Quick Answer
The correct answer is `lvs` and `lvdisplay`. Both commands retrieve LVM metadata directly from the kernel device mapper to report logical volume size and usage, but they present it differently: `lvs` offers a concise, tabular view with columns like LSize for total size and Data% for thin pool usage, while `lvdisplay` provides a detailed attribute list including LV Size, Current LE, and Allocated LE to show how much of the volume is actually consumed. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this tests your ability to efficiently audit storage resources without relying on filesystem-level tools like `df`, which only show mounted usage. A common trap is confusing `lvs` with `lvscan`—`lvscan` only lists volumes, not size or usage details. For a quick memory tip, think “lvs for a snapshot, lvdisplay for the full story.”
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of configure local storage. 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 can be used to view the current size and usage of an LVM logical volume? (Choose two.)
df -h
Why wrong: Shows filesystem usage, not LV size.
lsblk
Why wrong: Shows block devices but not LVM-specific details.
vgdisplay
Why wrong: Shows volume group info, not LV.
lvdisplay
Shows LV size and attributes.
lvs
Shows LV size in a compact format.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
lvdisplay
D is correct because `lvdisplay` shows detailed attributes of LVM logical volumes, including size (LV Size) and current usage (Current LE, Allocated LE). E is correct because `lvs` provides a concise, tabular view of logical volumes with columns for size (LSize) and usage (Data% for thin volumes, or by comparing Allocated PE vs Total PE). Both commands directly query LVM metadata from the kernel device mapper.
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.
df -h
Why it's wrong here
Shows filesystem usage, not LV size.
lsblk
Why it's wrong here
Shows block devices but not LVM-specific details.
vgdisplay
Why it's wrong here
Shows volume group info, not LV.
lvdisplay
Why this is correct
Shows LV size and attributes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
lvs
Why this is correct
Shows LV size in a compact format.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the distinction between filesystem-level commands (`df`) and LVM metadata commands (`lvdisplay`, `lvs`), trapping candidates who think `df` shows LVM volume size rather than filesystem usage.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows filesystem usage, not LV size.
Detailed technical explanation
LVM logical volumes can be thinly provisioned, where `lvs` shows Data% (actual data written) and Meta% (metadata usage), while `lvdisplay` shows the virtual size and allocated extents. The `-o` option in `lvs` allows custom columns like `lv_attr` to reveal volume types (e.g., 't' for thin, 'C' for cache). In a real-world scenario, a thin pool might report 100% Data% even though `df` shows low filesystem usage, indicating the pool needs extension.
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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Configure local storage — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Configure local storage — This question tests Configure local storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: lvdisplay — D is correct because `lvdisplay` shows detailed attributes of LVM logical volumes, including size (LV Size) and current usage (Current LE, Allocated LE). E is correct because `lvs` provides a concise, tabular view of logical volumes with columns for size (LSize) and usage (Data% for thin volumes, or by comparing Allocated PE vs Total PE). Both commands directly query LVM metadata from the kernel device mapper.
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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