12″ vinyl record

12-inch vinyl record, photo

12″ vinyl record measures ⌀300.0mm. It weighs about 130.0g.

Dimensions

Diameter300.0 mm
Weight130.0 g

12″ vinyl

A standard 12 inch vinyl record measures 12 inches (304.8 mm) in diameter, the most common format for full-length music albums. This page covers the exact dimensions, the different vinyl record sizes, and typical playback speeds.

A vinyl record spinning on a turntable
A 12 inch record on a turntable.

Dimensions

MeasurementInchesMillimeters
Diameter12.0304.8
Center hole diameter0.2867.24
Typical thickness0.06 to 0.081.5 to 2

Vinyl record size comparison

SizeDiameter (in)Common use
7 inch7Singles
10 inch10Early albums, EPs
12 inch12Full-length albums
Vinyl record size comparisonDiameter · drawn to scale💿7″7 inch17.8cm💿10″10 inch25.4cm12″12 inch30.5cmmeasurebeam.com
Vinyl record size comparison, drawn to scale.

The 12 inch format became the standard for albums because its larger surface area allows for longer playing time and wider grooves, which improves audio fidelity compared to the smaller 7 inch single format.

Playback speeds

A 12 inch record is typically played at 33 1/3 RPM (revolutions per minute), which allows around 22 minutes of audio per side. Some 12 inch records, particularly dance singles and remixes, are instead pressed at 45 RPM for higher fidelity at the cost of shorter playing time per side, usually around 12 to 15 minutes.

Weight

A standard 12 inch vinyl record weighs between 120 and 220 grams (4.2 to 7.8 ounces) depending on the pressing. Audiophile and reissue pressings often use heavier 180 gram vinyl, marketed for improved durability and sound quality over standard weight pressings.

Sleeve and packaging size

A standard 12 inch record sleeve measures about 12.375 x 12.375 inches (314 x 314 mm), slightly larger than the record itself to allow it to slide in and out without damaging the edges.

Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of a 12 inch vinyl record?

12 inches (304.8 mm), the standard size for full-length album releases.

What speed does a 12 inch record play at?

Most 12 inch albums play at 33 1/3 RPM. Some singles and dance releases in the 12 inch format are pressed at 45 RPM instead.

How much does a 12 inch vinyl record weigh?

Typically 120 to 220 grams, though audiophile pressings often use heavier 180 gram vinyl.

Is a 12 inch record bigger than a 7 inch single?

Yes. A 12 inch record has nearly three times the diameter of a 7 inch single, giving it more playing time and generally better audio quality.

What size is a 12 inch record sleeve?

About 12.375 x 12.375 inches (314 x 314 mm), slightly larger than the record to allow it to be inserted and removed easily.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 12″ vinyl record weigh?

A 12″ vinyl record weighs about 130.0g.