LP, 12" Maxi or 7" Single? Vinyl Record Formats Explained
In short: An LP is a 12-inch (30 cm) record holding a whole album, played at 33⅓ revolutions per minute. A 12" maxi single is the same size but holds only a few tracks – usually longer versions or remixes – and often plays at 45 rpm. A 7" single is the small 17.5 cm record with one song per side, played at 45 rpm.
The formats at a glance
| Format | Diameter | Speed | Typical content |
|---|---|---|---|
| LP | 12 inch (30 cm) | 33⅓ rpm | Whole album, approx. 15–25 minutes per side |
| 12" maxi single | 12 inch (30 cm) | mostly 45, sometimes 33⅓ rpm | 1–4 tracks, often extended versions and remixes |
| 7" single | 7 inch (17.5 cm) | 45 rpm | A-side and B-side, one song each |
| EP | usually 7 inch | 45 or 33⅓ rpm | 3–4 tracks |
The LP – the album format
The long-playing record is the classic format for albums. Thanks to the slow speed of 33⅓ rpm, about 15 to 25 minutes of music fit on one side. Double LPs (2LP) spread longer albums over two discs, often in a fold-out gatefold sleeve. Here you can find all vinyl LPs in our shop.
Double LP example: Pink Floyd – The Wall (2LP, German original, 1979)
The 12" maxi single – built for the club
The maxi single was born in the mid-70s disco scene: DJs wanted longer, danceable versions with the best possible sound. Because there are only a few tracks on the large disc, the grooves can be cut wider – giving more volume and a punchier bass. To this day the 12" is the format for disco, Italo disco, house, techno and hip hop. Browse our 12" maxi singles.
Tip: Check the speed on the label before playing. Many maxis run at 45 rpm even though they are as big as an LP.
12" maxi example: Bunny Wailer – Peace Talks / Rockers
The 7" single – small and iconic
For decades the single was the format for hits: the radio song on the A-side, another track on the B-side. Many singles have a large centre hole – originally for jukeboxes. To play them you need a single adapter (“puck”). Collectors love singles for their picture sleeves and because some B-sides never appeared on an album. Here are our 7" vinyl singles.
7" single example: David Bowie – Knock On Wood (German original, 1974)
Special editions
- Picture disc: The artwork is pressed right into the record. A real eye-catcher, but often a little noisier than black vinyl. See our picture discs.
- Coloured vinyl: Splatter, marbled or transparent – usually in limited runs. More under limited edition & coloured vinyl.
- 180-gram vinyl: Heavier and more resistant to warping. Better sound is not automatically guaranteed – mastering and pressing quality matter most.
- 10" records: An in-between format, today mostly used for special editions.
Picture disc example: The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (UK, 1979)
From our experience
My personal favourite to play is the 12" maxi single: for me it is simply the best-sounding format – wide grooves, plenty of punch in the bass and enough room for the long extended versions. One of my favourite examples is “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five (1982). And the Swiss original pressing of Mr. Freaky – “One Hour & One” from 1988, which I found at a house clearance, shows that maxis can be real collector's items too.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message (1982) and Mr. Freaky – One Hour & One (Swiss original, 1988)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an LP and a maxi single?
Both are 12 inches. The LP holds a whole album and plays at 33⅓ rpm; the maxi single holds only a few, often extended tracks and usually plays at 45 rpm.
At what speed do I play a single?
7" singles almost always play at 45 rpm. The speed is usually printed on the label.
Does a maxi single sound better than an LP?
Often yes: because there is less music on the disc, the grooves can be cut wider. That means more volume and bass – which is why DJs love maxis.
How is the condition of used records graded?
We grade every used record according to the Goldmine standard – record and sleeve separately. For more on value, read our guide How to spot valuable vinyl records.
