Because of all the competing standards in recordable DVD drives, there are different recordable DVD discs and names. Following is a list of each of the different recordable DVD discs with a brief explanation.

DVD-5 (DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW)

Alternatively called single sided single layered, DVD-5 can hold up to 4.37 GB worth of data. It is available in each of the media formats listed in the above heading. It is important to understand when buying these discs they are labeled as “DVD-RW only” or “DVD+RW only,” make sure to purchase the discs designed for your drive.

  • DVD-5 (DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW).
  • DVD-9 (DVD+R9 or DVD+R DL (Dual Layered)).
  • DVD-10 (DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW).
  • DVD-18 (DVD+R9 or DVD+R DL (Dual Layered)).
  • Related information

DVD-9 (DVD+R9 or DVD+R DL (Dual Layered))

Alternatively called singled sided dual layered, DVD-9 can hold up to 8.5 GB worth of data. It is available in each of the media formats listed in the above heading.

DVD-10 (DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW)

Alternatively called double sided single layered, DVD-10 can hold up to 9.4 GB worth of data. It is available in each of the media formats listed in the above heading. It is important to understand when buying these discs they are labeled as “DVD-RW only” or “DVD+RW only,” make sure to purchase the discs designed for your drive.

DVD-18 (DVD+R9 or DVD+R DL (Dual Layered))

Alternatively called double sided dual layered, DVD-18 can hold up to 15.9 GB worth of data. It is available in each of the media formats listed in the above heading.

CD terms, Recordable DVD drives

  • DVD help and support.