How Many Photos Can a Memory Card Hold

Have you thought about how many photos your memory card can hold? Knowing the card’s capacity matters whether you use a smartphone or a professional camera. You don’t want to run out of space while shooting.

A memory card’s photo capacity relies on three main factors: image resolution, file format, and card size. For example, a 32GB card can hold thousands of JPEG photos but only a few hundred RAW images. Larger photos use more space, meaning fewer can fit on the card.

In this guide, we’ll break down how storage works, compare different memory card sizes, and show you how to estimate your photo count. By the end, you’ll know exactly what size memory card suits your needs. Let’s get started!

Factors Affecting Photo Storage Capacity

The number of photos a memory card can hold isn’t fixed—it depends on several key factors. Here’s what you need to know:

Image Resolution & File Size

• The more megapixels, the bigger the file size. A 12MP camera makes smaller files than a 24MP or 48MP camera.
• Higher resolutions capture more detail, which means they take up more space on your memory card.
• Example:
  • 12MP photo (JPEG) → ~3MB per image
  • 24MP photo (JPEG) → ~10MB per image
  • 48MP photo (JPEG) → ~20MB per image

Image Format: JPEG vs. RAW

Your photo format makes a huge difference in storage capacity.

• JPEG (Compressed Format)
  • Smaller file sizes because the image is compressed.
  • Ideal for casual photography where storage efficiency matters.
  • File size: 2MB – 15MB per image, depending on quality settings.
• RAW (Uncompressed Format)
  • Saves all image data for better editing flexibility.
  • Much larger file sizes than JPEG.
  • File size: 20MB – 100MB per image, depending on camera and settings.
• Other Formats (TIFF, HEIF, etc.)
  • Some cameras support HEIF, which offers better compression than JPEG.
  • TIFF files are even larger than RAW and take up massive storage space.

Memory Card Size & Usable Space

Not all of a memory card’s space is usable. Due to system formatting, a 128GB card doesn’t provide 128GB.

Here’s a rough guide to how much storage is available after formatting:

• 32GB Card → ~28GB usable
• 64GB Card → ~57GB usable
• 128GB Card → ~119GB usable
• 256GB Card → ~238GB usable

Compression & Camera Settings

• Cameras often allow you to adjust the quality of your JPEG files (Fine, Normal, Basic). Higher quality means larger file sizes.
• Some cameras offer compressed RAW options, reducing file sizes while keeping most details.
• If shooting in burst mode, your camera may use extra storage for temporary buffer files.

Video & Other Files on the Card

• If you shoot videos, they take up a huge amount of space, leaving less room for photos.
• 4K videos can consume 1GB per minute, so your card will fill up faster if you shoot both photos and videos.

Estimated Number of Photos Per Memory Card Size

The number of photos a memory card can hold depends on file size, resolution, and format (JPEG or RAW). Below is a rough estimate based on common photo sizes and memory card capacities.

(Note: These are approximate numbers. Actual capacity varies depending on compression, metadata, and camera settings.)

How to Calculate the Storage Capacity Yourself

If you want a precise answer on how many photos your memory card can hold, you can calculate it yourself with a simple formula. Here’s how:

Step 1: Find the Average File Size of Your Photos

The size of each photo depends on three main factors: resolution, image format, and compression level.

• JPEG files typically range from 2MB to 15MB per image, depending on the quality.
• RAW files vary in size from 20MB to 100MB, depending on the camera settings.

Example File Sizes:

Step 2: Convert Your Memory Card Size to Megabytes (MB)

Most memory cards are labeled in gigabytes (GB), but file sizes are measured in megabytes (MB).

Since 1GB = 1,024MB, convert your card’s capacity:

• 32GB = 32 × 1,024 = 32,768MB
• 64GB = 64 × 1,024 = 65,536MB
• 128GB = 128 × 1,024 = 131,072MB

However, after formatting, usable storage is slightly lower. A 128GB card may only have 119GB (or ~122,000MB) available.

Step 3: Divide the Total Storage by the File Size

Use this simple formula:

Number of Photos=Usable Storage (MB)​/Average File Size (MB per Photo)

Example Calculation: How Many 24MP JPEGs Fit on a 128GB Card?

1. Convert 128GB to MB → 128GB ≈ 122,000MB (usable space).
2. Assume each 24MP JPEG is ~10MB.
3. Divide:
   122,000MB/10MB=12,200 photos

✅ A 128GB card can store around 12,200 high-quality 24MP JPEGs.

Step 4: Adjust for RAW Photos or Different File Sizes

If you shoot RAW, repeat the process with the RAW file size. For example, if a 24MP RAW photo is 50MB:

122,000MB/50MB=2,440 photos

✅ A 128GB card can hold around 2,440 RAW photos at 24MP.

Bonus: Quick Estimation Trick

If you don’t want to do the math manually, here’s a fast way to estimate storage:

• JPEG (10MB avg) → 100 photos per GB
• RAW (50MB avg) → 20 photos per GB

So for a 64GB card:

• JPEG (~10MB each) → ~6,400 photos
• RAW (~50MB each) → ~1,280 photos

Choosing the Right Memory Card for Your Needs

Memory cards differ from one another. The right one for you depends on your camera use. Do you take casual photos, shoot RAW images professionally, or record high-resolution videos? Let’s break it down.

Best Memory Card Size for Different Users

Not sure which memory card to get? Here’s a quick guide based on your needs!

What Else Matters? Speed & Performance

Storage isn’t the only thing that matters—speed is crucial too!

✅ Memory Card Speed Ratings Explained

• Class 10 (C10) → Minimum 10MB/s, good for basic photography.
• UHS-I (U1) → Up to 104MB/s, suitable for 1080p video & burst shots.
• UHS-I (U3) → Up to 104MB/s, but with 30MB/s minimum write speed—ideal for 4K recording.
• UHS-II (U3, V60, V90) → Ultra-fast cards (150MB/s – 300MB/s), great for professional work & 8K video.

SD vs. microSD vs. CFexpress: Which One Do You Need?

• SD Cards (Secure Digital) → Standard for cameras. Comes in SDHC (up to 32GB) and SDXC (64GB – 1TB).
• microSD Cards → Used in drones, action cams, and smartphones. Often require an adapter for cameras.
• CFexpress Cards → Ultra-fast, high-end memory cards used in high-performance DSLRs & mirrorless cameras.

Best Practices for Managing Memory Card Storage

A memory card is essential for storing your photos and videos, but improper use can lead to lost files, corruption, or slow performance. Follow these best practices to keep your memory cards safe, organized, and working efficiently.

Back-Up Your Photos Regularly

• Don’t rely on just your memory card—always back up your photos to a computer, external drive, or cloud storage.
• Best practice: Copy files after each shoot to avoid losing important images.
• Use automatic cloud backup services like Google Photos, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

Format the Memory Card in the Camera (Not on a Computer)

• Instead of deleting photos manually, format the card in your camera before a new shoot.
• Formatting removes all data safely and optimizes performance.
• Avoid formatting on a computer—this can cause compatibility issues with your camera.

Avoid Filling the Card Completely

• Leaving some free space (at least 5-10%) prevents slowdowns and corruption.
• Cameras need extra space for writing temporary files, especially in burst mode or video recording.
• If the card is too full, your camera may slow down or stop saving photos.

Use High-Quality, Fast Memory Cards

• Always buy branded and high-speed cards for reliability.
• Avoid cheap, unbranded cards—they fail more often and may have lower speeds than advertised.
• Use UHS-II, V60, or V90-rated cards for 4K/8K video and burst photography.

✅ Recommended Brands: SanDisk, Lexar, Sony, Samsung, Kingston

Handle Your Memory Cards with Care

• Avoid touching the metal contacts—oils and dirt can cause connection issues.
• Store cards in a case to protect them from dust, water, and bending.
• Don’t remove the card while your camera is writing data—this can cause corruption.

Use Multiple Cards Instead of One Large Card

• Instead of a single 512GB or 1TB card, use multiple smaller cards (e.g., two 128GB cards).
• If one card fails or gets lost, you still have other storage.
• Splitting storage reduces the risk of total data loss.

Monitor Memory Card Health & Replace When Needed

• Memory cards wear out over time, especially with heavy use.
• If a card starts failing, running slow, or showing errors, replace it.
• Use camera or software tools to check card health (e.g., H2testw or Blackmagic Disk Speed Test).

Avoid Removing the Card Improperly

• Turn off your camera before removing the card.
• If using a card reader, always eject the card properly before unplugging it.
• Sudden removal can damage files or corrupt the card.

Label & Organize Your Memory Cards

• If you use multiple cards, label them to keep track of used and empty ones.
• Store them in a protective card case to prevent loss.
• Organize by project (e.g., “Wedding Shoot – Card 1”).

To Conclude

Choosing the right memory card and managing it well helps you avoid running out of space. It also protects your valuable photos. The number of images a card can hold depends on file size, format, and storage capacity. So, it’s vital to select the right card for your needs.

Whether you’re a casual photographer using JPEGs or a pro shooting RAW, knowing storage limits can help you plan. Always back up your files. Format your card in-camera and handle it carefully to extend its lifespan.

By following these best practices, you keep your photos safe and your workflow smooth. Now, go capture those perfect shots with confidence!