Logical drive numbering

[theKbStockpiler]

Why are Linux drive numbers skipped when extended partitions are used.

This is a bad example of a hard drive but it is clear to what I'm asking.

[sgosnell]

The limit on the number of primary partitions is 4, and all partitions numbered 1 through 4 are primary partitions. Logical partition numbers start at 5. Any time you see a partition number of 5 or larger, you know it's a logical partition. If the number is 4 or smaller, it's a primary partition.

[theKbStockpiler]

I can't find a solid explanation of the (missing drive numbers). I could understand if the first primary drive which is the only primary drive used all of the numbers 1-4 but the extended partition gets number 2. Partitions 3 and 4 are unaccounted for.

[jayd512]

It's because an extended partition is, in fact, a primary partition.
In your screenshot, I see sda1. Then there is sda2 as a primary... formated to be extended.
As mentioned above, extended partitions start at 5.

[oz]

Partitions 3 and 4 are unaccounted for.

Partition numbers 1 through 4 are reserved for primary partitions.

Check the fdisk manual page for more info on partition numbering:

man fdisk

Quoted from the manual page:

The four primary partitions, present or not, get numbers 1-4. Logical partitions start numbering from 5.

[theKbStockpiler]

Thanks for the narrowing it down , five and up logical partition that are part of a extended partition. I have the basics down but am still vague on most of it. Why is it possible to create an extended partition and then make a primary partition within that? What differene does it make other than how the MBR can store the data?

[jayd512]

Why is it possible to create an extended partition and then make a primary partition within that?

The short answer... Since the extended partition is a primary, then all partitions within it are primary, as well.
I'm sure that there is a longer, more technical way to explain it, but there ya go

[theKbStockpiler]

Gparted will only create a logical partitian within a Extended partition. I will add to this later or repost.

[jayd512]

You're not doing anything wrong.
That's all you're gonna get in an Extended partition.

[sgosnell]

Why is it possible to create an extended partition and then make a primary partition within that?

It's not possible to do that. The partitions inside an extended partition are logical partitions, and never primary.