Linear Inches Calculator — Airline Baggage Size
Airlines measure bags by "linear inches" — the simple sum of length, width, and height. Enter your bag's three dimensions to see the total linear inches and whether it meets the typical US carry-on (45 in) or checked-bag (62 in) limits.
inches
inches
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Length + Width + Height — the total used by airlines for baggage size rules
- 1
Length plus width
24 + 16 = 40 - 2
Add height
40 + 10 = 50
How does this calculator work?
Linear inches = L + W + H. Most US airlines allow 62 linear inches (158 cm) for checked bags and 45 in (114 cm) for carry-ons. Multiply by 2.54 to convert to centimetres. Budget airlines and international carriers often use stricter limits — always check your carrier's policy before you pack.
Formula
How this is calculated
Linear inches is a single number that captures the overall size of a bag regardless of its proportions. Airlines adopted this metric because it limits total outer dimensions without policing each side individually, giving passengers flexibility in bag shape while still controlling overhead-bin and cargo space. Most major US carriers (American, Delta, United, Southwest) allow checked bags up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) and carry-on bags up to 45 linear inches (114 cm). Individual dimension limits (typically a maximum of around 22 × 14 × 9 in for carry-ons) often apply alongside the linear-inch total.
International carriers and budget airlines vary. European low-cost carriers such as Ryanair or easyJet impose smaller cabin-bag limits and often check each physical dimension separately rather than using a linear-inch rule. Always confirm the policy for your specific airline, route, and fare class before you travel — oversize fees typically run $100–$200 per bag each way.
The 62-inch / 158-cm limit is also used by major parcel carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS) as the boundary for standard-size pricing on domestic shipments, so this calculator doubles as a quick parcel-sizing check.
Frequently asked questions
Most US major carriers allow checked bags up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) and carry-on bags up to 45 linear inches (114 cm). Budget airlines in Europe and Asia often have stricter limits — some allow only 40–45 linear inches for cabin bags. Always verify with your specific airline, as limits vary by fare class and route.
Yes — many airlines enforce both a linear-inch ceiling and per-side maximums. For carry-ons the most common physical limit is 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). A bag that fits within 45 linear inches but has one very long side may still be rejected. Check the airline's full baggage policy.
No — linear inches is simply the sum of all three, so it is the same regardless of how you label them. A 24 × 16 × 10 in bag gives 50 linear inches whether you measure it standing up or lying flat.
Also known as
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. (2026). Linear Inches Calculator — Airline Baggage Size [Online calculator]. TG we-Calculate. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/linear-inches-calculator
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. "Linear Inches Calculator — Airline Baggage Size." TG we-Calculate. 2026. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/linear-inches-calculator.
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team, "Linear Inches Calculator — Airline Baggage Size," TG we-Calculate, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://we-calculate.com/calculator/linear-inches-calculator
@misc{wecalculate_linear_inches_calculator, title = {Linear Inches Calculator — Airline Baggage Size}, author = {{TG we-Calculate Editorial Team}}, howpublished = {\url{https://we-calculate.com/calculator/linear-inches-calculator}}, year = {2026}, note = {TG we-Calculate} }
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