-18, have an additional recordable layer on the same side of the disc.

What is the largest size DVD?

The largest size DVD commonly available for consumer use is the DVD-18 format. A DVD-18 is a dual-sided, dual-layer DVD with the largest DVD capacity among consumer DVD formats. A DVD-18 can hold approximately 17 GB of data. It consists of two dual-layer discs bonded together, with each side of the disc capable of storing up to 8.5 GB.

What is CD size and capacity?

The standard size of a CD is 12 cm in diameter. It is the most common size for audio, data, and CD-ROMs. On the other hand, CDs have a maximum capacity of 700 MB or 80 minutes of audio. Also, specialized CD formats offer higher capacities, storing up to 800 megabytes of data. Check more details here to know the differences among CD, DVD, and Blu-ray.

What is the largest capacity recordable DVD?

The largest DVD R capacity available for consumer use is the DVD-18 format. A DVD-18 is a dual-sided, dual-layer DVD with the highest storage capacity among consumer DVD formats. This format is used for special editions, collections, or projects that require maximum storage space, such as extensive video compilations or data-intensive applications.

Conclusion

DVD capacity is crucial in determining the amount of data or video content stored on a disc. Whether you’re looking to store personal data, backup files, or enjoy high-quality movies, knowing the limitations and capabilities of various DVD types is essential. Also, we introduce you to specialized software to help you fix limited DVD sizes. AnyMP4 DVD Copy is one of the best software options for compressing DVD sizes and ripping DVDs.

What do you think of this post?

Excellent

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (based on 414 ratings)

author Posted by Ted Klarso to DVD
July 19, 2023 11:20

More readings

CommentAdd your comments to join the discussion here