VBScript Size Property

last modified April 9, 2025

The Size property in VBScript is part of the FileSystemObject object model. It returns the size of a file or folder in bytes. For files, it gives the exact byte count. For folders, it recursively calculates the total size of all contained files.

Size is commonly used for disk space management and file analysis. It helps in monitoring storage usage and implementing size-based file operations. This tutorial covers Size with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

Size Property Overview

The Size property is available for both File and Folder objects. It returns a numeric value representing bytes. For folders, the calculation includes all subfolders and files. The property is read-only and requires proper object initialization.

Key features include accurate byte counting and recursive folder sizing. It doesn't account for filesystem overhead or allocation units. Size works with all file types and folder structures. Understanding this property helps create robust file management scripts.

Getting File Size

This example demonstrates the basic use of Size to get a file's size. It shows how to access a file object and retrieve its size in bytes. The result is displayed in a message box.

file_size.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set file = fso.GetFile("C:\temp\example.txt")
fileSize = file.Size

WScript.Echo "File size: " & fileSize & " bytes"

Set file = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing

The script creates a FileSystemObject and gets a reference to a file. The Size property returns the file's size in bytes. The result is displayed using WScript.Echo. Always clean up objects when done.

Converting Bytes to KB and MB

This example shows how to convert the raw byte count to more readable units. It demonstrates dividing the size by 1024 for KB and by 1024 squared for MB. The converted values are formatted for better readability.

size_conversion.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set file = fso.GetFile("C:\temp\largefile.dat")

bytes = file.Size
kb = bytes / 1024
mb = kb / 1024

WScript.Echo "Size: " & Round(mb, 2) & " MB (" & bytes & " bytes)"

Set file = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing

The script gets the file size and performs unit conversions. The Round function formats the MB value to two decimal places. This approach makes file sizes more understandable for users. The original byte count is also displayed.

Getting Folder Size

This example demonstrates using Size with folders. It shows how the property recursively calculates total size of all files in a folder structure. The result includes all subfolders and their contents.

folder_size.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set folder = fso.GetFolder("C:\temp\projects")
folderSize = folder.Size

WScript.Echo "Folder size: " & folderSize & " bytes"

Set folder = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing

The script gets a folder reference and accesses its Size property. The calculation may take time for large folder structures. The result represents the sum of all files' sizes within the folder hierarchy. Empty folders contribute zero bytes to the total.

Checking Disk Space Usage

This example combines Size with drive information to check disk space usage. It calculates the percentage of used space on a drive. The script demonstrates practical storage monitoring.

disk_usage.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set drive = fso.GetDrive("C:")

totalSpace = drive.TotalSize
freeSpace = drive.FreeSpace
usedSpace = totalSpace - freeSpace
usagePercent = (usedSpace / totalSpace) * 100

WScript.Echo "Disk usage: " & Round(usagePercent, 2) & "%"

Set drive = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing

The script calculates disk usage percentage using drive properties. The Size concept relates to the space calculations. The result shows how much of the drive's capacity is in use. This technique is useful for system monitoring scripts.

Finding Large Files

This example searches a folder for files larger than a specified size. It demonstrates using Size in file filtering operations. The script lists all files exceeding the size threshold.

large_files.vbs

Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set folder = fso.GetFolder("C:\temp")
threshold = 10 * 1024 * 1024 ' 10 MB

For Each file In folder.Files
    If file.Size > threshold Then
        WScript.Echo file.Name & ": " & file.Size & " bytes"
    End If
Next

Set folder = Nothing
Set fso = Nothing

The script checks each file's Size against a 10 MB threshold. Files exceeding the limit are listed with their sizes. This approach helps identify space-consuming files. The threshold can be adjusted as needed.

Source

FileSystemObject Documentation

In this article, we have explored the Size property in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic file sizing to disk space analysis, these examples demonstrate valuable file management techniques. With this knowledge, you can enhance your scripts with robust size-related operations.

Author

My name is Jan Bodnar and I am a passionate programmer with many years of programming experience. I have been writing programming articles since 2007. So far, I have written over 1400 articles and 8 e-books. I have over eight years of experience in teaching programming.

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