An adaptive guard band for a ramp load/unload device is disclosed to provide extended data storage. In illustrated embodiments, an adaptive guard band algorithm is configured to format one or more discs or media having a lower capacity device with the adaptive guard band and extended data zone utilizing capacity measurements. The algorithm formats the media to provide a track zero at a first cylinder if the capacity is at or above the threshold capacity and a second cylinder if the capacity is below the threshold capacity to provide the extended data storage zone. A size or width of the extended data zone is variable to provide additional capacity to meet the threshold capacity.