What are the Recommended .ost and .pst File Size in MS Outlook?

We all know that OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table) are both Outlook Data File formats. These files have specific size limitations to contain the MS Outlook Mailbox data, which must be maintained properly to avoid file damage. Here, we will look at file sizes of OST and PST for different versions of Outlook.

OST File

OST files are the replica of Outlook mailbox to access data offline when disconnected with the MS Exchange Server. It is stored locally on the system and synced with the Exchange server to update data later. It includes emails as well as contacts, calendars, tasks, journals, notes, etc. It is mostly used with Exchange servers and cannot be directly accessed with Outlook. These files can be easily oversized if continuously keep on storing the data. Thus, you can opt for the OST to PST Converter Tool and reduce your oversized OSTs with ease by converting them into PSTs.

PST File

This file format is only supported by MS Outlook and it stores Outlook mailbox data directly on the system. It includes archived data, personal mail, and data received from other POP/IMAP accounts. It is a preferred Outlook file format and can be backed up easily. However, the more the usage the more chances of corruption due to oversized storage. So, use the PST Splitter Tool and quickly fix the file size within seconds without hassle.

Recommended File Sizes

Generally, the file size depends on the amount of data stored in the file. Storing large amounts of data can normally increase the file sizes thus resulting in Oversized OST and PST. Therefore, before adding more data to your files, ensure these:

  • For Outlook's latest versions to 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010
    • Minimum Size: Under 12 GB
    • Maximum Size: Upto 50 GB
  • For Outlook 2007, 2003, and other earlier versions
    • Minimum Size: Under 8 GB and 4 GB
    • Maximum Size: Upto 20 GB

These sizes if exceeded, can cause Oversized OST and PST and create many errors and issues in your files and MS Outlook environment. Thus, their file size must be kept within specified limits for prevention. For this, we have suggested the best solutions above, those trusted and verified by experts. Go through them and reduce your OST/PST file size for efficient performance.