Quick Answer
The answer is `xfs_growfs -D 10g /mnt`, along with the base `xfs_growfs` command without options, as these are the only valid tools for resizing an XFS filesystem. Unlike ext4, which uses `resize2fs` for both shrinking and growing, XFS is designed to be grown only while mounted, and `xfs_growfs` is the dedicated utility that expands the filesystem to match the underlying device or logical volume size. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this question tests your understanding that XFS cannot be shrunk and that the `-D` option allows specifying a new size in gigabytes, but the command must always be `xfs_growfs`. A common trap is confusing this with `resize2fs` or `lvresize`, which resize the logical volume, not the filesystem itself. Remember the memory tip: XFS can only Grow, never Shrink, so the command is always `xfs_growfs`—think of it as “XFS Grows For Sure.”
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO commands are valid for resizing an XFS file system? (Choose exactly two.)
xfs_admin -L /mnt
Why wrong: xfs_admin is for setting label, UUID, etc., not resizing.
xfs_growfs /mnt
Grows the file system to the maximum available space.
resize2fs /dev/sda1
Why wrong: resize2fs is for ext2/3/4 file systems.
xfs_growfs -D 10g /mnt
Sets the new size to 10g.
xfs_repair /dev/sda1
Why wrong: xfs_repair checks and repairs metadata, not resize.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
xfs_growfs /mnt
Option B is correct because `xfs_growfs` is the dedicated command for resizing (growing) an XFS file system while it is mounted. It expands the file system to fill the available space in the underlying device or logical volume, making it the primary tool for XFS resizing operations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
xfs_admin -L /mnt
Why it's wrong here
xfs_admin is for setting label, UUID, etc., not resizing.
xfs_growfs /mnt
Why this is correct
Grows the file system to the maximum available space.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
resize2fs /dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
resize2fs is for ext2/3/4 file systems.
xfs_growfs -D 10g /mnt
Why this is correct
Sets the new size to 10g.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
xfs_repair /dev/sda1
Why it's wrong here
xfs_repair checks and repairs metadata, not resize.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between file system-specific tools, so the trap here is that candidates confuse `resize2fs` (for ext4) with `xfs_growfs` (for XFS), or mistakenly think `xfs_admin` can resize the file system when it only manages labels and UUIDs.
Detailed technical explanation
XFS is a journaling file system that supports online growth (while mounted) but does not support shrinking. The `xfs_growfs` command works by extending the file system's internal data structures to use additional space in the underlying block device, and the `-D` option allows specifying a new data section size in bytes (e.g., `10g` for 10 GiB). In real-world scenarios, administrators often combine `lvextend` (to grow the logical volume) with `xfs_growfs` (to grow the file system) without unmounting, ensuring minimal downtime.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the EX200 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: xfs_growfs /mnt — Option B is correct because `xfs_growfs` is the dedicated command for resizing (growing) an XFS file system while it is mounted. It expands the file system to fill the available space in the underlying device or logical volume, making it the primary tool for XFS resizing operations.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This EX200 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Red Hat certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the EX200 exam.
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