About the Luggage Size Calculator
This luggage size calculator checks a suitcase, backpack or duffel against common airline limits. Enter the length, width and height (wheels and handles included) and the packed weight, choose a size limit, and it tells you whether the bag fits, by how much it is over, its linear size (length + width + height) in inches and centimetres and its capacity in liters.
Carry-on rules are usually a maximum for each dimension, such as 22 × 14 × 9 inches for most large US airlines, while checked bags are limited by linear size — typically 62 linear inches (158 cm) — and by weight, usually 50 lb (23 kg) in economy. Many international and low-cost carriers also cap carry-on weight at around 7–10 kg.
The presets reflect widely used limits, but each airline, fare type and route sets its own rules, and budget airlines are often stricter. Always confirm with your airline before you fly. The calculator compares the bag in any orientation (longest side against the longest limit), which is how sizers are used in practice.
How to use the luggage size calculator
- 1Measure the bag’s height, width and depth including wheels, handles and pockets.
- 2Choose inches or centimetres and enter the measurements.
- 3Weigh the packed bag and enter its weight in pounds or kilograms.
- 4Pick the carry-on, personal item or checked limit to test against.
- 5Read the verdict and any dimension or weight that is over.
Formula and method
Linear size, also called linear inches or total dimensions, is simply the length plus width plus height of the bag, including wheels and handles. Checked-bag limits are usually expressed this way, most commonly 62 linear inches (158 cm). Carry-on limits are normally per-dimension maximums, so the calculator sorts your bag's sides from longest to shortest and compares each against the matching limit.
Volume in liters is the product of the three dimensions in centimetres divided by 1,000; a soft or rounded bag will hold a little less than this box volume. Weights are converted with the exact definition 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg and compared with the preset's weight allowance when it has one.
- L, W, H
- Length, width and height (depth) of the bag
- Linear size
- Sum of the three dimensions
Worked examples
Standard 22-inch carry-on
A 22 × 14 × 9 inch bag is 45 linear inches (114.3 cm) and holds about 45.4 liters. It exactly matches the common US carry-on limit, so it fits; 15 lb is about 6.8 kg.
Checked suitcase that is too heavy
A 29 × 19 × 12 inch case totals 60 linear inches, inside the 62-inch limit, and holds about 108 liters. At 53 lb (24.0 kg) it is 3 lb over the 50 lb allowance, so you would pay an overweight fee.
Metric cabin bag on a strict international fare
A 55 × 40 × 23 cm bag is 118 cm in total and about 50.6 liters, but its 23 cm depth is 3 cm over the 20 cm limit and 8 kg is 1 kg over the 7 kg allowance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate linear inches for luggage?+
Add the length, width and height of the bag in inches, including wheels and handles. A 27 × 18 × 11 inch suitcase is 56 linear inches. Most airlines allow checked bags up to 62 linear inches (158 cm).
What is the standard carry-on size?+
Most large US airlines allow carry-ons up to 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm), including wheels and handles. Many European and Asian airlines use 55 × 40 × 20 cm or 56 × 45 × 25 cm, often with a 7–10 kg weight limit.
Do wheels and handles count in luggage size?+
Yes. Airlines measure the outside dimensions of the bag including wheels, handles, feet and expanded pockets. A suitcase sold as "22 inch" may measure 23 inches or more once wheels are included.
How many liters is a carry-on?+
A bag at the 22 × 14 × 9 inch limit has a box volume of about 45 liters, and a 55 × 40 × 20 cm bag about 44 liters. Soft bags and rounded shells usually hold somewhat less than the box volume.
What is the weight limit for checked bags?+
In economy the usual limit is 50 lb (23 kg) per bag; business and first class often allow 70 lb (32 kg). Bags over the limit typically incur overweight fees, and many airlines will not accept a single checked bag over 70 lb (32 kg) at all; the bag must then be split or shipped as cargo.