DNA storage theoretical capacity per gram
DNA storage theoretical capacity per gram is the maximum amount of digital information that can be encoded in one gram of DNA under ideal conditions.
Also known as: DNA data density, DNA storage density
How big is it?
215 PB · theoretical bytes per gram
Theoretical bytes per gram · theoretical
Typical recorded range: 100 PB to 300 PB.
A little perspective
DNA storage theoretical capacity per gram vs An exabyte archive: data size comparison
The data size of an exabyte archive is about 4.65 times the theoretical DNA storage capacity per gram.
BYTES OF DATA
DNA storage theoretical capacity per gram is the maximum amount of digital information that can be encoded in one gram of DNA under ideal conditions.
An exabyte archive is a digital storage system capable of holding extremely large datasets, often used by major organisations or data centres.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
DNA storage theoretical capacity per gram
Theoretical bytes per gram: 215 PB; theoretical; range 100 PB–300 PB.
A theoretical information density of about 215 petabytes per gram of DNA under an idealised encoding model. Real systems require addressing, error correction, redundancy, containers and retrieval machinery, reducing practical density.
Harvard Wyss Institute — DNA data storage
The marked theoretical bytes per gram is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
An exabyte archive
Data: 1 EB; example.
A defined 1 EB decimal data amount; no claim about a named service.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked data is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 215 PB
We compare the theoretical DNA storage capacity per gram. This is a theoretical value calculated under stated physical assumptions, not a direct observation. The recorded range is 100 PB to 300 PB.
A theoretical information density of about 215 petabytes per gram of DNA under an idealised encoding model. Real systems require addressing, error correction, redundancy, containers and retrieval machinery, reducing practical density.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 PB | 100 PB to 300 PB | theoretical |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueDigital informationA petabyte archive1 PBDataA petabyte archive is a digital storage system designed to retain very large collections of data for long-term access.
Nearest higher valueDigital informationAn exabyte archive1 EBDataAn exabyte archive is a digital storage system capable of holding extremely large datasets, often used by major organisations or data centres.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Harvard Wyss Institute — DNA data storageDNA information-density context; 215 PB/g is an idealised theoretical scale rather than delivered system capacity.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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