# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> General Travel Prep

How to Calculate the Dimensions of Carry On Bags

If you are preparing for airplane travel and are planning to take a carry-on bag, knowing the bag's dimensions can save you a great deal of hassle and extra money. For your comfort and safety, as well as that of other travelers, airlines have established a standard size limit for carry-on luggage. To avoid the stress and fees of checking an over-sized bag, be sure that your item is 22-inches or less in length, has a width of no more than 14-inches and is a maximum of 9-inches in height or depth.

Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Find out the size and weight restrictions of the airline you will be traveling with. Each carrier has different rules, so be sure that your bag fits the specific dimension requirement for who you are flying with.
- 2
  Pack your bag and lay it on a flat surface. Use your tape measure to calculate the length, which is the distance between the top of the bag and the bottom of the bag. Keep in mind that wheels and handles count. Be sure to include them in your measurement.
- 3
  Calculate the width of the bag. Use your tape measure to find the distance from one side of the bag to the other side.
- 4
  Find the depth of the bag. Use your tape measure to calculate the distance from the back of the bag to the front.
- 5
  Write down the dimensions so that you will remember them. Add the three measurements -- length, width and depth. The sum of these numbers will give you your bag size in linear inches. For example, if your bag fits the 22-inches by 14-inches by 9-inches requirement, your carry-on bag's total in linear inches is 45-inches.