Salesforce Storage Limit: Data vs File Storage (2026)
Salesforce splits storage into two buckets. Most Enterprise, Performance, and Unlimited editions start with a 10 GB data storage base plus a 10 GB file storage base, and add per-user increments on top — commonly around 20 MB of data and 2 GB of files per licensed user (figures as of 2026, varies by edition). Here’s how the two pools differ and what to do when either fills.
The Limits at a Glance
Data storage
- 10 GB base (Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited)
- +~20 MB per user added to the org total
- Records (each row ≈ 2 KB): leads, accounts, contacts, opportunities, cases, custom objects
File storage
- 10 GB base (Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited)
- +~2 GB per user added to the org total
- Attachments, Files, Documents, Chatter files, uploaded content
Smaller editions
- Professional and Essentials/Starter start with smaller bases (data often ~1 GB, files smaller per-user allotments)
What Counts Toward Your Salesforce Storage
The key distinction is data vs files, and they have separate pools:
- Data storage holds records. Salesforce counts most records as roughly 2 KB each, so millions of leads or activity records add up even though no file is involved. Field history, email records, and events all consume data storage.
- File storage holds anything uploaded: Salesforce Files, attachments, Documents, Chatter posts, and content library assets.
Running out of one does not affect the other — a full data pool can block record creation while file storage sits half empty. Per-user increments accrue automatically as you add licensed users, so a larger org has more headroom without buying add-ons.
Editions and per-user amounts change over time; confirm your org’s exact allocation in Setup → Storage Usage, which shows both pools and the biggest consumers.
What Happens When You Hit the Limit
Salesforce won’t hard-stop most orgs mid-operation, but once you exceed your allocation you’ll see storage-limit warnings, and admins may be blocked from certain actions until usage drops or storage is purchased. Sustained overage typically prompts Salesforce to require an add-on storage purchase. Data loads and bulk imports are the most common way an org trips the data limit unexpectedly.
How to Free Up or Add Space
- Check Setup → Storage Usage first — it ranks the objects and users consuming the most.
- Archive or delete stale records — old leads, closed cases, and completed activities are usually the biggest data consumers.
- Empty the Recycle Bin — deleted records keep counting until purged.
- Move large attachments off-platform — store big files in an external system and link them instead of uploading.
- Buy add-on storage — data and file storage can be purchased separately in blocks.
Troubleshooting
What’s the difference between data storage and file storage in Salesforce?
Data storage holds records (each ≈ 2 KB); file storage holds uploaded attachments and Files. They’re separate pools — filling one doesn’t affect the other.
How much storage does Salesforce give per user?
Roughly 20 MB of data and 2 GB of files per licensed user is added to your org’s base, on Enterprise-and-up editions, as of 2026. Exact amounts vary by edition.
Why does Salesforce say I’m out of storage when I have few files?
You’re likely out of data storage, not file storage. Millions of records at ~2 KB each fill the data pool even with no large attachments.
How do I check my Salesforce storage usage?
Go to Setup → Storage Usage. It shows both pools, percentage used, and the biggest-consuming objects and users.
Can I buy more Salesforce storage?
Yes — data storage and file storage are sold separately as add-on blocks. You can also reclaim space by archiving records and emptying the Recycle Bin.
Quick Reference
| Pool | Base (Enterprise+) | Per-user increment |
|---|---|---|
| Data storage | 10 GB | ~20 MB |
| File storage | 10 GB | ~2 GB |
| Record size | ~2 KB each | — |
| Max file upload | Varies (~2 GB+ per file) | — |
If managing records and attachments across Salesforce, email, and calendar eats your day, an AI assistant like Carly can organize attachments straight from your inbox — see how it works with Salesforce.
Related guides: SharePoint storage limit · Dropbox file size limit · Google Drive storage limit · Airtable record limit · Smartsheet row limit · Telegram file size limit
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