# Understanding microSD and SD cards: speeds, markings and more ## Overview “SD” or [Secure Digital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SD_card) was developed by the SD Association and is a proprietary non-volatile memory card format for use in portable devices. An SD card and its smaller counterpart, the microSD card, can be found in a variety of everyday devices including cameras, smartphones, drones, video game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, and more. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/664/medium800/components_drone.jpeg?1631729793 source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle#/media/File:DJI_Phantom_2_Vision+_V3_hovering_over_Weissfluhjoch_(cropped).jpg) While SD and microSD cards have made recording data faster and storage capacity has become greater, there is still much confusion. Each device, from a camera to a drone, has different SD card requirements. For example, a drone may require a microSD card with a [high speed class rating](https://www.sdcard.org/developers/sd-standard-overview/speed-class/) to write data very fast, but if the card you give it has a lower rating that can’t write fast enough, it may not be compatible with the drone. Such mistakes are common, but don't fret. This guide will show you how to avoid using and buying the wrong SDs for your devices. By the end, you’ll be an SD pro. ## Confused and in a dash? If you need SD info in a jiffy we got you covered. **When in SD doubt, check this graphic out!** (Click to enlarge) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/902/medium800/components_SD_microSD_graphic.jpg?1632867604) ### SD/MicroSD Memory Card (8 GB SDHC) [SD/MicroSD Memory Card (8 GB SDHC)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1294) Add mega-storage in a jiffy using this 8 GB class 4 micro-SD card. It comes with a SD adapter so you can use it with any of our shields or adapters. Preformatted to FAT so it works out of the box with our projects. Tested and works great with our In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1294) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1294/guides) ![Hand removing/installing micro SD card from SD adapter](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1294-03.jpg) - [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/understanding-microsd-and-sd-cards-speeds-markings-and-more/sd-vs-microsd.md) ## Featured Products ### SD/MicroSD Memory Card (8 GB SDHC) [SD/MicroSD Memory Card (8 GB SDHC)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1294) Add mega-storage in a jiffy using this 8 GB class 4 micro-SD card. It comes with a SD adapter so you can use it with any of our shields or adapters. Preformatted to FAT so it works out of the box with our projects. Tested and works great with our In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1294) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1294/guides) ### SD/MicroSD Memory Card - 16GB Class 10 - Adapter Included [SD/MicroSD Memory Card - 16GB Class 10 - Adapter Included](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2693) Add speedy mega-storage in a jiffy using this 16 GB Class 10 micro-SD card. It comes with a SD adapter so you can use it with any of our shields or adapters! Preformatted to FAT so it works out of the box with our projects. Works great with any device in the Adafruit shop that uses micro-SD... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2693) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2693/guides) ### SD Card Extender [SD Card Extender](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3687) Stop fiddling with SD card sockets in the back of your latest gadget, and streeeeeeeeeetch out with an **SD Card Extender**. This simple, but effective device gives you a long flexible cable, a pseudo-card on one end, and an SD card socket on the other. Plug in the SD card... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3687) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3687/guides) ### Micro SD Card Extender - 68cm (26 inch) long flex cable [Micro SD Card Extender - 68cm (26 inch) long flex cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3688) Stop fiddling with SD card sockets in the back of your latest gadget, and streeeeeeeeeetch out with a **Micro SD Card Extender**. This simple, but effective device gives you a long flexible cable, a psuedo Micro SD card on one end, and a matching micro SD card socket on the... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3688) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3688/guides) ### DiMeCard 8 microSD Card Holder [DiMeCard 8 microSD Card Holder](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3664) Mary Poppins had her TARDIS-like carpet bag. 90s kids had their Pokémon card binders. But we have the next best thing: **DiMeCard** , a super-slim 8-piece microSD storage card. The most useful thing you didn't know you needed. If you're working with single... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3664) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3664/guides) ### USB MicroSD Card Reader/Writer - microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC [USB MicroSD Card Reader/Writer - microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC](https://www.adafruit.com/product/939) This is the cutest little microSD card reader/writer - but don't be fooled by its adorableness! It's wicked fast and supports up to 64 GB SDXC cards! Simply slide the card into the edge and plug it into your computer. No drivers are required, it shows up as a standard 'Mass... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/939) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/939/guides) ## Related Guides - [How Do I Locate a Local Distributor that Carries Adafruit Products?](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-do-i-find-a-local-distributor-for-my-products.md) - [LED Eye Prosthetic](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-eye-prosthetic-tutorial.md) - [ Analog IC Insights On-the-Go by Maxim Integrated](https://learn.adafruit.com/maxim-app.md) - [Programming SPI flash with an FT232H breakout](https://learn.adafruit.com/programming-spi-flash-prom-with-an-ft232h-breakout.md) - [Adafruit 16 Channel Servo Driver with Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-16-channel-servo-driver-with-raspberry-pi.md) - [Shop Tips & Tricks](https://learn.adafruit.com/shop-tips-and-tricks.md) - [Mass AVR ISP Programmer](https://learn.adafruit.com/mass-avr-isp-programmer.md) - [Arduino Lesson 8. 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