PHP Memory Limit – All You Need To Know About It

If you’ve ever dealt with WordPress errors like “Allowed memory size exhausted”, you’ve probably run into the infamous PHP memory limit. This setting controls how much memory your PHP scripts are allowed to use. Whether you’re managing a small blog or a complex eCommerce platform, hitting that ceiling can lead to performance hiccups or even full-blown crashes.

Understanding how memory works behind the scenes isn’t just for techies it’s essential for keeping your site smooth, reliable, and stress-free, no matter how big or small) it gets.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what the PHP memory limit is, why it matters, and how to adjust it smartly. Whether you’re hosting on shared servers or powerful cloud setups, these insights will help you make the most out of your hosting plan.

What is PHP Memory Limit

The PHP memory limit is the maximum amount of memory a PHP script is allowed to consume on your server. When your website processes large images, complex plugins, or heavy queries, PHP needs enough memory to execute them smoothly. If the set memory is insufficient, you’ll encounter errors and loading issues.

It acts as a safety net that prevents rogue scripts from consuming excessive server resources—but if it’s too low, it can hurt your website’s performance.

Default PHP Memory Limits

Different web hosting providers have different default PHP memory limits.

For example:

• Shared hosting plans may limit it to 64M or 128M.
• Managed WordPress hosting might set it at 256M or more.
• Cloud providers like UltaHost allow you to configure it as needed.

Signs You’ve Hit the Memory Ceiling

If your site is struggling, here are some telltale signs:

• You receive “Allowed memory size exhausted” errors on pages or admin screens.
• Uploads or cron tasks fail without clear reasons.
• Plugin updates or theme changes “hang” unexpectedly.
• The dashboard lags or crashes when you navigate complex pages.

For better understanding you might need our guide How to Fix the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error.

How to Check Your PHP Memory Limit

You’ve made changes to increase your PHP memory limit — great job! But how do you actually know if it worked? Let’s walk through three simple ways to confirm whether your website is now running with more memory. These aren’t just “techy hacks” they’re practical steps you can try even if you’re not super tech-savvy.

a. Use a phpinfo.php script:

If you’re someone who likes seeing the raw server info (and want to double-check every detail), this method is for you.

1. Open your hosting panel or connect via FTP.
2. In your site’s root directory (usually public_html), create a new file called phpinfo.php.
3. Inside the file, paste this code: ‘php phpinfo();’
4. Save the file and open your browser.
5. Visit yourwebsite.com/phpinfo.php (replace with your actual domain).

Upload it, access it in the browser, and check the memory limit value.

b. WordPress users:

This is the easiest and most beginner-friendly option — no coding, no file digging. Just your WordPress dashboard.

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
2. On the left sidebar, go to Tools > Site Health.
3. Click the “Info” tab at the top.
4. Scroll down and expand the Server section.
5. Look for the line that says PHP memory limit.

c. Hosting control panel:

If the above steps feel overwhelming, or if your memory limit isn’t updating no matter what you try don’t panic. It could be that your hosting provider has restrictions in place.

Here’s what to do:

1. Open a support ticket or start a live chat with your host.
2. Ask them: “Can you please confirm and increase the PHP memory limit for my account to 256MB?”

Most reliable hosts like UltaHost, will respond quickly and make the changes for you. Our UltaAI – Smart AI Assistant is here for our clients .

Increase Your PHP Memory Limit

The size and intricacy of your website will determine how much RAM you require. You might be able to get away with a PHP memory limit of 128M if your website is modest and has a few plugins and themes. You might need to raise the limit to 256M or even 512M, though, if your website is big and has a lot of plugins and themes. This can be accomplished in a few different ways:

1. Modify the wp-config.php File

Navigate to your website’s root directory via FTP or cPanel’s File Manager. Open the wp-config.php file and insert the following line just before the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! */:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

This tells WordPress to allocate up to 256MB of memory for PHP processes. Make sure you save the file after editing. Then, refresh your site or retry the task that was causing the error. If the host allows, this method often solves the issue instantly.

2. Update the php.ini File

Locate the php.ini file in your hosting directory. If you can’t find one, create a new file named php.ini and add this line:

memory_limit = 256M

You can increase the number as needed (like 512M) depending on what your plugins or scripts demand. Save the file, then check your WordPress Site Health or use a PHP info file to confirm the change took effect. This method is ideal for those with VPS or cloud hosting like UltaHost.

3. Modify the .htaccess File

In the root directory, open the .htaccess file and add this line:

php_value memory_limit 256M

After saving the file, refresh your website and monitor for improvements. This approach works well on Apache servers, though some hosts may restrict .htaccess memory changes for security reasons. Here is the detailed guide about How to increase PHP memory limit in WordPress.

PHP ini Memory Limit: What You Should Know

The php.ini file is where most PHP settings, including php ini memory limit, are configured. This file allows for granular control over various server behaviors. When you change the memory limit here, it affects all scripts running under that PHP version.

Keep in mind:

• The memory limit in php.ini will override values in wp-config.php.
• Any changes require restarting the web server (Apache/Nginx) for them to take effect.

Best Practices When Setting PHP Memory Limit

You may be tempted to crank the limit to 1GB, but that’s not always the smartest move. Here’s what you should do instead:

1. Start small and increase only when needed.
2. Monitor server logs for memory usage.
3. Use lightweight plugins and themes to reduce memory load.
4. Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.

Troubleshooting: PHP Memory Still Not Increasing?

If changes don’t reflect:

• Make sure you’re editing the right php.ini (sometimes there are multiple).
• Double-check file permissions.
• Confirm there’s no override by the server or hosting provider.
• Restart your web server or clear cache.

Cloud Hosting vs Shared Hosting

Cloud hosting platforms like UltaHost Cloud VPS give you complete freedom to set your PHP limits and you have a PHP memory advantage, unlike shared hosting environments that often restrict such access. If your site is growing and needs consistent performance, migrating to a scalable host can make a big difference in handling PHP processes smoothly.

Conclusion

The PHP memory limit is one of those behind-the-scenes configurations that can make or break your site’s performance. Whether you’re managing a small blog or running an online store, understanding and managing memory usage is crucial.

Don’t overlook it. Adjusting the memory limit PHP setting can be a quick win for performance, stability, and future growth. With tools like php.ini edits and smart hosting choices, you can optimize your site with confidence.

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