In an approach to adaptive tape calibration criteria based on the number of stop writes, the number of rewrite occurrences caused by a stop write is determined for each specific tape drive type. Responsive to detecting a stop write during a write operation, the total number of stop writes is stored on the tape drive. A rewrite calibration threshold is determined, where the rewrite calibration threshold includes the total number of stop writes on the tape drive and a calibration reference value for the specific tape drive type. Responsive to the number of rewrite occurrences caused by the stop write exceeding the rewrite calibration threshold while writing a data set on the tape drive, a calibration of the tape drive is performed.
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