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Creating Partition Tables and Filesystems on Linux

This guide covers creating partition tables and filesystems using command-line tools.

1. Identify the Disk​

List disks and partitions:

lsblk

Assume the target disk is /dev/sdc.

2. Create a Partition Table with fdisk​

Start fdisk:

sudo fdisk /dev/sdc

Inside fdisk:​

  • Create a new GPT partition table (recommended for disks >2TB):
g
  • Create a new partition:
n

  • Accept defaults for partition number, first sector, and last sector (full disk).

  • Write changes and exit:

w

3. Format the Partition​

Assuming partition /dev/sdc1:

  • Create an ext4 filesystem:
sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdc1

  • For other filesystems:

    • NTFS: sudo mkfs.ntfs /dev/sdc1
    • FAT32: sudo mkfs.vfat /dev/sdc1

4. Verify the Filesystem​

sudo blkid /dev/sdc1

Check UUID and filesystem type.

5. Mount the Partition​

Create mount point and mount:

sudo mkdir -p /mnt/mydrive
sudo mount /dev/sdc1 /mnt/mydrive

Verify:

df -h | grep /mnt/mydrive

6. Automount (Optional)​

Follow the Adding an Automount Drive guide to configure /etc/fstab.

note
  • Creating new partition tables and filesystems will erase data on the disk.
  • Backup important data before proceeding.
  • Use GPT for disks larger than 2TB; MBR is limited to ~2TB.
  • Use parted or gparted for GUI or more advanced partitioning.