---
title: How to Find Large Files and Directories on a Linux Server
description: "To manage disk space on a Linux server effectively, you often need to identify large files and directories. Here are several useful commands to find and analyze large files and directories. **1. Using the `du` Command** The `du` (Disk Usage)…"
url: "https://truehost.com/support/knowledge-base/how-to-find-large-files-and-directories-on-a-linux-server/"
updated: "2024-10-31"
category: Cloud servers in Kenya
---

# How to Find Large Files and Directories on a Linux Server

To manage disk space on a Linux server effectively, you often need to identify large files and directories. Here are several useful commands to find and analyze large files and directories.

**1. Using the `du` Command**

The `du` (Disk Usage) command displays the disk space used by files and directories. Use it with various options to list large directories and files.

#### Find the Largest Directories

To find the largest directories within the current directory, use

```
du -ah --max-depth=1 | sort -hr | head -n 10
```

- `-a`: Shows sizes for both files and directories.
- `-h`: Displays human-readable sizes (e.g., KB, MB).
- `--max-depth=1`: Limits output to the first level.
- `sort -hr`: Sorts output in human-readable reverse order.
- `head -n 10`: Displays the top 10 largest entries.

![](https://truehost.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-692-1024x237.png)

#### Find Large Directories on Entire Filesystem

To find the largest directories on the whole filesystem:

```
sudo du -ah / | sort -hr | head -n 10
```

![](https://truehost.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-694-1024x269.png)

#### Find Specific File Sizes in MB

To find files larger than a specific size (e.g., 100 MB):

```
sudo find / -type f -size +100M -exec ls -lh {} ; | awk '{ print $NF ": " $5 }'
```

- `-type f`: Searches for files only.
- `-size +100M`: Looks for files larger than 100 MB.
- `-exec ls -lh {}`: Lists each file with its size in human-readable format.
- `awk '{ print $NF ": " $5 }'`: Prints the file path and size.

![](https://truehost.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-693.png)

**2. Using the `find` Command**

The `find` command is very powerful for locating large files based on various conditions.

#### Find Files Larger than 1 GB

To locate files larger than 1 GB, use:

```
find / -type f -size +1G 2>/dev/null
```

- `/`: Specifies the root directory. Replace with a specific path to narrow the search.
- `-type f`: Searches for files only.
- `-size +1G`: Finds files larger than 1 GB.
- `2>/dev/null`: Suppresses error messages for directories you don’t have permission to access.

![](https://truehost.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-695-1024x289.png)

### 3. Using the `ls` Command for Directory Contents

- For a quick list of large files in a specific directory, `ls` can be handy.

#### Sort Files by Size in a Directory

To list files in a directory sorted by size:

```
ls -lhS /path/to/directory | head -n 10
```

- `-l`: Displays details (size, date, etc.).
- `-h`: Shows human-readable sizes.
- `-S`: Sorts output by file size, largest first.
- `head`
- `-n 10`: Displays the top 10 largest files.

![](https://truehost.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-696-1024x208.png)

### 4. Using the `ncdu` Command (Recommended for Interactive Use)

- Install `ncdu` if it’s not available:

```
sudo apt install ncdu     # For Debian/Ubuntu
sudo yum install ncdu     # For CentOS/RHEL
```

![](https://truehost.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-690-1024x384.png)

- If available, `ncdu` (NCurses Disk Usage) is an interactive tool that’s particularly useful for finding large files and directories.

```
sudo ncdu /
```

![](https://truehost.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-691-1024x324.png)

- Use the arrow keys to navigate directories and identify the largest files or folders interactively.
- Press `q` to quit.zz

### Summary

These commands are quick and efficient ways to locate large files and directories on a Linux server. By combining `du`, `find`, `ls`, and `ncdu`, you can easily identify the largest files and manage your disk space effectively.