twisted.protocols.ftp.FTP.ftp_SIZE(self, path) method documentation

File SIZE

The FTP command, SIZE OF FILE (SIZE), is used to obtain the transfer size of a file from the server-FTP process. This is the exact number of octets (8 bit bytes) that would be transmitted over the data connection should that file be transmitted. This value will change depending on the current STRUcture, MODE, and TYPE of the data connection or of a data connection that would be created were one created now. Thus, the result of the SIZE command is dependent on the currently established STRU, MODE, and TYPE parameters.

The SIZE command returns how many octets would be transferred if the file were to be transferred using the current transfer structure, mode, and type. This command is normally used in conjunction with the RESTART (REST) command when STORing a file to a remote server in STREAM mode, to determine the restart point. The server-PI might need to read the partially transferred file, do any appropriate conversion, and count the number of octets that would be generated when sending the file in order to correctly respond to this command. Estimates of the file transfer size MUST NOT be returned; only precise information is acceptable.

http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3659