How to Check Disk Free Space on Linux

Checking and managing free space on your system disk is essential for several reasons. For example, free space supports good performance, ensures the smooth running of the system, and facilitates the management of temporary files. 

In short, sufficient free Linux disk space contributes to the health, stability, and security of your computer system.

This guide improves your understanding of how to check disk space in Linux Ubuntu systems.

How to Check Free Space on a Disk in Linux?

Linux-based operating systems allow users to analyze free space on the disk using built-in tools. These two methods are as follows:

1. How to Check Free Space on a Disk Using Linux Terminal?
2. How to Check Free Space on a Disk Using the “Disk Usage Analyzer”?

Method 1: How to Check Free Space on a Disk Using Linux Terminal?

The df is a common and widely used command for viewing disk space in Linux.

Step 1: Show Disk Usage via Terminal

To view the disk space on a Linux-based operating system, run the command:

df -h

The command df -h provides a human-readable summary of disk space usage, such as file system, total size, used space, and available space on disk.

Step 2: View Disk Space With System Types

In Linux, you can view disk space and system types using the command:

df -T

The command provides a summary that includes essential columns such as Filesystem, Type, Size, Used, Available, and Mounted on. The Available column represents the amount of disk space that is presently available for use on the specified file system.

Step 3: Check Free Space on Selected Target

With the help of the df command, you can view the free space on Linux on a selected target with customized columns using the provided command:

df -H --output=source,target,avail

The command only shows particular columns like file system, mounted on or target, and available space on your disk in Linux. 

Method 2: How to Check Free Space on a Disk Using the “Disk Usage Analyzer”? 

Linux provides built-in graphical user interface (GUI) tools, such as Disk Usage Analyzer that enable users to examine detailed disk usage.

Step 1: Open Disk Usage Analyzer

Launch the Disk Usage Analyzer by searching “disk usage” in the Linux search bar:

Step 2: Check Disk Usage

After opening the Disk Usage Analyzer tool, you can view the total size of the devices, along with the available space that can be further utilized: 

In our Linux system, there is 8.6 GB of available space out of a total of 25.7 GB on the disk.

Step 3: View the Disk Usage

You can further view the detailed information on disk usage by selecting a particular device, such as Ubuntu 22.04:

The Disk Usage Analyzer enables you to view directories, their respective sizes, and the number of items occupying space on the disk.

Conclusion

In Linux systems, users have the option to check and analyze disk space using either the command line with df or graphical tools like Disk Usage Analyzer. This post demonstrates the use of both tools for checking free disk space in Linux.

FAQ