Head-to-head · Gemma
Gemma 3 270M vs Gemma 3 27B
Gemma 3 270M needs ~1.1 GB at Q4_K_M; Gemma 3 27B needs ~18.6 GB. That ~17.5 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 9 of the 14 devices below.
Which devices run each
A representative spread across the memory range. Tap a verdict for the full breakdown.
Size at each quantization
* derived from bits-per-weight; unstarred sizes are measured GGUF files.
Bottom line
The larger Gemma 3 27B needs ~18.6 GB; Gemma 3 270M runs on lighter hardware at ~1.1 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Gemma 3 270M · what runs Gemma 3 27B.
More Gemma comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Gemma 3 270M and Gemma 3 27B?
At Q4_K_M, Gemma 3 270M needs about 1.1 GB and Gemma 3 27B needs about 18.6 GB, a difference of ~17.5 GB.
Should I run Gemma 3 270M or Gemma 3 27B?
Run Gemma 3 27B if your hardware has the ~18.6 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Gemma 3 270M (~1.1 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom.
Full breakdowns: Gemma 3 270M · Gemma 3 27B · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.