df command (Linux / bash / sh / zsh)
What it does
Report free and used space for mounted filesystems. When people search for the df command linux disk space, they usually want df's everyday flags, safe examples, and how it differs from related tools. Below you'll find syntax, options, and copyable examples for Bash/sh/zsh.
Report free and used space for mounted filesystems.
Syntax
df [OPTION]... [FILE]...
Common options
| Flag / option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -h | Use human-readable size units. |
| -T | Include filesystem type. |
| -i | Report inode usage instead of blocks. |
| --total | Add a total row. |
Practical examples
Check disks
df -h
Shows readable usage for mounted filesystems.
Check a path
df -h /var/lib
Reports the filesystem containing the path.
Check inodes
df -ih
Finds filesystems running low on inodes.
Common mistakes
- Confusing filesystem free space from df with per-directory use from du.
- Ignoring inode exhaustion when byte capacity remains.
Related commands
FAQ
What does df do in Linux?
Report free and used space for mounted filesystems.
How do I use df from the terminal?
Start with `df [OPTION]... [FILE]...`, then choose only the options needed for the task.
What is a practical df example?
Try `df -h` — Shows readable usage for mounted filesystems.
Can I use df in a shell script?
Yes. df works in Bash, sh, and Zsh, but scripts should handle quoting, errors, and command output explicitly.
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