EP, LP, and Beyond: Understanding Vinyl Record Formats
Whether you’re new to collecting or rediscovering the joy of analog sound, you’ve probably seen abbreviations like EP, LP, and Single on record sleeves. But what do they really mean? Here’s a quick guide to the most common vinyl formats — and why they matter for collectors and music lovers.
🎵 What Does “EP” Mean?
EP stands for Extended Play. It’s longer than a single but shorter than a full-length album (LP). Typically, an EP features 3–5 tracks and runs 10–25 minutes in total. Artists often use EPs to preview upcoming albums or release special editions between projects.
- Duration: 10–25 minutes
- Tracks: 3–5
- Vinyl size: Usually 7" or 10"
Examples: The Weeknd’s “My Dear Melancholy,” or Billie Eilish’s early EP “Don’t Smile at Me.”
💿 What Is an LP?
LP stands for Long Play — the standard format for most full-length albums. LPs usually have 8–12 tracks and run anywhere from 30–60 minutes. Pressed mostly on 12-inch vinyl at 33⅓ RPM, LPs are prized for their warm, dynamic sound and collectible artwork.
- Duration: 30–60 minutes
- Tracks: 8–12
- Vinyl size: 12"
Examples: Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”, Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon”.
🎶 What About Singles?
A Single (or 45) features one main track on the A-side and a secondary song — called the B-side — on the flip. Singles were the original radio format and remain popular with DJs and collectors for their iconic artwork and quick playtime.
- Duration: 3–7 minutes
- Tracks: 1–2
- Vinyl size: 7"
Examples: The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” or Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” single pressings.
📀 Other Formats You’ll See
- Double LP: Two records, often for albums longer than 60 minutes or pressed for improved sound quality.
- Picture Disc: Vinyl printed with graphics or album art — visually stunning but sometimes slightly lower fidelity.
- Box Set: A collector’s edition containing multiple LPs or EPs, bonus tracks, and booklets.
- Colored Vinyl: Aesthetic variants (red, blue, marble, transparent) — functionally identical but highly collectible.
🧠 Quick Reference Table
| Format | Full Form | Typical Length | Vinyl Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (45) | Single Play | 3–7 min | 7" |
| EP | Extended Play | 10–25 min | 7" or 10" |
| LP | Long Play | 30–60 min | 12" |
| Double LP | Long Play (2 Records) | 60+ min | 2 × 12" |
🌍 Why This Matters for Collectors in the UAE
At Vinyl.ae, we stock a wide range of formats — from limited-edition EPs to full LP box sets — all brand new, sealed, and globally sourced. Understanding these terms helps collectors find the right records, store them properly, and appreciate the craft behind each pressing.
Whether you’re curating your first stack or adding rare pressings to your collection, explore the New Arrivals or Classic Albums sections for your next spin.
