How many minutes of music can I fit in a vinyl record (speed and size)?

The size and speed of your vinyl determine the amount of possible playtime that can be cut into each vinyl side.

See our recommendations for each format and their ideal playtime below (values are for one side).

Vinyl Size / Speed

33RPM

45RPM

12 inch

19:30

14:30

10 inch

13:30

10:00

7 inch

07:00

05:00


Vinyl Speed

The higher the rpm, the faster the vinyl passes under the playback stylus. This means that for each second of playback more sound information goes from the stylus to your speakers at 45rpm than 33rpm.  Through this process, records cut at 45rpm can sound more detailed and run a lower risk of distortion, noise, and other sonic artifacts that can occur during vinyl pressing than records cut at 33rpm.

We recommend ordering records cut at 45 rpm for the best possible sound quality.  However, due to the higher rotation speed, the available playing time per side is shorter than 33rpm.

The pressing plant may suggest changing the RPM of your record due to technical limitations or to improve the sound quality of the record during production.
Do not exceed the maximum recommended playtime per side by more than 10%, as more extended playtime will decrease playback levels and dynamic range. Also, note that the technical requirements of extremely high (loud) recording levels decrease the possible run time.
Try to avoid 33 1/3 RPM in 7" vinyl as good quality production of your record is most limited in this format at this speed. If there is no other solution, please consider that the sound quality of the records will be in some way compromised. Low groove speed limits the recording level and causes a decrease in high frequencies, especially in the middle of the record. Higher distortion levels also become more of an issue at lower speeds.

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