Essential Linux Storage Commands

Quick reference for checking storage space in Linux systems.

df Command (Disk Free)

Check mounted filesystem space:

df -h                  # All filesystems, human readable
df -h /home           # Specific filesystem
df -hT               # Include filesystem types

du Command (Disk Usage)

Check directory sizes:

du -sh /path          # Single directory size
du -h --max-depth=1   # First-level subdirectory sizes
du -sh *              # All items in current directory

Find largest directories:

du -h | sort -rh | head -5    # Top 5 largest

Common flags:

• -h: Human readable
• -s: Summary only
• -c: Show total
• --apparent-size: Actual file size

Remember to use sudo for system directories.