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Glite Dictionary
formatted capacity

formatted capacity

6.3
The usable storage space on a disk when you prepare it for use, excluding space used by system information
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : capacidad formateada
  • The formatted capacity of this drive is 500 GB.

Examples

  • After formatting the drive, the formatted capacity was noticeably less than the advertised size.

  • Manufacturers often list the raw capacity, but users should check the formatted capacity for actual usable space.

  • Software utilities can show you the formatted capacity of your hard disk in megabytes or gigabytes.

  • How much formatted capacity do I have left?

  • The formatted capacity of the SSD is lower than its advertised value.

  • To check the formatted capacity, use the disk management tool on your computer.

  • After formatting the drive, the formatted capacity was only 500 GB instead of 1 TB.

Synonyms

disk space
vsformatted capacity
  • Specialized
3 3.4

The amount of free storage on a computer for saving files

shows only the usable storage left after preparing the drive and excludes system overhead

How Big

unformatted capacity
  • Specialized
6.6
formatted capacity
  • Specialized
6.3

Surface Forms

formatted capacity singular
formatted capacities plural

Morphology

format + capacity

The phrase denotes the storage amount after a device has been formatted, which is directly and transparently derived from 'formatted' (made by formatting) + 'capacity' (storage amount). While the fine technical detail about excluding system overhead may be unfamiliar, the basic compositional meaning is predictable and follows a common adjective+noun pattern, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would understand it.

Etymology

Formatted capacity is like packing a suitcase: when a disk is formatted you add pockets and labels that take some room, so the real capacity for your files is smaller. That's why formatted capacity means the 'usable storage space' left after formatting a drive.