Why much more space for x86_64 installation

[wu_qso]

Why does an x86_64 installation need much more disk space than an i686 installation?

[CSchwangler]

Can you quantify "much more"? In general, 64-bit needs more space since the packages are a bit larger. It also needs more memory due to the same reason.

[Hlingler]

It is also likely that you have some 32-bit compatibility libraries installed, which will increase installation size depending on how many (but could be quite large).

V

[jpollard]

Address locations are 64 bits, so every transfer, function call, and variable
location requires 64 bits.

The expansion really shouldn't be more than about 20% on disk. Memory
requirements while executing can requite a good bit more depending on
the program, and how it is used.