Vinyl Record Sizes

Vinyl records come in three main diameters: 7-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch. The size affects how much music fits on a side, how fast the record spins and what kind of release it usually is. The format labels in our racks follow the details printed on the record and sleeve, so a 12-inch album and a 12-inch single can sit under different format terms.

Vinyl record sizes at a glance

Size	Typical speed	Common use
7-inch	45 rpm	Singles, EPs and jukebox records; one main track per side.
10-inch	78 rpm or 33⅓ rpm	Early shellac records, early LPs and some special releases.
12-inch	33⅓ rpm or 45 rpm	LPs and 12-inch singles, including extended dance mixes.

7-inch records

The 7-inch single is the classic pop format. Most play at 45 rpm and hold one track per side, although some have an EP or two tracks per side. They are cheap to collect, easy to store and a good way to pick up a song without buying a whole album. Browse our 7-inch vinyl.

10-inch records

10-inch records sit between the single and the LP. Early 78 rpm records were commonly 10-inch shellac discs, and some early LPs used the same diameter. You will also find later 10-inch EPs and limited editions. Browse our 10-inch records and 10-inch shellac.

12-inch records and LPs

The 12-inch LP is the standard album format. It usually spins at 33⅓ rpm and gives each side around 20 minutes of music. A 12-inch single can spin at 45 rpm and use the extra space for a longer mix or louder cut. Browse our vinyl LPs and 12-inch vinyl.

LP, EP or single?

An LP (long play) is a full album, usually a 12-inch record at 33⅓ rpm. An EP (extended play) has more tracks than a single but fewer than an album. A single is a short release, normally built around one main track. The lines can blur, especially with reissues and double A-sides, so the format terms follow the release rather than a strict rule.

Which size should you buy?

If you want a full album, start with a 12-inch LP. If you are chasing a specific song, a 7-inch single is often the cheapest route. If you are buying a 12-inch single for a DJ set or an extended mix, check the speed printed on the label before you play it. Our vinyl grading guide explains the condition grades you will see alongside each format.

Sources: LP record, 7-inch single, 12-inch single and extended play on Wikipedia.