The inode limit in web hosting refers to the maximum number of files and directories a hosting account is able to store. Inode limits depend on the hosting plan set by the web hosting provider. As a website owner, exceeding the inode limit leads to restricted file operations and interrupted hosting functions. Users are no longer able to add new files or folders, which interferes with uploading new website files, updating your website and taking efficient backups.
4 places to check your inode limit are your host’s dashboard, control panel, knowledge base, and pricing table. There are 4 ways to optimize inode usage. The first is to remove old backups, cache files, and unused temporary files. The second is to delete unused email accounts. The third is to consolidate database entries. The fourth is to remove inactive WordPress themes and plugins. The inode limits of popular web hosts range between 50,000 inodes to unlimited inodes. There are inode limits in web hosting because hosting providers need to prevent users from overloading servers with excessive file counts. This is especially important on shared hosting plans where multiple websites share the same server resources. Inode limits are distinct from disk space. Both inode limits and disk space are important restraints set by the web host but are two different things. Disk space refers to the total size of data available.
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What is the definition of inode limit?
The inode limit is defined as a restriction on the number of individual files and directories that a hosting account is able to store. Each of these files (like emails, documents, images) or folders is associated with an inode. The inode limit figure therefore identifies the maximum number of files and folders that a hosting account is able to store on the server. In web hosting, hosting plans typically come with inode limits that are set by the hosting provider.
Inode limits are important to understand in web hosting because exceeding the inode limit interferes with your ability to perform essential website creation and maintenance tasks. Once users exceed the inode limit, they are unable to create any new files or directories, even if their hosting server still has available disk space. This interferes with everyday tasks like uploading new website files, receiving emails, installing updates and adding new plugins. Inode limits also impact server stability. Exceeding the inode limit often triggers warnings and in serious cases leads to account suspension.
High inode usage, when you are near your inode limit, also often leads to problems. Common issues include slow backups, unsuccessful security updates, and blocked script execution. For these reasons, inodes limits are an important resource constraint to check whenever you are choosing a hosting plan.
What are inodes?
Inodes are data structures that store metadata about files and directories. They are used by Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux and macOS. Each stored item, such as a file, folder, email, or symbolic link, consumes one inode. This includes image files, scripts, cache data, temporary logs, and even empty directories. Every inode tracks a file’s type, size, ownership, permissions, and location on disk. Inodes do not store file names or content. In web hosting, every file or directory saved on the server consumes one inode from your hosting plan’s limit.
Where can I check the inode limit in web hosting?
You can check the inode limit in web hosting in 4 different places. The first place is your web host’s dashboard once you have logged in. The second place is in the resource section of your web host’s control panel. In cPanel, a popular control panel, inode usage appears under “Statistics” or “File Usage” near the sidebar or bottom of the page.
The third place to check the inode limit is through your hosting plan documentation or knowledge base. Many hosting providers list the inode limits for their different plans in their knowledge base articles or support pages. The fourth place to check the host’s pricing table, which is typically located on the hosting provider’s main website under the plan selection or comparison page. This table outlines key plan features side by side, including storage, bandwidth, and the maximum inode count. If the inode limit is not listed in these places, contact the hosting provider’s support team directly to confirm the exact figure.
How can I optimize my inode usage in web hosting?
Optimizing your inode usage in web hosting refers to reducing the total number of files and directories stored on your hosting account to stay within your inode limit. There are 4 ways to optimize your inode usage in web hosting. The first is by removing old backups, cache files, and unused temporary files. These can accumulate quickly, especially with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla.The second is deleting unused email accounts and their stored messages or attachments. The third is to consolidate many small files into fewer database entries. The fourth is specific to WordPress users, who optimize inode usage by removing inactive WordPress themes and plugins.
What are the inode limits of the popular web hosts?
Popular web hosts refer to widely used hosting providers with strong market presence and a large user base. The inode limits of 13 popular web hosts are listed below.
| Web Host | Inode Limit | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Hostinger | 400 000 | Read Hostinger Review |
| TMDHosting | Unlimited | Read TMDHosting Review |
| GreenGeeks | 200,000 | Read GreenGeeks Review |
| UltaHost | 250,000 | Read Ultahost Review |
| ScalaHosting | Unlimited | Read ScalaHosting Review |
| HostArmada | 250,000 | Read HostArmada Review |
| Kinsta | Unlimited | Read Kinsta Review |
| Cloudways | Depends on cloud provider. | Read Cloudways Review |
| SiteGround | 200,000 | Read SiteGround Review |
| DreamHost | Unlimited | Read DreamHost Review |
| Bluehost | 50,000 | Read Bluehost Review |
| HostGator | 200,000 | Read HostGator Review |
| GoDaddy | 250,000 | Read GoDaddy Review |
Why are there inode limits in web hosting?
There are inode limits in web hosting to prevent users from overloading a web host’s servers with excessive files. High inode usage strains file systems, increases backup time, and causes slowdowns in the web host’s server operations. Hosts therefore must apply limits to maintain reliability and service quality for all clients on its servers.
Setting inode limits is especially critical for web hosting plans running on shared infrastructure, such as shared hosting plans. Shared hosting is a popular and affordable hosting type where multiple websites share the resources of a single server, including CPU, RAM, disk space, and inode allocation. Shared web hosts impose strict inode caps to ensure fair usage and to protect the website performance of all accounts on the server.
Inode limits vs disk space: what’s the difference?
Disk space refers to the total volume of data available on the hosting account, and is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). Inode limits define the maximum number of files and folders on the hosting account, and are measured in quantity, not size. Both inodes and disk storage are 2 fundamental but very different resources that a web host allocates at a fixed capacity. This means it is possible to hit the inode limit without using all your disk space, especially if your hosting account stores many small cached or temporary log files.