It’s a traveler’s nightmare: arriving at the airport only to discover that your suitcase is too big to meet the airline’s carry-on requirements. Or, even worse, you get to your destination and your suitcase has been damaged because it was too big. Now your items could be broken or damaged because of an oversized bag. To avoid these mishaps, it’s important to know how to measure your suitcase correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do just that
First you will need a measuring tape or a ruler and locate the three dimensions that make up the size of your suitcase: height, width, and depth. Start by measuring the height of the suitcase. Place the tape measure or ruler at the bottom of the suitcase and extend it to the top. Make sure to include any wheels or handles that will protrude from the suitcase when it is packed.
Next, measure the width of the suitcase. Place the tape measure or ruler at one side of the suitcase and extend it to the other side. Again, make sure to include any wheels or handles that will protrude from the suitcase when it is packed. Finally, measure the depth of the suitcase by placing the tape measure or ruler at the front of the suitcase and extending it to the back. Include any wheels or handles that will protrude.
Once you have measured all three dimensions, add them together to get the total size of the suitcase. Compare this number to the airline’s carry-on requirements to make sure that your suitcase will fit. If your suitcase is too big, you may need to repack it or check it in as luggage. Remember, these measurements are typically done by the airline based on the size of the overhead bins. Make sure to check with the airline prior to arriving.
Measuring a Suitcase’s Length
Determining the length of a suitcase is crucial to ensure it meets airline size restrictions and fits comfortably into storage compartments. Here’s a detailed guide on how to accurately measure the length of your suitcase:
1. Position the Suitcase for Accurate Measurement
Stand the suitcase upright on a flat surface, with the wheels on the ground and the handle fully extended. This ensures the suitcase is in its natural position when packed.
Align the suitcase parallel to the edge of a table or counter, with the side facing you. This will provide a straight reference line for measuring.
Flatten the handle completely against the suitcase to eliminate any extra height it may add to the measurement.
Measuring with a Measuring Tape
Extend a measuring tape from one end of the suitcase to the other, along the side facing you. Ensure the tape is straight and parallel to the edge of the table or counter.
Read the measurement where the tape meets the other end of the suitcase. This will give you the length of the suitcase in inches or centimeters, depending on the tape you’re using.
Measuring with a Ruler or Yardstick
If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a ruler or yardstick to measure the length of the suitcase. Place the edge of the ruler or yardstick against one end of the suitcase and hold it parallel to the edge of the table or counter.
Mark the measurement where the end of the ruler or yardstick reaches the other end of the suitcase. Then, use a separate tape measure or ruler to measure the length between the marks.
| Measuring Tool | Method |
|---|---|
| Measuring Tape | Extend the tape from one end to the other, parallel to the suitcase’s side. |
| Ruler or Yardstick | Mark the length, then measure between the marks with a separate tape measure or ruler. |
Measuring a Suitcase’s Height
Measuring a suitcase’s height is essential for ensuring it meets airline and transportation regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Find a Flat Surface
Lay your suitcase flat on a level surface, such as the floor or a table.
2. Measure from the Bottom to the Top
Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the distance from the bottom of the suitcase (where the wheels are) to the highest point of the handle or any other protruding object.
3. Check for Wheels and Handles
If the suitcase has wheels or handles that extend beyond the main body, make sure to include their height in your measurement. Here’s a table to help you account for these protruding parts:
| Protruding Part | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wheels | From the bottom of the wheel to the top of the wheel well |
| Handles | From the top of the main handle to the highest point of any protruding handles |
Remember to measure the tallest point of the suitcase, including any protruding parts, to ensure an accurate height measurement.
Using a Measuring Tape for Precise Measurements
When it comes to measuring your suitcase, a measuring tape is the most accurate and precise tool you can use. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use a measuring tape to measure your suitcase:
- Lay your suitcase flat on the ground.
- Place the edge of the measuring tape at the bottom-left corner of the suitcase.
- Pull the measuring tape across the suitcase, stopping at the top-right corner.
- Read the measurement on the measuring tape. This is the length of your suitcase.
To measure the width of your suitcase, simply follow the same steps as above, but measure from the bottom-left corner to the bottom-right corner.
To measure the height of your suitcase, stand it upright on the ground. Then, measure from the bottom of the suitcase to the top of the handle.
Once you have taken all three measurements, write them down on a piece of paper or use our suitcase measurement conversion tool to convert them to the required units.
Utilizing a Measuring Wheel for Large Suitcases
For large suitcases that exceed the typical carry-on size, a measuring wheel can provide a precise measurement. This device consists of a rotating wheel with a digital display that measures distance.
To use a measuring wheel effectively, follow these steps:
- Extend the Measuring Wheel: Unlock the wheel and extend it to its full length.
- Align the Wheel with the Suitcase: Place one end of the measuring wheel at the bottom corner of the suitcase.
- Walk Around the Suitcase: Slowly walk the wheel around the suitcase, keeping it parallel to the edge.
- Stop at the Starting Point: Continue walking until you return to the starting point.
- Read the Measurement: Check the digital display for the total distance traveled. This measurement represents the circumference of the suitcase.
Here’s a handy table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Extend the measuring wheel. |
| 2 | Align the wheel with the suitcase. |
| 3 | Walk around the suitcase. |
| 4 | Stop at the starting point. |
| 5 | Read the measurement on the digital display. |
Remember, this measurement does not include any handles or straps that extend beyond the main body of the suitcase. Consider these additional measurements when determining the overall size for airline restrictions.
Correctly Positioning Luggage for Accurate Measurements
To ensure accurate suitcase measurements, it’s crucial to position your luggage correctly. Here are some key points:
1. Choose a flat surface: Place your suitcase on a flat and level surface, such as a floor or table.
2. Orient the suitcase upright: Stand the suitcase upright on its wheels or side, depending on the orientation you want to measure.
3. Align the handle: If measuring with the handle extended, retract it completely or ensure it’s perpendicular to the suitcase.
4. Measure the height: Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the height from the ground or surface to the highest point of the suitcase, including handles or wheels.
5. Measure the width: Measure the width of the suitcase by placing the tape measure across the widest point.
6. Measure the depth: Measure the depth of the suitcase by placing the tape measure parallel to the wheels and measuring the distance from the front to the back.
7. Consider your airline’s size restrictions: Check the airline’s website or contact them directly for specific size requirements.
8. Allow for packing compression: Soft-sided suitcases may compress slightly when packed, so consider adding a few centimeters to your measurements.
9. Measure twice: To ensure accuracy, measure your suitcase from multiple angles and double-check your results.
10. Record your measurements clearly: Keep a record of your measurements in a convenient location, such as a note on your phone or a label on the suitcase.
How To Measure Suitcase
When measuring a suitcase, there are two main dimensions to consider: length and width. The length is measured from the top of the suitcase to the bottom, while the width is measured from one side of the suitcase to the other. Some suitcases also have a depth, which is measured from the front of the suitcase to the back. To measure the depth, simply place the suitcase on its side and measure from the front to the back.
Once you have the length, width, and depth of the suitcase, you can calculate its volume. To do this, simply multiply the length by the width by the depth. The result will be the volume of the suitcase in cubic inches.
Here are some tips for measuring a suitcase:
- Use a measuring tape or ruler to get the most accurate measurements.
- Measure the suitcase in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference.
- If the suitcase has a handle or wheels, be sure to include those in the measurements.
People Also Ask
How do I measure a suitcase for airline travel?
To measure a suitcase for airline travel, you will need to measure the length, width, and height of the suitcase. The total dimensions of the suitcase must not exceed the airline’s size restrictions. You can find the size restrictions for your airline on their website or by calling their customer service department.
What is the best way to measure a suitcase?
The best way to measure a suitcase is to use a measuring tape or ruler. Measure the length, width, and height of the suitcase in inches or centimeters. Be sure to include any handles or wheels in the measurements.
How do I calculate the volume of a suitcase?
To calculate the volume of a suitcase, multiply the length by the width by the height. The result will be the volume of the suitcase in cubic inches.
