Incorrect file sizes in Finder

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Incorrect file sizes in Finder

Was looking at other discussions about file sizes but they didn't seem to reflect the same issue that I'm having. Maybe I misread them.

Since updating to Snow leopard on all my Macs, I noticed that all the files are reflecting about 3-8% more than their actual size. Basically, the Finder is reporting the wrong file sizes. By using a file transfer software like Transmit, the file sizes are reflected correctly. For example, if I download iTunes 9.3, the download file is 93.6MB but the Finder shows 98.2MB. Transmit shows 93.6MB which is correct.

Anyway to fix this annoying issue?

Posted on Apr 26, 2010 8:24 AM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,374 points

Apr 26, 2010 9:37 AM in response to AT_

AFAIK, it's the difference between sizes reported in base 2 (the old method) and base 10, the new Snow Leopard method.

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Answer 2

AT_ Author

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Apr 27, 2010 8:35 AM in response to baltwo

So, anyway to see whatever base 2 on Snow Leopard? Seems like the latest Transmit 4 software is using this so-called base 10 method. So if Snow Leopard is using this base 10 thingy, why file sizes for video podcasts in Finder and iTunes show different info? Shouldn't iTunes be reflecting the same base 10 readings? Kinda irritating.

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Answer 3

baltwo

Level 9

62,374 points

Apr 27, 2010 11:15 AM in response to AT_

I have no idea because I don't do podcasts or iTunes stuff. Run these commands in the Terminal app (/Applications/Utilities/). The first shows your mounted volume(s) info in base two, the second in base ten:

*df -h*
*df -H*

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Answer 4

AT_ Author

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Apr 28, 2010 8:17 AM in response to baltwo

How come such changes to the Finder is not made known clearly. I haven't tried the terminal commands yet. Googled and found nothing on this. Will go read up more if I can find whatever is related to this issue.

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Answer 5

Apr 28, 2010 8:48 AM in response to AT_

I think the issue has to do with the fact that some programs have not adopted the new method yet. Unfortunately programs like iTunes can be used on on operating systems as far back as Tiger which used the old system. I noticed this several months ago and find it very irritating, especially when trying to do things like burn DVDs/CDs and trying to fill them up as much as possible. The only thing you can do about it is provide feedback to Apple at http://www.apple.com/feedback/ and hope they fix it in upcoming releases of their software.

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Answer 6

baltwo

Level 9

62,374 points

Apr 28, 2010 1:13 PM in response to AT_

Because marketeers of HDs and other media specify things in base 10 (so they appear larger), Apple decided to get on the same bandwagon so its users wouldn't feel cheated or ask where has my disk space gone?

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Answer 7

AT_ Author

Level 1

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May 5, 2010 8:59 AM in response to baltwo

After looking around for a week, I gave up. No, I'm not one of those users you mentioned.

Hopefully affected applications picked base 10 reading soon. Confusing to see two different size measurements on one system.

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Answer 8

baltwo

Level 9

62,374 points

May 5, 2010 9:28 AM in response to AT_

Thanks for the feedback. Good computing.

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