How to Display File Size in Linux in Human Readable Format

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Akshat

Last updated: July 26, 2023

Expert verified

Understanding file sizes in a Linux environment is crucial for developers, sysadmins, and power users. With the vast amounts of data you handle on a daily basis, being able to display file size in Linux in a human-readable format can greatly enhance your productivity and decision-making. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explore various methods to display file size in Linux. I will also discover some common errors and best practices to follow when checking file size.

How to Display File Size in Linux

To display file size in Linux, use the ls and du commands for basic output or explore the awk command for customization. Additionally, third-party tools like ncdu offer enhanced features, while bash scripts automate conversions for efficient file management. 

1. ls Command

The ls command is a fundamental tool for listing files and directories in the Linux Terminal. Displaying file sizes in a human-readable format is effortless with ls. To display file sizes in a human-readable format, follow these steps:

1. Open your Terminal.

2. Navigate to the directory containing the files you want to inspect.

3. Run the following command:

<strong>ls -lh</strong>

4. This command will list the files and directories in the current directory with sizes displayed in a human-readable format. The -lh option stands for long format and human-readable.

2. du Command

The du command, short for disk usage, is used to estimate file and directory space usage in Linux. It presents file sizes in a format that is easily comprehensible, facilitating efficient file management and data analysis. To display file sizes in a human-readable format using du, follow these steps:

1. Access your Terminal window and navigate to the directory you want to analyze.
2. Now run the following command:

<strong>du -h</strong>

3. The -h option instructs du to display file sizes in a human-readable format.

3. awk Command

The awk command is a powerful text processing tool that can be used in conjunction with other commands to manipulate data. This method provides flexibility and control over how file sizes are presented, tailoring the output to meet your specific needs. To display file sizes in a specific format, follow these steps:

1. Launch your command prompt.
2. Use the appropriate command (ls or du) to generate the file size output you want to format. Pipe the output to awk with the desired formatting. For example:

<strong>ls -lh | awk '{ print $5, $9 }'</strong>

3. This command combines the ls output with awk to display file sizes and corresponding filenames in a specific format.

4. Third-Party Tools

In addition to the built-in commands, several third-party tools are available that provide advanced features to display file size in linux in a human-readable format. Whether you prefer an interactive interface, sorting and filtering capabilities, or integrated file size display within a file manager, these tools provide valuable functionalities that enhance your file management experience. Here are a few popular options:

1. Launch your command window and first of all update your system by running the command:

<strong>sudo apt update</strong>

2. The command will update all system packages of the system.

3. Now install ncdu by running the following command:

<strong>sudo apt install ncdu</strong>

4. The command will install the ncdu tool on your system after the execution.

5. Now launch ncdu by running the following command:

<strong>ncdu</strong>

6. Now you can view the file sizes in human readable format using ncdu.

5. Bash Scripts

Bash scripts allow you to automate repetitive tasks, including file size conversions. Using bash scripts for file size conversions streamlines your workflow and ensures consistent and easily understandable representations, saving you time and effort in your file management endeavors. Here’s an example of a simple bash script to convert file sizes:

1. Open the text editor and write the following script:

<strong>#!/bin/bash</strong>
<strong>filesize=$1</strong>
<strong>if [[ $filesize -lt 1024 ]]; then</strong>
<strong> echo "${filesize} bytes"</strong>
<strong>elif [[ $filesize -lt 1048576 ]]; then</strong>
<strong>  echo "$((filesize / 1024)) KB"</strong>
<strong>elif [[ $filesize -lt 1073741824 ]]; then</strong>
<strong> echo "$((filesize / 1048576)) MB"</strong>
<strong>else</strong>
<strong>  echo "$((filesize / 1073741824)) GB"</strong>
<strong>fi</strong>

2. The script will convert the file size in human readable format.

3. Save the script in a file, e.g., filesize.sh. 

4. Make the script executable using the command 

<strong>chmod +x filesize.sh</strong>

5. The command will make the script executable.

6. Then, you can use it like this:

<strong>./filesize.sh 5242880</strong>

7. This will output 5 MB for a file size of 5 megabytes.

3 Best Practices for Displaying File Size in Linux

When it comes to display file size in Linux, following best practices ensures accurate and meaningful representations.By implementing these practices, you can improve your file management workflows and make informed decisions based on accurate file size information. Here are three best practices to follow:

• 🛠️ Use the Appropriate Command Options: To display file sizes in a human-readable format, it is important to use the appropriate command options. For example, when using the ls command, include the -h option to display sizes in a human-readable format. Similarly, with the du command, the -h option enables the display of file and directory sizes in a format that is easily understandable. By using the correct options, you can ensure consistent and accurate file size representations.
• 🧠 Understand Binary and Decimal Prefixes: Understanding the distinction between binary and decimal prefixes is vital when displaying file sizes. Binary prefixes, such as KiB, MiB, and GiB, are based on powers of 2, while decimal prefixes, such as KB, MB, and GB, are based on powers of 10. Failing to understand this difference can lead to inconsistent conversions and inaccuracies when displaying file sizes, affecting proper file management and decision-making processes. Always use the correct prefix to avoid confusion.
• 🔄 Consider Automation and Customization: Automating file size conversion or customizing your display options can greatly enhance your file management efficiency. By writing bash scripts or utilizing aliases, you can automate repetitive tasks and customize your display preferences according to your specific needs. This allows for streamlined file size representations and saves time in your daily workflows. Consider creating scripts or aliases that align with your requirements to ensure consistent and convenient file size displays.

3 Common Errors When Displaying File Size in Linux

Accurately displaying file sizes in Linux is crucial for effective file management. However, there are common errors that can lead to incorrect or misleading results. By being aware of these common errors and taking care to avoid them, you can ensure that your file size representations in Linux are accurate, consistent, and conducive to effective file management. Here are three common errors that can occur:

• ❌ Using the Wrong Unit Prefix: One common error when displaying file sizes in Linux is using the wrong unit prefix. For example, mistakenly using kilobytes (KB) instead of kibibytes (KiB) can lead to incorrect calculations. This error can result in an inaccurate representation of file sizes, causing confusion and potential mistakes when analyzing and managing files. It is important to understand the distinction between binary and decimal prefixes to ensure accurate file size measurements.
• 🚫 Misinterpreting Decimal vs. Binary Prefixes: Another error occurs when misinterpreting decimal prefixes (KB, MB, GB) and binary prefixes (KiB, MiB, GiB). Decimal prefixes use powers of 10, while binary prefixes use powers of 2. Failing to understand this difference can lead to inconsistent conversions and inaccuracies when displaying file sizes, affecting proper file management and decision-making processes. Always use the appropriate prefix based on the binary or decimal context to avoid misinterpretation.
• 📌 Neglecting File Size Display Options: Neglecting to use the appropriate display options in commands like ls or du can also result in errors. For example, omitting the -h option in ls -lh will display file sizes in bytes instead of a human-readable format. This error can hinder quick comprehension and make it challenging to assess file sizes accurately. Always ensure you include the necessary options to display file sizes in a human-readable format, facilitating easier file management.

Wrapping it Up

In this article, I’ve covered various methods to display file size in Linux. While displaying file sizes in a human-readable format, common errors such as using the wrong unit prefix, misinterpreting decimal vs. binary prefixes, and neglecting display options can lead to inaccuracies. To avoid these pitfalls, I’ve shared three best practices: using the appropriate command options, understanding binary and decimal prefixes, and considering automation and customization.

To deepen your knowledge of Linux and its command-line ecosystem, I recommend exploring topics such as disk usage optimization, file compression techniques, and filesystem management. By continuously expanding your skills and understanding, you’ll unlock new possibilities for efficient file management and improved productivity.

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