History, Sound, How to Play Them & Why They Have That Big Hole

Last Updated: August 21, 2026

Walk into almost any record store and you’ll eventually find a crate full of small 7-inch records with oversized center holes. Those are 45 RPM records – one of the most recognizable formats in the history of recorded music.

While today’s collectors often focus on 12-inch LPs spinning at 33⅓ RPM, the humble 45 played an enormous role in the development of popular music. For decades, if you wanted the latest hit from Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Motown, The Beach Boys, or countless other artists, you often bought it on a 45. But why do 45s spin at 45 revolutions per minute? Why do they have that huge hole in the middle? And does a 45 RPM record actually sound better?

What Is a 45 RPM Record?

A 45 RPM record is a vinyl record designed to play at 45 revolutions per minute.

The classic 45 is a 7-inch single, usually containing one song on each side:

• Side A — the main song or hit
• Side B — a second song, often a lesser-known track, alternate version, or exclusive B-side

The format was introduced by RCA Victor in 1949, during a period when the record industry was changing rapidly. Columbia had introduced its 12-inch, 33⅓ RPM long-playing record the year before, creating a new format designed primarily for albums. RCA’s 45 was aimed at the single-song market. The 45 and the LP weren’t really competing for exactly the same job – the LP was becoming the format for albums, and the 45 became the format for singles.

That distinction would shape popular music for decades.

Why 45 Revolutions per Minute? Not 33 1/3 or 78?

Because 45 RPM was essentially the engineering “sweet spot” RCA landed on for a 7-inch single—not because there was anything inherently magical about the number 45.

The key thing is that they were trying to replace the 78 RPM, 10-inch single with something smaller and better. Engineers had to balance playing time – Slow enough to get several minutes of music, sound quality: fast enough that the groove passed the stylus quickly enough to reproduce higher frequencies well andgGroove spacing: fast enough to maintain good fidelity, but slow enough to fit a song on a 7-inch disc.

Physical size: The 7-inch format was intended to be compact and inexpensive and fit automatic changers – the speed had to work reliably with RCA’s new record-changing mechanism.

And here’s the really interesting part: 45 RPM wasn’t simply picked out of thin air. RCA had developed a system around a 7-inch, 45 RPM, microgroove record, and the speed, diameter, groove dimensions, and changer mechanism were designed to work together as one package.

There was also some historical baggage. 78 RPM had become the established speed for 10-inch records, while Columbia’s new LP was running at 33⅓ RPM. RCA needed a speed that would make sense for a small single while giving it substantially better playing time and fidelity than a 78.

At 45 RPM, a typical 7-inch record could comfortably hold about 3–5 minutes per side, which was almost perfect for the popular songs of the era.

When Was the First 45 RPM Record Made?

RCA introduced its 45 RPM format in 1949. The Library of Congress identifies RCA’s introduction of the large-hole, 7-inch 45 RPM record and its associated record changer/adapter as one of the major developments in the recorded-sound industry that year. The first commercial 45 releases appeared in the United States in March 1949, and the format eventually became enormously successful.

The timing was important, because consumers were moving away from fragile shellac 78 RPM records toward new microgroove vinyl formats. In 1948, Columbia introduced its 33⅓ RPM LP; in 1949, RCA answered with the 45 RPM record. For a brief period, consumers had three major speeds to contend with: 78, 33⅓, and 45 RPM. The 45 ultimately won its place as the dominant single format.

Why Do 45 RPM Records Have a Big Hole?

This is probably the question people ask most often. The oversized center hole wasn’t just a quirky design choice, it is closely connected to record changers and jukeboxes. RCA designed the format to work with automatic record-changing equipment. The larger center opening made it possible for specially designed spindles and adapters to handle stacks of 45s efficiently.

That mattered enormously in the postwar era, because a jukebox could hold a large selection of singles, allowing customers to select individual songs without anyone having to manually place a record on the turntable.

The big hole became one of the defining characteristics of the 45.

Why Does My Turntable Need an Adapter?

Modern turntables generally use a small spindle designed for LPs and other standard-center-hole records.

A traditional 45 has a much larger opening.

That’s where the little 45 RPM adapter comes in.

You place the adapter over the turntable spindle, place the 45 over the adapter, select 45 RPM, and you’re ready to play.

45 RPM Adapter Recommendation

If you’re starting a collection of vintage 45s, a 45 adapter is one of the least expensive and most useful accessories you can buy.

Affiliate disclosure: Rocky Mountain Records may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page.

Not all 45 RPM records have the big hole. Some come like a standard LP and some have a knock-out insert creating a solid center. Removing the center punch out is called “dinking” and when a 45 has had the knock out removed, it’s called “dinked.” Having the solid center was a practical design choice as it allowed for the records to be played on a regular turntable, or, once removed, could be used in a jukebox. Some collectors prefer finding a record that hasn’t been “dinked” and still lhave the insert. I think they’re pretty cool looking and a lot easier to listen to since you don’t need an adapter.

How Do You Play a 45 RPM Record?

Playing a 45 is simple once you know what your turntable needs.

1. Make sure your turntable supports 45 RPM

Most modern turntables support both 33⅓ and 45 RPM – Some also support 78 RPM. But if you’re shopping for a turntable specifically because you have a collection of 45s, check the specifications before buying.

2. Use a 45 adapter if necessary

If your record has the traditional large center hole, you’ll need an adapter unless your turntable has a built-in large spindle designed for 45s.

3. Select 45 RPM

Set the turntable to 45 RPM rather than 33⅓.

Playing a 45 at the wrong speed is one of the easiest ways to make your favorite song sound very, very wrong.

4. Lower the stylus carefully

Place the record on the platter, use the adapter if needed, and lower the stylus onto the lead-in groove. Then just enjoy the record.

Do 45 RPM Records Sound Better?

This is where things get interesting…A 45 RPM record can have sonic advantages over a comparable 33⅓ RPM pressing, but “45 RPM always sounds better” is too simplistic. The basic idea is easy to understand, at 45 RPM, the record is moving past the stylus faster than it does at 33⅓ RPM. That can provide more groove velocity and, depending on how the record was mastered and cut, can make it possible to achieve excellent high-frequency response, dynamics, and detail.

But speed isn’t the only factor.

The quality of the:

• Original recording
• Mastering
• Lacquer cut
• Vinyl pressing
• Cartridge
• Stylus
• Turntable
• Playback system

all influence what you ultimately hear.

That’s why a great 33⅓ RPM pressing can sound better than a mediocre 45 RPM pressing.

Why Do Audiophile Labels Use 45 RPM?

Audiophile labels have long used 45 RPM as a way of maximizing the potential of an analog mastering. The tradeoff is obvious: you need more record sides, so instead of putting an entire album on one or two LP sides, a 45 RPM audiophile edition may spread the music across several sides.

That means:

Better potential sound quality + more record flipping.

For serious listeners, that’s often a worthwhile trade – personally, I don’t really like 45 RPM LPs. I’d rather not have to flip the record so many times, but that said, I have several audiophile pressings that are 45 RPM, and although it’s a pain, it can be worth it for the sound quality. The above record, Muddy Waters is a Folk Singer is one example of this. I have both the 33 1/3 and the 45 version, and honestly, I listen to the 33 1/3 version more often.

The Different Types of 45 RPM Records

Not every 45 looks or sounds the same.

Traditional 7-Inch Singles

This is the format most people picture when they hear the term “45.”

A typical single contains one track on each side.

These are the records you’ll find in vintage 45 crates, jukebox collections, thrift stores, estate sales, and record shops.

Picture Sleeve 45s

Some singles were sold with illustrated or photographic sleeves.

These can be significantly more collectible than a bare record, especially when the sleeve is in excellent condition.

For collectors, the condition of the record and the sleeve can both matter.

Promotional 45s

Record companies distributed promotional copies to radio stations, DJs, music industry personnel, and other insiders.

You’ll sometimes see terms such as:

• Promo
• DJ copy
• Demonstration
• Not for sale
• White label promo

These can be especially interesting to collectors.

Extended Play Records

EPs occupy the space between a single and a full album.

They contain more music than a traditional two-song single but generally less than an LP.

12-Inch 45 RPM Records

The 45 RPM format isn’t limited to 7-inch singles.

During the disco era and afterward, DJs embraced 12-inch singles because the larger disc allowed wider grooves and could accommodate longer or louder mixes.

The 12-inch 45 became an important tool for DJs and dance music.

Today, 12-inch 45 RPM pressings are also popular with audiophiles.

Why Did 45s Become So Popular?

The 45 was essentially the perfect format for the singles-driven music business.

It was:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Small and easy to store
• Durable compared with older shellac records
• Easy to manufacture
• Ideal for jukeboxes
• Perfect for radio promotion
• Affordable for consumers

Most importantly, it let people buy one song without buying an entire album. That sounds obvious today, but before streaming, downloads, and digital singles, this was a major part of how people discovered and purchased music. Kind of like an early versions of your old iTunes library.

45s and the Rise of Rock & Roll

The 45 became deeply connected with the explosion of popular music in the 1950s and 1960s. Rock & roll, soul, R&B, country, pop, and later disco all relied heavily on the single. A teenager could walk into a record store with a few dollars and leave with several new songs.

• Radio stations played the singles.
• Jukeboxes played the singles.
• Teenagers collected the singles.
• Record charts measured the success of singles.
• The 45 wasn’t simply a storage format.

It became part of the culture surrounding popular music.

What Makes a 45 Valuable?

Most old 45s aren’t rare or especially valuable. That’s part of what makes them fun to collect. That said, certain records can command serious prices.

Factors that can affect value include:

Artist

Major artists generally attract more collectors.

Song

A famous hit isn’t necessarily rare, while an obscure B-side or unreleased track can sometimes be much more desirable.

Label and Catalog Number

Different pressings can have dramatically different values.

Condition

Condition matters enormously.

A scratched, heavily worn record generally isn’t going to command the same price as a clean copy.

Picture Sleeve

An original picture sleeve can add significant collectible value.

Promo Status

Promotional copies can be desirable, particularly when they contain unique mixes, edits, labels, or other differences.

Rarity

The most important question is often simply:

How many copies exist?

That’s one reason collectors use resources such as Discogs and specialized price guides to research particular pressings.

How Should You Store 45 RPM Records?

If you’re building a 45 collection, don’t just throw the records into a cardboard box.

Protect them.

A basic 45 storage setup should include:

• Clean inner sleeves
• Protective outer sleeves
• Vertical storage
• A reasonably cool, dry environment
• Protection from direct sunlight

Avoid storing vinyl horizontally in large stacks for long periods.

Pressure, heat, moisture, and poor storage conditions can all contribute to problems over time.

7-Inch Record Sleeves

If you’re buying used 45s, replacing damaged or missing sleeves is an inexpensive way to improve your collection.

Check prices at Amazon.

Keep Your 45s Clean

Dust is the enemy of vinyl playback. A simple carbon-fiber or anti-static record brush is one of the cheapest useful accessories you can add to a turntable setup.

Give the record a light cleaning before playing it, particularly if it has been sitting in storage. And remember: cleaning a record doesn’t mean scrubbing it aggressively. The goal is to remove dust and contamination without damaging the record surface.

Are 45 RPM Records Still Being Made?

Absolutely. The format never completely disappeared. Modern artists, independent labels, DJs, collectors, and specialty record companies continue to release 7-inch singles.

Limited-edition 7-inch records are particularly common among independent artists and special releases.

Record Store Day has also helped keep the culture surrounding singles, limited pressings, and collectible vinyl visible to a new generation of listeners.

At the same time, audiophile labels continue to use 45 RPM for premium pressings.

So while the 45 is a historical format, it isn’t merely a historical artifact.

Are 45 RPM Records Worth Collecting?

If you enjoy singles, absolutely.

One of the best things about collecting 45s is that you don’t need a huge budget to get started.

You can find inexpensive records at:

• Record stores
• Thrift stores
• Estate sales
• Flea markets
• Garage sales
• Antique malls
• Online marketplaces

And because individual 45s are relatively small, you can build a surprisingly large music collection without needing the storage space required for hundreds of LPs.

For many collectors, the hunt is half the fun.

You never quite know what is going to be sitting in the next crate.

45 RPM Records: A Small Format With a Huge History

The 45 RPM record may be small, but its influence on music is enormous.

RCA introduced the format in 1949 as the record industry was entering a new era of microgroove vinyl. Columbia’s 33⅓ RPM LP was becoming the album format, while RCA’s 45 became the single format. For decades, the 45 was how millions of people bought, discovered, shared, and played popular music. The oversized center hole was designed around the practical realities of record changers and jukeboxes.

The 45 RPM speed helped make the format ideally suited to singles.

And today, 45s remain one of the most accessible and enjoyable areas of vinyl collecting.

Whether you’re hunting for Motown singles, original rock & roll releases, obscure soul records, promotional copies, picture sleeves, or modern 7-inch releases, there’s a lot to discover.

And that’s probably the best thing about 45s.

You don’t need to be an expert to start collecting them.

You just need a turntable, a 45 adapter, and a song you love.

45 RPM Records FAQ

What does 45 RPM mean?

45 RPM means the record platter rotates at 45 revolutions per minute.

Why do 45s have a big hole?

The large center hole was part of the format’s design for use with record changers and related playback equipment.

Do all 45s have big holes?

No. Many traditional 7-inch singles have large center holes, but some 7-inch records have standard small center holes.

Can you play a 45 on any turntable?

You need a turntable that supports 45 RPM. If the record has a large center hole, you’ll generally also need a 45 adapter.

Do 45 RPM records sound better than LPs?

Not necessarily. A well-mastered 45 RPM pressing can have sonic advantages, but mastering, pressing quality, equipment, and the source recording all matter.

Are old 45 RPM records valuable?

Some are, but most aren’t particularly valuable. Artist, pressing, rarity, condition, label, catalog number, and picture sleeve condition can all affect value.

Are 45 RPM records still made?

Yes. Modern artists and labels continue to release 7-inch singles, while specialty and audiophile labels continue to produce 45 RPM records.

What is the best way to store 45s?

Keep them vertically stored in protective sleeves in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

More From Rocky Mountain Records

New to vinyl?

Read our Beginner Turntable Guide.

Want to understand your turntable better?

See our Complete Guide to Turntable Parts.

Buying used records?

Learn How Vinyl Record Grading Works.

Trying to identify or research a pressing?

Read our Discogs 101 guide.

Looking for more vinyl knowledge?

Explore our Vinyl Basics section.