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System Information

free

Shows memory usage.

free reports RAM and swap usage, including buffers and cache.

Syntax
free [options]

Arguments explained

  • -h uses human-readable units.
  • -m shows MiB.

Common examples

Readable memory summary
free -h

Shows RAM and swap usage in friendly units.

Watch memory
watch -n 2 free -h

Refreshes memory usage every two seconds.

free Command
FieldDetails
Commandfree
CategorySystem Information
Primary useShows memory usage.
Syntaxfree [options]

Related articles

swapon

Enables swap devices or files.

vmstat

Reports virtual memory and system activity.

top

Shows live process and resource usage.