12″ vinyl record Size & Weight

A 12-inch vinyl LP is 300 mm (11.8 in) in diameter, about 1.9 mm thick at the rim, with a 7.24 mm (1/4 in… actually about 0.286 in) centre hole and a label around 100 mm across. A standard LP weighs 120 – 140 g; “audiophile” pressings are 180 – 200 g.

This guide covers the exact record dimensions, the 10-inch and 7-inch formats, the sleeve size, and how an LP compares to a pizza and a CD.

Quick Answer: How Big Is a 12-Inch Record?

A 12-inch LP is 300 mm across, roughly 1.9 mm thick at the edge, with a 7.24 mm spindle hole and a ~100 mm label. Weight is 120 – 140 g standard, 180 g for heavyweight pressings. It plays at 33 1/3 rpm.

Vinyl Record Dimensions at a Glance

• 12-inch LP: 300 mm, 33 1/3 rpm, ~22 minutes per side
• 12-inch single / maxi: same 300 mm, often 45 rpm for louder cuts
• 10-inch: 250 mm, used for EPs and some albums
• 7-inch single: 175 mm, 45 rpm, with a large ~38 mm hole (or a snap-out centre)
• Grooved area: from about 292 mm outer down to ~120 mm inner, then the label

What Does a 12-Inch Record Look Like in Size?

A 12-inch record is about the same diameter as a 12-inch pizza and a bit larger than a dinner plate. It is 2.5 times the diameter of a CD. Its outer sleeve is roughly 315 x 315 mm, so it does not fit a standard shelf sideways without a deep unit.

6 Everyday Comparisons for a 12-Inch Record

1. A 12-inch pizza (305 mm) is almost exactly the same diameter.
2. A CD (120 mm) is 2.5 times smaller across; you could fit about 6 CDs across one LP.
3. A dinner plate (~270 mm) is 30 mm smaller than the record.
4. A 7-inch single (175 mm) is 125 mm smaller across.
5. A vinyl sleeve (~315 x 315 mm) is about 15 mm larger than the disc on each side.
6. A sheet of A3 paper (297 x 420 mm) matches the record’s width and is much longer.

Vinyl Record Size in Different Units

Standard vs Heavyweight Vinyl

A regular LP is 120 – 140 g. “180-gram” and “200-gram” pressings use more vinyl, making the disc ~2.2 – 2.5 mm thick at the edge instead of ~1.9 mm. The extra mass does not by itself improve sound, but a heavier, flatter disc is more resistant to warping and feels more substantial, which is why reissues often use it as a selling point.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Vinyl Record Dimensions

1. Assuming “12 inch” means the sleeve. The disc is 300 mm; the sleeve is about 315 mm square.
2. Thinking 180 g vinyl sounds better because it is heavier. The mastering matters far more; the weight mainly aids flatness and durability.
3. Confusing a 12-inch single with an LP. Same diameter, but a 12-inch single often spins at 45 rpm with wider grooves and a shorter running time.
4. Forgetting the 7-inch’s big hole. Many 7-inch singles have a 38 mm hole and need a 45 rpm adapter.
5. Storing records flat or leaning. Off-vertical storage over time is the main cause of warps, regardless of weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the diameter of a vinyl record?

A 12-inch LP is 300 mm; a 10-inch is 250 mm; a 7-inch single is 175 mm.

How thick is a vinyl record?

About 1.9 mm at the edge for a standard LP, up to ~2.5 mm for 180-gram vinyl.

How much does a vinyl record weigh?

120 – 140 g standard, 180 – 200 g for heavyweight pressings.

How big is the hole in a record?

7.24 mm for LPs and 12-inch singles; about 38 mm for many 7-inch singles.

Is 180-gram vinyl better?

It resists warping and feels premium, but sound quality depends on the mastering and pressing, not the weight.

How big is a record sleeve?

About 315 x 315 mm for a 12-inch LP.

Final Takeaway

A 12-inch vinyl LP is 300 mm across, about 1.9 mm thick, with a 7.24 mm centre hole, weighing 120 – 140 g standard or 180 g heavyweight. It is the same diameter as a 12-inch pizza and 2.5 times a CD, and its square sleeve is about 315 mm on a side.