Map Your Disk with diskutil apfs list

See the full APFS container layout: every volume, its capacity, used space, and mounted snapshots.

macOSvolumesdiskapfsdiskutilMedium risk

Run `diskutil apfs list` to show each container's volumes with sizes and roles, and `diskutil info disk3s1` for one volume's details.

01Command

Command

$ diskutil apfs list

02What it does

APFS volumes share space inside a container, so Finder sizes mislead and 'free space' is a container-level property. `diskutil apfs list` shows the real hierarchy including sealed system volumes (SSV) and role markers like Data and Preboot. `diskutil apfs listSnapshots disk3s1` completes the picture by revealing snapshot reservations that Disk Utility hides.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

macOS diskutil — disk and volume management
SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents diskutil apfs list, diskutil info and related volume commands.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings