Macbook Pro Ram Usage

[Gangster]

Hi,

Just wanting to check that this is correct. I've restarted my MBP, Specs are 15'' 2018 16gb ram.

See this screenshot below...

Is this saying that I am using 11gb out of my 16gb? I've got Firefox with 8 tabs open, messages, mail and discord open.

Just a bit alarmed as I never thought it would be that high, I had imagined that those basic tasks would be around 8gb or so.

Asking because I'm looking at a new macbook and debating whether I need 16gb or 24gb (macbook air). Also needing the 512gb to help with speeds just incase swap is being used... looks like my machine here is going into that? Which I never thought would happen... I thought 16gb would be plenty.... It's nothing intense I am doing so I am not sure why its 11gb out of 16gb usage? Any ideas?

 

[Gangster]

Thanks for the replies. Asking for two reasons, is that 11gb out of 16gb actually being used or is Mac different to Windows how it shows actual usage?

And two, I'm looking for a new macbook air so deciding whether to get 16gb or 24gb... If 11/16gb is used I'm leaning towards 24gb?! (Even though I've no idea how a few tabs and apps can accumulate to that). I also plan on using Parallels (and 11/16 at the moment is without parallels even running).

Thanks

 

[Gangster]

So just so I've understood, 11 out of 16gb in my case is being used meaning there is no way with what I am doing I could drop down to 8gb? Is that the right way to read it.

 

[Gangster]

Thanks for all of your input.