Head-to-head · Llama
Llama 3.2 1B vs Llama 3.2 3B
Llama 3.2 1B needs ~1.8 GB at Q4_K_M; Llama 3.2 3B needs ~3.2 GB. That ~1.4 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 0 of the 11 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
Llama 3.2 3B scores higher on LMArena (1166 vs 1110). The larger Llama 3.2 3B needs ~3.2 GB; Llama 3.2 1B runs on lighter hardware at ~1.8 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Llama 3.2 1B · what runs Llama 3.2 3B.
More Llama comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Llama 3.2 1B and Llama 3.2 3B?
At Q4_K_M, Llama 3.2 1B needs about 1.8 GB and Llama 3.2 3B needs about 3.2 GB, a difference of ~1.4 GB.
Should I run Llama 3.2 1B or Llama 3.2 3B?
Run Llama 3.2 3B if your hardware has the ~3.2 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Llama 3.2 1B (~1.8 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom. Llama 3.2 3B scores higher on LMArena (1166 vs 1110).
Full breakdowns: Llama 3.2 1B · Llama 3.2 3B · all models × devices.
Sources
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gorilla.cs.berkeley.edu · 1 source
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huggingface.co · 2 sources
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lmarena.ai · 1 source
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ollama.com · 2 sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M. Catalog updated 2026-10-12. See methodology.