Fat32 File Size Limit
The Fat32 file size limit is 4 GB. If you are going to format a hard disk into unique volumes, you have to decide between FAT (File Allocation Table) and NTFS (New Technology File System). In simple terms, the FAT determines how big a file can be on a hard drive.
Facts about the FAT File Management System
This file management system was created by Microsoft to replace the FAT12 and FAT16 file systems. The 32 file management technology was made in 1996 to coincide with the release of Windows 95.
In spite of the emergence of NTFS and more superior systems, FAT32 remains the file system of choice by many gadgets. USB flash drives, external hard disks, digital cameras and flash memory cards all use this file system. In spite of the Fat32 file size limit, it has several benefits. The most important of them is compatibility. The file system can be used with Windows, Mac and Linux.
Other Information
A file system, whether it is FAT or something else, is used for data organization on a storage apparatus. In spite of the file system’s limitations, it is used by Windows ME, Windows 98, Windows 95 and OSR2. However, 32 is a major improvement over the old FAT16. The 32 system remains the default in USB flash drives and other devices. The biggest partition size possible is 32 GB.
Theoretically speaking, FAT cannot exceed 137 GB. The reason is the system cannot expand beyond 222 clusters, which is its limit. The restriction was included due to speed issues. If greater file transfers are allowed, data transfer rates will be reduced. Computer users should be aware that FAT has a maximum file size. This is of course 4 GB. This is due to the structure’s designs. In other words, you cannot make a file bigger than 4 GB.
Considerations
Because of this file size restriction, it cannot be used for large video applications, complex databases and other large files. This means you cannot make a video file that exceeds 4 GB. If you need to make 4 GB and bigger file, you need to use NTFS. The maximum volume permitted on a FAT system is 2 terabytes.
Because of the Fat32 file size limit, you can only put 268,435,437 files on a disk. There are ways to overcome this however. One easy solution is to split large files so they don’t reach the file size limitation.
