Checking the size of a folder in Google Drive is a straightforward process. Whether you’re trying to free up some space or just curious about how much data a particular folder contains, this guide will help you find that information quickly and easily. In less than a minute, you’ll have the exact size of any folder in your Google Drive.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Check Folder Size in Google Drive
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to know that checking a folder’s size on Google Drive isn’t as direct as right-clicking and selecting ‘Properties’ like on your computer’s file explorer. However, it’s still quite simple.
Step 1: Open Google Drive
Open your Google Drive in a web browser. Make sure you’re logged into the account that contains the folder you want to check.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be presented with all of your files and folders. If you have a lot of files, you might need to use the search bar to find the folder quickly.
Step 2: Right-click on the Folder
Find the folder whose size you want to determine, and right-click on it.
When you right-click on the folder, a menu will appear. This menu contains several options, but for now, we’re interested in the ‘Get link’ option.
Step 3: Click on ‘Get link’
From the right-click menu, click on ‘Get link’.
Clicking ‘Get link’ won’t immediately show you the size, but it’s a necessary step to get to the information we need.
Step 4: Check the Folder Size in the ‘Share with others’ Window
After clicking ‘Get link’, the ‘Share with others’ window will open. Here, you’ll see the option ‘Folder Size’ at the bottom.
The ‘Folder Size’ will display the total size of the folder and everything in it. This includes all subfolders and files.
After completing these actions, you’ll have a clear understanding of the size of the folder in question. This is useful for managing your data and ensuring you don’t run out of storage space on your Google Drive.
Tips for Checking Folder Size in Google Drive
- Make sure you’re using a web browser; the folder size feature might not be available on all mobile apps.
- Consider using the ‘List view’ instead of the ‘Grid view’ for easier navigation when looking for your folder.
- If you have a lot of files, use the search bar to find the folder quickly.
- Remember that the size shown includes all files and subfolders within that folder.
- Be aware that if you’re using a shared folder, the size it takes up on your Drive might be different from the actual folder size due to shared items not counting toward your quota.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I see the size of individual files within a folder?
To see the size of individual files, you can right-click on the file and select ‘View details.’ This will show you the size of that particular file.
Why can’t I see the folder size directly like on my computer?
Google Drive is a cloud-based service, and it handles file properties differently than a local file system. The feature is available but requires a few more steps to access.
Does checking the folder size on Google Drive affect my storage quota?
No, checking the size of folders or files on Google Drive does not affect your storage quota.
Can I check the size of multiple folders at once?
Currently, Google Drive does not support checking the size of multiple folders simultaneously. You’ll need to check each folder individually.
Is there a faster way to check the size of a folder in Google Drive?
The method described is the standard way to check folder size in Google Drive. However, there could be third-party plugins or extensions that offer quicker solutions.
Summary
- Open Google Drive.
- Right-click on the folder.
- Click on ‘Get link’.
- Check the folder size in the ‘Share with others’ window.
Conclusion
Being an authority on how to check folder size in Google Drive means understanding that while the process isn’t as direct as it might be on a desktop, it’s still quite accessible. Whether you’re a regular user aiming to manage your storage space better or a business professional looking to streamline data management, knowing how to quickly find out the size of your folders can be incredibly useful. With cloud storage becoming more prevalent, it’s essential to keep tabs on how much data you’re storing online. Remember, staying organized and informed about your data usage can help you make the most of your Google Drive and avoid any unnecessary storage-related fees. So, go ahead, give it a try and take charge of your digital storage today!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.