to create a logic volume, you start by creating a partition [root@localhost /]# fdisk /dev/sdb Welcome to fdisk (util-linux 2.23.2). Changes will remain in memory only, until you decide to write them. Be careful before using the write command. Command (m for help): p Disk /dev/sdb: 4294 MB, 4294967296 bytes, 8388608 sectors Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes Disk label type: dos Disk identifier: 0xc0ee42ab Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System /dev/sdb1 2048 206847 102400 83 Linux Command (m for help): # there is free space Command (m for help): n Partition type: p primary (1 primary, 0 extended, 3 free) e extended Select (default p): p Partition number (2-4, default 2): 3 First sector (206848-8388607, default 206848): Using default value 206848 Last sector, +sectors or +size{K,M