How to Measure Luggage Size

If you have to fly somewhere, chances are you need to bring some luggage. You will have to measure your baggage accurately as airlines have requirements on the size and weight of carry-on baggage. Let’s start by being informed when buying a new bag. Then you’ll take the most common measurements, including total three-dimensional dimensions, weight, height, depth, and width. If you weigh your luggage first, you will save yourself a headache at the airport.

Table of Contents

Choose the right baggage

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Find out what your airline’s baggage requirements are. Each airline has slightly different requirements for checked baggage and hand baggage. You can find that information on the airline’s website, usually in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Remember that the airline’s website will have the most up-to-date information.

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Make sure the bag extension is within the size requirements. Some pockets have a small zipper around the edge that doesn’t open up a new bag compartment, but does expand your bag. If you think you’ll need to use this extension, make sure you measure your bag when it’s locked and when it’s extended. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Double check the list of regulated retailers on their website. Many baggage retailers will advertise that their baggage is “compliance with carry-on baggage requirements”. They will also list measurements that appear to fit most airline hand baggage size requirements. However, you should measure your luggage yourself before packing and taking it to the airport. Different airlines have different requirements, and retailers don’t always have exact measurements. ^{[3] X Trusted Source Consumer Reports Go to Source}

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Measure luggage after packing. Your baggage may fit the airline’s requirements when empty, but it can vary in size when packed. Pack everything you need to bring, then measure again.

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Compare hand baggage and checked baggage dimensions. Most airlines allow you to bring larger luggage if you check in. Make sure you know whether you’re carrying hand or checked baggage and know the airline’s size requirements for the type of baggage you’ve selected.

Most airlines have strict weight requirements for checked baggage. Make sure you weigh your luggage after it’s fully packed to make sure the dimensions are within the required range.

Measure

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Measure the total three-dimensional dimensions of the luggage. Since luggage comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, some airlines only require the total dimensions of the baggage in inches or centimeters. Measure the length, height and depth of luggage, including handles and wheels. Add those three measurements together to get the sum of the three dimensions, in centimeters or inches. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Measure the height from the wheel to the top of the handle. Some retailers list the height as the “upright” size. To get the height of the luggage, measure from the bottom of the wheels (if your luggage has wheels) to the top of the handle of the luggage. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

If you are using a duffle bag, place a ruler at one end of the bag and measure from one end to the other.

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Measure from the back of the suitcase to the front to find the depth. Depth represents the depth of the suitcase. So, to find the depth, you need to measure from the back of the suitcase (where you put your clothes when you’re packing) to the front (usually with additional zipper and slip pockets).

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Measure from side to side to find the width. To measure the width of your luggage, you need to place it facing you. Then measure across the front of the luggage. Make sure you include the handles at the edges when measuring.

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Weigh luggage. Each airline has a weight limit for hand baggage and checked baggage. Remember to include the weight of the bag itself when empty. If you have a scale at home, weigh your luggage once it’s fully packed. This can help you avoid unnecessary fees or having to drop things off at the airport. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Steps

Choose the right baggage

Measure

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