Linear Inches Calculator: Airline Luggage Size Checker
Enter your bag's dimensions and get the total linear inches, then compare it against checked and carry-on size limits from 7 major airlines.
linear inches = L + W + HMeasure your bag
Preset dimensions shown in original units (inches switch input unit on tap).
How to measure (airline rules)
- Measure length + width + height at the bag's fullest, outermost points.
- Include wheels, handles, and expanded side pockets — airlines count them.
- Measure the bag packed as you will fly it, not empty and flat.
- Example: 30 + 20 + 12 = 62 linear inches — exactly at the standard checked limit.
- Example: 22 + 14 + 9 = 45 linear inches — the standard carry-on limit.
- Example: a 56 x 36 x 23 cm bag = 115 cm = 45.28 linear inches — slightly over 45.
Airline size limits
| Airline | Checked bag | Carry-on | Source |
|---|
Limits spot-checked . Airlines often print 157 cm or 158 cm for 62 in, and 114 cm for 45 in.
Frequently asked questions
What are linear inches?
Linear inches (or linear dimensions) are the total of a bag's length, width, and height added together, measured in inches. A bag that is 28 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 12 inches deep measures 59 linear inches.
How do airlines measure linear inches?
Airlines measure the outermost points of the bag with a tape measure: total length plus total width plus total height. Include wheels, handles, and expanded side pockets, because the airline's measurement includes everything that sticks out.
What is the standard checked bag size limit?
The seven major US airlines in our table all use 62 linear inches (about 157.48 cm) as the standard checked bag limit, as spot-checked on 2026-10-08. Bags over the limit may be charged an oversize fee or refused.
What is the standard carry-on size limit?
Most major US airlines allow a carry-on of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which is 45 linear inches. Southwest is the exception: it allows 24 x 16 x 10 inches, or 50 linear inches. Your bag must also fit in the overhead bin sizer at the gate.
Do wheels and handles count toward linear inches?
Yes. Airlines explicitly include wheels, handles, and any protruding pockets in the measurement. Always measure your bag packed and expanded, at its fullest points.
What happens if my bag is 1 inch over the limit?
Even one inch over can trigger an oversize fee at the check-in counter, so this calculator flags any bag within 1 inch of the limit as borderline. Repack, compress, or switch to a smaller bag when you see that warning.
How many centimeters is 62 linear inches?
62 inches equals 157.48 cm, which airlines usually round to 157 cm or 158 cm in their metric tables. 45 linear inches equals 114.3 cm, and 50 linear inches equals 127 cm.
Does this calculator check weight too?
No. This tool checks size only. Most major US airlines also limit checked bags to 50 pounds (23 kg), and an overweight bag is charged separately even if it fits the size limit. Weigh your bag on a luggage scale as well.
How much is the oversize baggage fee?
Oversize fees vary by airline, route, and fare class, and they change over time, so this calculator does not quote a dollar amount. Check your airline's current baggage page before you fly.
Is 62 inches the limit on international airlines too?
Not always. The 62-inch standard is common among US airlines, but international carriers use their own limits, often stated in centimeters. Use the custom limit mode and enter the limit from your airline's official baggage page.
Free tool by NRTechStudio