Magnetic Tape Data Storage: What’s The Current Maximum Storage Capacity Limit

Magnetic tape storage has been around since the 1950s, and it is still one of the most popular storage media today. Its popularity comes from how reliable the technology is, as well as its low maintenance cost and high data storage capacity. 

The typical storage capacity of a magnetic tape is from 1 to 16 terabytes (TB). The question some business owners may ask is if the tape is the best backup technology for them. After all, what’s the maximum magnetic tape storage capacity?

While it’s a relatively old technology, magnetic tapes aren’t outmoded. Yearly updates and improvements guarantee that magnetic tapes are a solid storage technology, trusted to keep the data backup of any type of business, under any regulation and industry requirements (such as HIPAA).

What is the maximum data amount that can be stored on a magnetic tape?  

The typical storage capacity of a magnetic tape is 100 terabytes (TB). The benefits of storing data on magnetic tape include its cost-effectiveness and large storage capacity. 

However, magnetic tapes with up to 580 TB storage capacity are available for those who need a lot of data space for their backups. Due to its cost-effectiveness, magnetic tape is a great backup technology choice here.

Since December 2020 IBM and Fujifilm manufacture a magnetic tape with 580 TB maximum storage capacity.  According to IBM “580 TB is equivalent to 786,977 CDs stacked, 944 meters high, which is taller than Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.” That a lot of data is safely stored.

Magnetic tape backup storage FAQ

What are the benefits of storing data on magnetic tape? 

The benefits of storing data on magnetic tape include its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and large storage capacity.

What are the types of magnetic tape?

• Adhesive backing magnetic tape

• Plain back magnetic tape

• Traditional back magnetic tape

Each backing tape is used for different circumstances, making them stronger and more suitable for different purposes.

How do magnetic tapes store the data?  

Only one side of the ribbon stores the data on magnetic tapes. 

All information is written sequentially, making it slow to read/write data.

How fast are magnetic tapes? 

Since data is written sequentially on tapes, finding a specific file on it can be time-consuming. 

To write data, it’ll depend on the tape you’re using and the amount of data you’re transferring. The more data, the more time is required to finish the process.

How can I prevent data loss from my magnetic tape? 

Magnetic tapes are reliable and very hard to damage data storage devices. However, you can’t let it out in the wild and expect it will survive.

To make your data and device safe, as well as to prevent data loss, place your tapes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong magnets. 

What are some uses of magnetic tape? 

Magnetic tape’s initial purpose was to save computer data. Later, several industries, such as music and film producers, used them as well.

Today, you can use magnetic tape for your business’s long-term backup, for example, since it’s a backup method compliant with most security regulations.

TL; DR: The current maximum tape storage capacity is 580 TB. However, the technology is not stationary. Manufacturers are still exploring ways to improve the data storage technology and bring better solutions for businesses that rely on magnetic tapes as their long-term or off-site backup method.

Although it is very rare, you still can learn you lost your tape data. Luckily, SalvageData experts are able to restore magnetic tape data.

Contact us 24/7 for emergency tape data recovery service.