Size limits for WAV and AIFF files

Linked This page is linked to in the Audacity app from the help button in the error dialog when attempting to create a WAV file bigger than 4GB.

Do not rename or delete this page unless and until the corresponding link in the app is changed. Pseudo renames can be achieved with a DISPLAYTITLE. If a rename is absolutely necessary then a redirect must be left behind.

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Peter 21Apr19: This table is replicated on Export Formats supported by Audacity.

WAV files are limited to a maximum size of 4GB, see the following table for how this translates to time durations

These timings are the theoretical maximum times. You would be well-advised to restrict yourself to slightly lower limits to afford some head-room.

Aproximate maximum time durations for WAV files

Maximum sizes of WAV files in time duration (hours:minutes)

Sample Format	Stereo	Mono
16-bit PCM (default)	6h:45m	13h:31m
24-bit PCM	4h:30m	9h:01m
32-bit float PCM	3h:22m	6h:45m

Aproximate maximum time durations for AIFF (Apple/SGI)files

Maximum sizes of AIFF files in time duration (hours:minutes)

Sample Format	Stereo	Mono
16-bit PCM (default)	6h:45m	13h:31m
24-bit PCM	4h:30m	9h:01m
32-bit PCM	3h:22m	6h:45m

Peter 23Apr19: Table based on 4GB = 4,294,967,296 bytes - see talk page for alternatives