Quick answer: standard vinyl record sizes
Most vinyl records come in three diameters: 7 inches, 10 inches and 12 inches. The 12-inch record is the usual format for full albums, and the 7-inch record is the usual format for singles. The 10-inch record is less common and has been used for shorter releases and for older 78 RPM discs.
| Size | Approx. diameter | Typical use | Common speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 inch | about 178 mm | Singles, short EPs | 45 RPM |
| 10 inch | about 254 mm | EPs, older releases, some special editions | 33 1/3, 45 or 78 RPM |
| 12 inch | about 305 mm | Albums (LPs), 12-inch singles | 33 1/3 or 45 RPM |
These are typical figures. Individual pressings can vary slightly, and the speed is printed on the label.
The three standard sizes
12-inch records
The 12-inch record is what most people picture when they think of vinyl. It usually plays at 33 1/3 RPM, and a typical album side runs somewhere around 20 minutes, though this depends on how loud and how dense the cut is. Some 12-inch records play at 45 RPM, which is often chosen for singles, dance releases and audiophile reissues. Because the groove is spread over a faster-moving surface, a 45 RPM side generally holds less music.
7-inch records
The 7-inch record is the classic single, usually played at 45 RPM with one song per side. Many 7-inch records have a large centre hole, which is explained below. Some 7-inch records play at 33 1/3 RPM, such as certain EPs, so check the label rather than assuming.
10-inch records
Ten-inch records sit between the two. They were common in the early decades of the format, including many 78 RPM records, and they still turn up as EPs, mini-albums and collector releases. A modern turntable that handles 7 and 12 inch records will often handle 10 inch records too, although some automatic players need the size set manually, so check your manual.
Why “12 inch” is not exactly 12 inches
Record sizes are nominal names. A 12-inch disc is often measured at roughly 30 cm (about 11.8 to 12 inches), and a 7-inch disc at roughly 17.5 to 18 cm. Different sources quote slightly different millimetre figures, which is why you will see small disagreements between guides. For everyday purposes the nominal size is enough. If you are building something precise, such as a frame or a storage box, measure your own records.
Centre holes and adapters
Standard records have a small centre hole that fits the turntable spindle. Many 7-inch singles instead have a much larger hole, a legacy of jukebox use. To play these on a normal turntable you need a small plastic 45 adapter that fills the hole. A punched-out centre does not mean the record is damaged.
Thickness and weight
Standard records are fairly thin, while some reissues are sold as heavier pressings, often around 180 grams for a 12-inch disc. Weight affects how the disc feels and how it fits in sleeves, but heavier does not automatically mean better sounding. Double albums and heavier pressings also make a jacket fuller, which matters when choosing sleeves.
Jacket and sleeve sizes
The disc is only part of the story. The jacket is a little larger than the record, and sleeves are sized to suit either the disc or the jacket. For a 12-inch LP, jackets are commonly a little over 12 inches square, and outer sleeves are slightly larger again. The details are in our record cover size guide. For what each protective layer does, see what a record sleeve is, and for box sets and special editions, see our guide to the vinyl slipcase.
Are all vinyls 12x12?
No. Twelve-inch LP jackets are roughly square at a little over 12 by 12 inches, but 7-inch and 10-inch releases have smaller jackets. The records themselves are round, so the “12x12” idea only describes the square cover of a 12-inch album, and even then the measurement is approximate.
Do vinyl records fit in an IKEA Kallax?
Generally yes. Kallax-style cube shelves have an interior opening of roughly 13 inches, which is wider than a standard 12-inch LP jacket, and they are widely used for record storage. Check the current dimensions of the model you are buying, and keep in mind that thick gatefold or box-set releases take more room. Storing records upright is generally recommended over stacking them flat.
Summary
- 12 inch: albums, usually 33 1/3 RPM.
- 10 inch: less common, shorter releases and older discs.
- 7 inch: singles, usually 45 RPM, often with a large centre hole.
- Nominal sizes are approximate, so measure when precision matters.