Vinyl Record Sizes Explained — 7", 10", 12" Complete Specs (2026)
Vinyl specs · 2026 reference
Vinyl record sizes — 7", 10", 12" complete specs
Diameter, weight, runtime, RPM. Every standard format. Plus what the dimensions mean for your storage.
3 standard formats · 1 reference
From the 7" single to the 12" LP. Diameter, RPM, runtime, weight — all the dimensions that determine the shelf your collection needs.
Vinyl sizes — 3 standard formats compared
The 12" LP — modern standard
The 12-inch LP is the most common format in modern vinyl collections. The record itself measures 12 inches (30.48 cm) in diameter and spins at 33⅓ RPM, giving you approximately 22 minutes of runtime per side. With a standard inner sleeve, the package is approximately 12.375 × 12.375 inches (31.43 × 31.43 cm). A gatefold cover adds width: expect 12.5 × 25 inches (31.75 × 63.5 cm) when fully opened. The standard outer protective sleeve runs 12.75 × 12.75 inches (32.4 × 32.4 cm).
The 7" single — singles era survivor
The 7-inch single measures 7 inches (17.78 cm) in diameter, spins at 45 RPM, and holds about 4–5 minutes per side. Sleeve dimensions: approximately 7.25 × 7.25 inches (18.4 × 18.4 cm). The format dominated the 1950s–70s singles era and is now experiencing a Record Store Day revival, with limited 7" pressings often selling out within hours.
The 10" EP and 12" Maxi-single — the in-between formats
The 10-inch record was the original 78 RPM format, abandoned in the 1950s for the 12" LP but revived for special editions. Today it measures 10 inches (25.4 cm), runs at 33⅓ or 45 RPM, and holds 12–15 minutes per side. Premium reissues favor this format — 38% of collectors now prefer limited-edition packaging.
The 12-inch Maxi-single is a different beast: same physical size as an LP but spinning at 45 RPM. The faster speed sacrifices runtime (10–15 min per side) for sound quality — wider grooves mean better dynamic range and frequency response. Audiophile labels like Mobile Fidelity and Analogue Productions use this format for their half-speed mastered pressings.
Why dimensions determine your shelf
Every millimeter of shelf depth matters. Minimum 33 cm internal depth for 12" LPs with outer sleeves. Most generic bookshelves run 28 cm — records stick out the front, unprotected. Gatefold double LPs need 35+ cm. The Discogs marketplace tracks over 920 million catalog items with an average collection of 195 records per user — that's 25–30 kg of vinyl pressing against itself. Solid wood storage at 33+ cm internal width is the only category engineered for this load without sag.
How much does a vinyl collection actually weigh?
Standard 120–150 g records. Heavyweight 180 g pressings add roughly 20% to every figure.
Frequently asked questions
What are the standard vinyl record sizes?
How much does a 12" LP weigh?
What's the difference between an LP and an EP?
Why do some 12" records play at 45 RPM?
What shelf depth fits 12" LPs?
Storage that fits every standard format.
Solid wood furniture engineered for the 12" sleeve. 33+ cm internal width for gatefolds. Modular cubes for 7" singles. Built for the real dimensions of vinyl.