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Ed Lansink
Vinyl records have a long and rich history. Just like music itself, the vinyl format has gone through several ages of evolution.
This article will expand your knowledge of the different vinyl record sizes and types and the history behind each format.
I also explain the differences between EPs vs. LPs, records, and albums, and you’ll also learn about vinyl rotation speeds – 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm.
If you’re looking for explanations of any of these topics, you’ve come to the right place!
| Speed (rpm) | Vinyl Sizes | Capacity (minutes per side) | Year Invented |
| 78 | 10” (12”) | 6 | 1888 |
| 45 | 7” | 4.30 | 1903 |
| 33 ⅓ | 12” | 22-30 | 1901 |
Rpm stands for Revolutions Per Minute – how many full 360-degree rotations the disc makes in 1 minute.
Vinyl records have a long history dating back to the 19th Century. Records were created to be a replacement for wax phonograph cylinders that had been used in the late 1800s. The flat vinyl shape replaced cylinders, as it was easier to store and has a larger surface area which allows more playing time.
The first records were made of shellac, which was heavy, fragile, and often broke easily when dropped or scratched. The design of vinyl eventually evolved to suit the needs of consumers and technology.
Music and vinyl evolved together, both influencing one another. As vinyl developed, artists began to change the arrangements of their music to match the requirements of the format.
Want to learn more about vinyl? Check out this guide → What are vinyl records (and 20+ other FAQs answered)
The smallest vinyl record that’s mass-produced is the 7-inch single, which is played at 45 RPM.
The smallest functional vinyl record ever made were mini records produced in 1923 by HMV in the UK as part of the super intricate Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House (currently on display at Windsor Castle in England).
Six titles were pressed on 33.3mm-sized vinyl records that could actually be played on a miniature gramophone. Around 92,000 of these mini-records were pressed, and around 35,000 contained a rendition of the UK’s national anthem, “God Save The King.”
Vinyl records can be released in a variety of sizes, dimensions, and speeds. We’ll explain each in more detail below.
There are three common vinyl record sizes: 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch.
Invented: in 1949 by RCA Victor.
7-inch vinyl running time:
Average Speed: Typically 45 rpm.
Details:
One of the most popular formats in the music industry. They are also called Singles, EP records, 45s, or seven-inchers.
The 7-inch vinyl was originally the most common type of phonograph record during the 1950s and 1960s. This is because it provided better sound quality than its 10-inch counterpart. Plus, it was cheaper to produce than 12-inch records. 7-inches were also used to release singles ahead of the full album. This raised more money and hyped up the full album release.
This vinyl size is mostly used for singles, EPs (More here → What is an EP?), or any other small-scale releases. These are a smaller format favored by some listeners for their portability and nostalgia.
This size of record contains about 3-5 minutes worth of recorded material on each side. Generally speaking, there are two different speeds of 7 inches vinyl records: 45 rpm and 33⅓ rpm.
As 7-inch records only contained one or two songs per side, it has more room for the grooves. This means wider grooves could be used, which allows more dynamic range and a wider stereo image, overall resulting in higher sound quality. The smaller size also made 7-inch records convenient to carry around and store.
7-inch records also have a larger spindle hole than 12”. This was due to the design of record players at the time. These days you may need to use a 45 adapter to get the record to fit onto your spindle.
The 7-inch format is still used today by many artists as an economical way to release singles or EPs to fans. 7-inch vinyl is also often used in jukeboxes, where they are rotated for playback one track at a time.
Invented: in 1901
10-inch vinyl running time:
Average Speed: Traditionally 78 rpm, modern pressings typically 33⅓ rpm.
Details:
The 10-inch vinyl was one of the earliest analog sound storage mediums, a type of gramophone record format featuring a playing time of about six minutes per side.
These typically ran at 78 rpm and were one of the sizes used by old-style gramophones. 78 rpm was the original speed of many record players, as that was the revolving speed of motors commonly available in that period of history.
The 10-inch format is less used these days, mostly saved for special releases and EPs. They typically run at 33⅓ rpm today, although they used to be 78s.
The first commercially available 10-inch vinyl was introduced to the consumer market in 1931 by RCA Victor, which became the most popular type of record until 1948. The Columbia 10-inch vinyl format was introduced in 1948 and was the most common format for vinyl until the introduction of the 7-inch 45 rpm record in 1949.
10-inch vinyl records remained popular throughout the 1950s and became the dominant format for home music purchases up until the late 1970s.
Invented: 1901
12-inch vinyl running time:
Average Speed: Typically 33⅓ rpm, sometimes 45 rpm for EPs or audiophile pressings.
Details: The 12” was invented in 1903 to extend the length of the playing speeds.
In 1948 Columbia Records released the 33⅓, 12-inch LP vinyl, which quickly became a popular format.
Columbia Records developed the 12-inch vinyl in 1948. It could hold up to 20 minutes of audio per side or 40 minutes with two sides. This was the most popular medium for commercially purchased music until other formats gradually replaced it in the 1980s.
They were designed to be played at 33⅓ rpm, which was a slower speed than what was used in 10-inch records. The 12-inch vinyl was born from the need to increase a record’s playing time without compromising sound quality.
The 12-inch vinyl has been a crucial part of our music history. It helped to drive technological innovation in the recording industry and made music more accessible for all listeners.
In the 1960s, most record companies agreed to release both 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl. This decreased the demand for 10-inch records.
The introduction of the 12-inch vinyl changed how people experienced music. They enjoyed a much better quality of sound, and the artwork was a lot more visible on a larger surface area. Other than being used as a medium for music, this invention has helped shape other aspects of our society, such as designing album covers and graphics.
The 12-inch vinyl became an innovation that shaped modern music culture forever, influencing many other elements in society, such as album design and graphics.
The 12-inch vinyl was eventually replaced by cassette tapes which became popular in 1967. After that, cassettes replaced 8-tracks in 1979, and compact discs replaced cassettes in 1983.
For more on rotation speeds, read this guide → 33 Vs 45 Vinyl Records.
Not only do records come in different speeds and sizes, but they also come in different weights.
Even within the same size, you’ll find vinyl with varying thicknesses and heaviness.
Vinyl records are known to weigh anywhere from 40 to 220+ grams.
Standard pressings of 12” usually run at ~140g, while 180-gram vinyl records and even 200g are used for “audiophile” issued pressings.
The weight affects the sound quality and durability of a record:
Some albums, EPs, or singles are released with multiple weights for sale.
Some more background history: A global oil crisis in 1970 forced record factories to create thinner records due to resource scarcity. This encouraged the production of cheap, bulk albums that could be sold easily, such as compilations and those ‘Top of the Pops’ cuts. In the late ’80s and ’90s, when vinyl sales began to decline, manufacturers began to use thinner pressings to save on production costs.
These exact differences are debated, Some people often say heavier records sound better. This may be because it reduces interference by having more vibration and resonance reduction.
Heavier records tend to sound better. This isn’t necessarily a byproduct of the weight. It’s a byproduct of the design. Record labels sell “audiophile” editions, which use higher quality materials and manufacturing. They make these records feel heavier to add a more premium feel, although the sound quality increase largely comes from other factors in the manufacturing process.
People will debate that heavier records are more isolated, which provides a cleaner sound and are less prone to interference and vibrational feedback. Although this often comes down to the quality of the PVC and manufacturing process rather than the weight itself.
Heavier records are far more resistant to bending or warping. Thin records can bend easily and are often damaged more quickly by heat. Heavier records will be tougher than thinner ones. They will withstand warping and bending more.
Although, you should always take as much care as possible when handling your record collection!
Sometimes larger albums are released as Double LPs, containing two 12” discs. (You can find larger collections too). Even CDs that are released as a single disc can come as two pieces of vinyl.
Lengthy albums may need to be released across two discs to make room for all the tracks. The limitations of vinyl mean you can only store a certain amount of information within the time given.
Usually running at 22 minutes per side, this only gives room for around 44 minutes of music – which won’t be enough for every album.
In this situation, artists may have to sacrifice quality to fit all the music onto one record. Tighter grooves can be used, which increases the max playing time of the record, but also reduces the frequency range and sound quality.
The alternative is to split the recordings across multiple discs. This is more costly but results in higher sound quality with wider frequency response, better stereo imaging, and increased dynamic range.
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I'm a passionate vinyl collector, analog fan, and lifetime enthusiast of most things audio.
On VinyliQ I help fellow vinyl collectors enjoy their hobby to the max, sharing my knowledge about and passion for vinyl.