TLDR
Browsers can use a lot of RAM because they split work into separate processes, load large media files, keep code ready for speed, run many tabs and background tasks, and handle extra content like ads or add-ons. Most of the time this is normal, but it can feel slow if RAM runs out.
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Quick mental picture
A web page might be small like a note, but when you open it, the browser turns it into a full workspace with tools, pictures, videos, and background jobs. That bigger setup needs more memory.
Why browsers use so much RAM
RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. It stores things the system is using right now. Browsers use it to keep pages, images, videos, and code ready for you. The more work a browser does, the more RAM it needs.
Browsers split work for safety
Modern browsers separate each tab into its own process. This means if one tab crashes, the rest keep working. It also stops one site from interfering with another. But having many processes uses more RAM.
Pictures and videos take more space in memory
A picture might be a few megabytes when stored, but the browser makes it much bigger in memory so it can show it instantly. Videos, fonts, and page layouts also take up more space once loaded.
Code and features use memory to stay fast
Many sites use scripts to make things work, like buttons or forms. The browser prepares these scripts and keeps them in memory so they run quickly.
More tabs mean more memory use
Every open tab has its own files, images, and scripts. Even tabs you are not looking at might still refresh or keep running in the background.
Ads, trackers, and add-ons add to the load
Websites can have ads, tracking scripts, or small widgets that take up memory. Add-ons or extensions also use memory, especially if they run on every tab.
High memory use is not always bad
Browsers often use free memory to make pages load faster. If another program needs it, the system can take it back. So big numbers in memory use do not always mean something is wrong.
What happens when RAM runs low
When RAM is almost full, the computer moves some data to the hard drive or SSD, which is much slower. This can make tabs reload, freeze, or take longer to respond. Videos might stutter and switching between tabs can feel slow.
When it becomes a problem
If memory keeps going up and never drops, it might be a leak caused by a website or an add-on. This can slow things down or crash the browser.
How to use less RAM
Close tabs you do not need, remove unused add-ons, and avoid keeping too many video-heavy sites open. Some browsers also have features to put unused tabs to sleep and free up memory.
To sum it up
A page may look small, but once the browser loads it, the memory use grows. Most of the time this is normal and helps keep things fast. If it ever feels too heavy, cutting tabs and add-ons can help.
Read also: How "I Am Not A Robot" Verifications Protect Websites