PHP upload_max_filesize
upload_max_filesize is the largest single file PHP accepts in an upload. A photo, a video or a
plugin package larger than this doesn’t reach WordPress.
Why it matters
Section titled “Why it matters”It decides what you can upload through the WordPress admin: large photos, videos, PDF files, and
theme or plugin packages. WordPress shows the result in the Media Library as “Maximum upload file
size”. That value is the smaller of this limit and post_max_size, because
every upload has to fit both.
The limit only applies to uploads through PHP. Files copied to the server another way, for example over SFTP, aren’t affected.
What influences it
Section titled “What influences it”Server: The hosting provider sets the limit in PHP’s configuration. The web server’s
own limit on request size, and post_max_size, can make the effective maximum smaller.
WordPress: On Multisite, the network settings set their own maximum, which can be lower. Plugins can lower the limit WordPress applies, but can’t raise it beyond what PHP allows.
In Permo
Section titled “In Permo”The Upload limit card is in System info, tab Server & System, under PHP. It shows
upload_max_filesize with the note Largest file you can upload; the
post size limit is the card next to it. The card gives context; Permo
doesn’t rate it.
Reference values
Section titled “Reference values”PHP’s default is 2 MB (source: php.net, Core php.ini directives, accessed October 16, 2026).