How to Calculate Memory Usage (4 Steps)

By Lysis

One way to analyze performance on a computer is to view the amount of memory in use. Windows has an internal application that tells you how much memory is installed and how much of it is in use. You can use this Task Manager to calculate how much memory is in use, so you can determine if you need to upgrade your physical memory. It can also help you pinpoint if the performance problems are memory use issues.

Step 1

Click the "Ctrl" button on your keyboard. Then hold "Alt" and "Del." A window appears. Click the "Task Manager" button to open the application.

Step 2

Click the "Performance" tab. Take note of the first line in the "Physical Memory" section. This is the total amount of memory installed on the machine. The number is in kilobytes.

Step 3

Take note of the total amount of memory in the section labeled "Commit Charge." This is the total amount of memory in use. This number is also in kilobytes. You can use this calculation from the Task Manager to calculate how much memory is free as well.

Step 4

Subtract the total amount of memory in use from the total installed memory. This tells you how much memory you have free. If you have no memory free, your computer's performance may suffer. Installing more memory will help improve the performance on the machine.

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