Luggage Volume Calculator
Enter your bag dimensions to find the suitcase cubic capacity and check it against carry-on limits.
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded anywhere.
How to use this tool
Pick whether you are measuring in inches or centimeters, then type the length, width, and height (depth) of your bag. Measure the widest points, including wheels, handles, and any side pockets, because airlines do too. Choose a carry-on limit to compare against and press Calculate volume. The tool shows your suitcase cubic capacity in both cubic inches and liters and tells you whether each dimension fits inside the selected limit. Use Copy result to save the numbers for a packing list.
The formula: how bag volume is calculated
Cubic inches to liters: liters = cubic inches x 0.0163871
Centimeters to liters: liters = (L x W x H in cm) / 1000
A suitcase is treated as a simple rectangular box, so the volume is just the three sides multiplied together. One cubic inch equals about 0.0163871 liters, and one liter equals 1,000 cubic centimeters. Because real bags have rounded corners and tapered sides, the true packable space is a little less than this box figure, but it is the standard way airlines and manufacturers quote capacity. The carry on size check compares each side of your bag to the matching side of the limit rather than only the total volume, since most airlines reject a bag when any single dimension is too large.
A real example
Say your bag measures 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep, the classic US carry-on shape. The volume is 22 x 14 x 9 = 2,772 cubic inches. Multiply by 0.0163871 to get about 45.4 liters. Compared to the 22 x 14 x 9 inch limit, every side matches exactly, so it fits. If the same bag were 10 inches deep instead of 9, the depth would exceed the limit by one inch and the tool would flag it, even though the extra volume is only about 5 liters.
Common questions
What carry-on size do most US airlines allow?
The widely used domestic standard is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (about 56 x 36 x 23 cm), which works out to roughly 45 liters. Some budget carriers are stricter, so always check your specific airline before you travel.
Should I include wheels and handles when measuring?
Yes. Airline sizers measure the bag at its largest point, including wheels, retracted handles, and bulging pockets. Measure those in to get an honest result from the carry on size check.
Why does liter capacity matter if my bag fits the box limit?
The liter figure tells you how much you can actually pack, which helps when comparing two bags that meet the same dimension limit. A deeper bag can hold noticeably more even when its outer footprint looks similar.
Does a bigger volume always mean it will not fit?
Not necessarily. Airlines judge by individual dimensions, not total volume. A bag can have a large liter capacity yet still pass if no single side is over the limit, which is why this tool checks length, width, and height separately.
How accurate is the calculated volume?
This is an estimate based on a perfect rectangular box. Real luggage has curved edges and soft sides, so usable space is usually a bit lower. Treat the result as a planning guide, not an exact measurement.