WordPress Memory Estimator
Pick your site type, set an active plugin count, and say whether you use a page builder. Get a recommended PHP memory_limit / WP_MEMORY_LIMIT with a copy-ready define() line. Recomputes live in your browser.
php.ini memory_limit, so raise both together. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.About the WordPress Memory Estimator
The WordPress Memory Estimator suggests a PHP memory_limit and WP_MEMORY_LIMIT for your site. Pick your site type, set how many plugins are active, and say whether you run a page builder. It adds WordPress core, the plugins, the builder, and a baseline for the site type, then rounds up to a standard tier (128M, 256M, 512M, 1024M) and gives you the define() line to paste into wp-config.php. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing is sent to a server.
How it works
- Choose a site type: blog, business, WooCommerce store, or large/complex.
- Set the approximate number of active plugins and choose whether a page builder is in use.
- Read the recommended WP_MEMORY_LIMIT, the estimated peak usage, and the admin limit, with a one-line rationale.
- Click Copy to grab the define() lines for wp-config.php.
Features
- Live recompute as you change site type, plugin count, or builder.
- Recommended WP_MEMORY_LIMIT plus a separate WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT for admin and cron work.
- Plain rationale showing how core, plugins, builder, and site type add up to the estimate.
- Copy-ready define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); lines for wp-config.php.
- Runs fully client-side with no accounts and no data sent anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
How is the estimate calculated?
It starts with about 20 MB for WordPress core, adds a baseline for your site type, around 2 MB per active plugin, and a fixed amount for a page builder. That total is the estimated peak per request. The tool then adds roughly 30% headroom and rounds up to the next standard tier: 128M, 256M, 512M, or 1024M.
What is the difference between WP_MEMORY_LIMIT and WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT?
WP_MEMORY_LIMIT applies to normal front-end and most back-end requests. WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT applies to heavier admin tasks such as image processing, imports, and cron. The tool sets the admin limit higher so those operations have more room.
My host caps memory at the php.ini level. Does this still help?
WordPress cannot use more than the server php.ini memory_limit allows. If the recommended value is higher than your php.ini cap, raise the php.ini memory_limit too, or ask your host. Setting WP_MEMORY_LIMIT alone will not lift a lower server cap.
Where do I add the define() lines?
Open wp-config.php in your site root and add the lines above the comment that reads "That's all, stop editing." Placing them below that line means WordPress will not read them.
Is the result exact?
No. It is an estimate to give you a sensible starting tier. Real usage depends on your specific plugins, theme, traffic, and PHP version. Check actual peak memory in Tools, Site Health, Info, Server, and adjust if needed.