Memory readings

See memory with a little more context.

Used memory tells you about capacity. Pressure helps you understand how the system is coping.

Keep used memory nearby

MacStatsBar shows an estimate of used memory based on macOS virtual-memory accounting, excluding file cache and purgeable pages. The live card names compressed memory and swap separately. This gives you a useful overview without treating every used byte as a problem.

Used memory and pressure answer different questions

The amount of used RAM is not a diagnosis of slow performance. macOS can make use of available memory for its work. Memory pressure considers how well memory is serving current needs. If you want a fuller view, open Activity Monitor's Memory tab.

An unavailable pressure reading

MacStatsBar's pressure style becomes available after macOS reports a pressure event. The app does not assume an initial Normal state. Until an event arrives, the control can remain unavailable even while the used-memory reading is present.

Choose what to keep visible

Start with used capacity or a bar if you want a simple menu bar glance. Open the app to see the named figures. Choose Off when you prefer to keep memory out of the menu bar; its live card remains below the controls.

Questions you might have

Does high used memory mean I need more RAM?

Not by itself. Look at how the Mac is working, memory pressure and swap activity together. Activity Monitor offers a fuller view for investigating memory.

Does MacStatsBar clean memory?

No. It monitors readings and does not clear memory, force apps to close or change macOS memory management.