mkfs

Creates a filesystem on a partition or block device.

Potentially destructive Last updated: 2026-05-12 Report error

Syntax

$mkfs -t TYPE DEVICE [OPTIONS]

Examples

$mkfs -t ext4 /dev/sdb1

Examples

$mkfs.xfs /dev/sdc1

Examples

$mkfs.vfat -F 32 /dev/sdb1

Warnings

DANGER: This command removes existing filesystem metadata on the target device.

Tip: Cross-check the target partition with `lsblk` and `blkid` before running `mkfs`.

Typical use cases

Create new data partition

mkfs -t ext4 /dev/sdb1

Format USB drive

mkfs.vfat -F 32 /dev/sdX1

Note Initializes a new filesystem and replaces existing metadata structures.

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