# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Packing for Trips

How to Measure Luggage in Linear Inches

Some airlines have restrictions as to how large your baggage can be. When the airlines refer to size restrictions, they use the term linear inches for the allowable size. Some luggage manufacturers put the linear inches of your baggage on the tags or in the paperwork that comes with the purchase. However, if it is not listed on your luggage or on the tag, you can measure it yourself. Knowing the linear inches of your luggage before heading out to the airport will help you know in advance if you can carry it on the plane with you or if you have to check it in.

Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Close the baggage. Before maneuvering your luggage around to measure it, make sure it is zipped closed. This will help you get an accurate measurement and keep it from continually opening up on you while you are trying to measure it.
- 2
  Measure the width, length and height of the luggage. Take the measuring tape and measure, in inches, the height and width of the luggage. Then measure how long your luggage is. Write down all of these numbers as you go along, so you do not forget a measurement and have to re-do it. If your luggage is not flat all around, measure the longest parts of each side of the luggage.
- 3
  Add up all the numbers. To get the linear inches of your luggage, add all of the measurements together. Linear inches are equal to the width, plus the height, plus the depth of your luggage. For example, if your luggage is 22 inches wide, 36 inches long and 12 inches tall, your total measurement for the bag is 60 linear inches.