Abstract: A method and a system for determining how much data to cache, that is, optimizing disk caching control by selecting the optimal staging mode are disclosed. Specifically, the method and system of the present invention provides an analytical framework for determining how much data to cache thus producing a maximum hit rate and optimal utilization of computer system resources. The method and system in accordance with the present invention includes determining a history of referencing data on a disk and predicting an optimal staging mode from a plurality of staging modes based upon the history. The method and system of the present invention in the preferred embodiment allow staging in one of at least three modes: record staging, staging to the end of track, and full track staging.