DVD Sizes: What’s the Relation Between DVD Sizes and Its Capacities?

Posted by Paula Pailaga to Rip DVD Mar 07, 2024

The dimension of optical discs is always fixed in 12 cm (4.7 inches) and 8 cm (3.1 inches) with 1.2 mm thick, but the DVD capacity varies from 2.5G, 4.7G, to 8.5G. Is there any relation between the DVD size and capacity? Read this post to know more about the technicalities of optical storage. Whether you're safeguarding memories or optimizing your media collection, understanding DVD formats is essential. Get to know DVD size and bonus tips to rip DVD for easier saving.

DVD Size Dimensions and Affecting Factors

DVD Size:

As for the DVD size, the standard diameter is 120mm (4.7 in) with a thickness of 1.2mm (0.047 in), which is both for single-layer and double-layer CD/DVD/Blu-ray discs (there still some differences between DVD and Blu-ray discs).

An alternative, the Mini DVD/CD, boasts dimensions of 80mm (3.149 in) in diameter and a 1.2mm (0.047 in) thickness, sharing a 15mm inner diameter with its standard counterpart.

While a typical, single-layer, recordable DVD with normal size stores 4.7 GB, equivalent to approximately 2 hours (120 minutes) of DVD-quality video, advancements since the DVD's 1995 inception have led to formats offering vastly expanded storage capacities.

Does DVD Size Affect the Capacity?

The physical DVD sizes in inches don't inherently determine a DVD's data storage. The pivotal factors are the number of sides (single or double) and layers (single or double). Double-layer, also known as dual-layer, and double-sided DVDs naturally accommodate more content than their standard single-sided, single-layer counterparts. Many contemporary DVD burners facilitate the creation of double-sided and double-layer DVDs for enhanced data storage.

In essence, the inch-based DVD sizes merely outline the physical characteristics, whereas a DVD's data capacity is intricately tied to its sides and layers. For instance, a single-sided, single-layer DVD holds 4.7 GB, while a single-sided, dual-layer DVD can expand its capacity to 8.5 GB. This trend continues, offering varying sizes based on combinations of sides and layers. Delve deeper into the detailed breakdown of DVD capacities for a comprehensive understanding.

DVD Formats and Due Capacities

Now, you know that the DVD size will influence the capacity. Thus, before copying and backing up DVD, you can learn more about the intricate world of DVD formats, each designed to cater to diverse storage needs.

Understanding the intricacies of DVD sizes, formats, and capacities is essential for effective storage management. The storage capacity, governed by factors like sides and layers, varies significantly. You can check all information of different DVDs, including DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-R, and more in the following chart.

Bonus: How to Rip a DVD for a Widely Playing

Even the largest DVD size can only contain 17G data, so you may need to shrink the DVD videos to save more with 4Easysoft DVD Ripper. In this way, you can also unlock the full potential of DVD content and make it effortless to play them widely. This professional software is designed to cater to your diverse needs by converting different sizes of DVD content into various formats for widespread playback. During the process, you can compress the ripped movies to any size without losing quality. Now, follow the step-by-step guides below to rip a DVD of any size as a free way to save DVD to computers.

Step 1Launch the 4Easysoft DVD Ripper and click the "Load DVD" button to open the DVD disc after you insert the DVD of any size into the DVD drive on your computer. The main title of your DVD will now be shown.

Step 2Now, click the "Full Title List" button to load the selected titles. You can click the titles you want to add. Once you’re satisfied with your choice, click the "OK" button.

Step 3Click the "Rip All to" button to customize the output settings and choose the output format for any digital formats, such as MP4, MOV, WMV, MP3, and so on. Finally, click the "Rip All" button to save the ripped file of any DVD size.

Step 4To save the storage space, you should go to the "Toolbox" and click the "Video Compressor" button. After adding your video, you can freely adjust the file size as you like without losing quality.

FAQs About DVD Sizes & Capacities

• What's the difference between DVD-5 and DVD-9?

  There are many differences concerning sides, layers, and length: DVD-5 is single-sided, single-layer; DVD-9 is single-sided, double-layer, offering more storage.

• Can I play a DVD of any size with different formats on any player?

  No. The compatibility varies from different DVD sizes or other factors; ensure your player supports the specific DVD format for playback.

• How does DVD size affect the video?

  DVD size influences many aspects including storage capacity, impacting video duration and, to some extent, quality.

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