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 of data
Theoretical bytes per gram · theoretical
Typical recorded range: 100 PB to 300 PB.
A little perspective
An exabyte archive is about 4.65 times larger on this measurement.
An exabyte archive: 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
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
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
For comparison, this page uses theoretical bytes per gram. This is a theoretical scale, not a measured hard boundary or proof of a physical limit. 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 identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
DNA storage theoretical capacity per gram dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 PB | 100 PB to 300 PB | theoretical |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible data records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · DigitalA petabyte archive1 PBA petabyte archive is a digital storage system designed to retain very large collections of data for long-term access.
Nearest higher value · DigitalAn exabyte archive1 EBAn exabyte archive is a digital storage system capable of holding extremely large datasets, often used by major organisations or data centres.Sources and method
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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
