List archive members and print byte totals
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
tar -tvf <archive> --totals >/dev/nullComplete required fields to copy the generated command.
read-onlyno known side effects Compatibility
LinuxVerified for Linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax.
Operational knowledgereview due 2027-01-20
Requirementstartar must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supporttar Current supported releasesVerified for linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signalsTotal bytes read: 20480 (20KiB, 58MiB/s)Representative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorstar: command not foundtar is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifytar -tvf {{archive}} --totals >/dev/nullThe output matches the expected target and exits without an error.Rollback noteNot required: this command is read-only and does not change system state.
Command breakdown
01tarCommandRuns the tar stage of this one-liner.
02-tvfOptionConfigures tar with the -tvf option.
03<archive>ParameterA value supplied in the Fill parameters section.
04--totalsOptionConfigures tar with the --totals option.
05>RedirectionRedirects command input, standard output, or error output.
06/dev/nullArgumentPasses /dev/null to tar.
Example input
tar -tvf backup.tar.gz --totals >/dev/null
Example output
Total bytes read: 20480 (20KiB, 58MiB/s)
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources