Determining the size of PostgreSQL databases and tables

PostgreSQL is available on Managed VPS only

Ruachost shared hosting supports MySQL (MariaDB) databases, not PostgreSQL. To use PostgreSQL, choose a Managed VPS.

PostgreSQL provides built‑in functions to check the size of databases and tables. On ruachost.com, you can use either the psql command line or the phpPgAdmin web interface to determine storage usage.

Why Check Database Size?

• Monitor disk usage and prevent storage overages.
• Identify large tables that may need optimization.
• Plan for scaling and resource allocation.

Method 1: Using the Command Line (psql)

Step 1: Log in via SSH

ssh username@yourserver.ruachost.com

Step 2: Connect to PostgreSQL

psql dbname username

Step 3: Check Database Size

SELECT pg_size_pretty(pg_database_size('dbname'));

• Returns the total size of the database in a human‑readable format (e.g., MB, GB).

Step 4: Check Table Size

SELECT pg_size_pretty(pg_total_relation_size('tablename'));

• Returns the size of a specific table, including indexes and related data.

Method 2: Using phpPgAdmin

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

• Navigate to Databases → phpPgAdmin.

Step 2: View Database Sizes

• In the left pane, click PostgreSQL.
• phpPgAdmin displays the size of each database.

???? Note: phpPgAdmin shows database sizes only. To check table sizes, you must use the psql command line.

Important Notes

• Replace dbname and tablename with your actual database and table names.
• Use pg_size_pretty() for readable output instead of raw bytes.
• Regularly check sizes to avoid exceeding hosting limits.
• Large tables may benefit from indexing, partitioning, or archiving.