Finder won't display folder size in "Size" column or Info window

[Libertine Lush]

Normally, the Finder window will display a folder's size in the Size column. However, I have one folder which shows as "Zero KB" in the Size column. When I open the General Info window, the Size reads as "Zero KB on disk (Zero bytes) for 0 items."

In order to get the folder size I have to go into the folder, select all folders, then with either the Summary Info or Inspector window, it'll show the folder size ("185.32 GB on disk").

Why is this occurring in only this folder? Is it because it's a large folder?

I'm running Snow Lep 10.6.2. The folder is on an external drive in FAT32 format.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Gregg2]

Show View Options

Is "Calculate All Sizes" checked?

For large folders, the computer might take a moment to calculate the size before it displays.

 

[Libertine Lush]

Show View Options

Is "Calculate All Sizes" checked?

For large folders, the computer might take a moment to calculate the size before it displays.

Yes, "Calculate All Sizes" is checked. And even when I give it some time, it still displays as "Zero."

 

[Gregg2]

Ok then, move your com.apple.finder.plist file to the Desktop and Restart. This will create a new plist file, and maybe it will display that folder size now.

I'm in 10.5.8 so that file is in Users/MyUserName/Library/Preferences
Should be the same for Tiger or Snow Leopard, but ya gotta be in the right Library Folder.

 

[Libertine Lush]

Ok then, move your com.apple.finder.plist file to the Desktop and Restart. This will create a new plist file, and maybe it will display that folder size now.

Sorry for a slow reply. I tried it just now and it didn't resolve the issue. Still displays as "Zero."

 

[Gregg2]

Ok, you say this is only happening with one folder. What is that folder? More specifically, how was it created? (Some folders are created by the OS, and don't like to be messed with.)

If you created the folder, make another one. Move the contents of the first folder over to the new one. I don't know if something within the folder is causing this problem, but I'd suggest moving one item, then checking to see if the new folder's size is displayed. If not, move it back and try another item. If after a few tries you don't see the size, then this turns out not to be a solution. But, it's worth a try!

 

[GGJstudios]

I'm having the same problem with Finder not calculating sizes of folders. It's happening now with all folders on an NTFS external drive.

• I just re-partitioned and erased the drive
• I drag a folder from my internal drive to the external
• The folder does not contain system or hidden files and I have read/write permission
• The files show sizes, but not the folders, even if the folder has only one file in it
• "Calculate all sizes" is checked
• "Get Info" shows "Calculating Size" indefinitely
• I've restarted Finder several times
• I've trashed the com.apple.finder.plist file
• I've dragged the external drive to the Spotlight Privacy window and removed it
• I get the same results with Pathfinder

​

 

[Gregg2]

So, is reinstalling the OS next?
I don't know if that will help.
Mine don't all display the size either. (OS 10.5.8)
The more time I give it, the more sizes are displayed.
I usually stay with Icon View, so this is not a exhaustive test.

 

[Fitopia]

Show View Options

Is "Calculate All Sizes" checked?

For large folders, the computer might take a moment to calculate the size before it displays.

Thank you, that helped.