Standard Suitcase Sizes (2026): Luggage Size Chart in Inches, cm & Liters
Suitcase sizes are sold by a single number — "20-inch", "24-inch", "28-inch" — but airlines limit bags by all three dimensions and, for checked luggage, by the total of length + width + height. The luggage size on the label usually describes the shell height only, so a "22-inch" carry-on can be 23 or 24 inches tall once you add wheels and the handle. This chart translates the common sizes into real dimensions, capacity and the airline limits each one actually meets.
Luggage Size Chart
| Category | Label size | Typical dimensions (in) | Typical dimensions (cm) | Capacity | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item / underseat | 14–18" | 16 x 12 x 6 to 18 x 14 x 8 | 40 x 30 x 15 to 45 x 35 x 20 | 15–30 L | Under the seat; the only free bag on basic fares |
| International carry-on | 19–21" | 21.5 x 14 x 8 | 55 x 35 x 20 | 30–38 L | Fits almost every airline worldwide |
| US domestic carry-on | 20–22" | 22 x 14 x 9 | 56 x 36 x 23 | 35–45 L | Maximum size on American, Delta, United |
| Medium checked | 24–26" | 26 x 18 x 11 | 66 x 46 x 28 | 60–80 L | One-week trips |
| Large checked | 27–29" | 28 x 19 x 12 | 71 x 48 x 30 | 90–110 L | Two weeks or more |
| Extra large checked | 30–32" | 30 x 20 x 13 to 32 x 21 x 14 | 76 x 51 x 33 to 81 x 53 x 36 | 110–140 L | Often over the 62-inch limit |
Dimensions are typical outside measurements including wheels and handles. Always check the specific bag's specification sheet.
Personal Item Bags
Underseat bags and small backpacks range from about 16 x 12 x 6 inches to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. The smaller end (40 x 30 x 15 cm) is accepted by almost every airline, including British Airways, KLM, Iberia and Turkish. The larger end matches the 18 x 14 x 8 inch limit of American and Spirit, but is too big for United (17 x 10 x 9 in) and many European carriers. See our personal item size chart for every airline's limit.
Carry-On Suitcases
There are really two carry-on sizes. A US domestic carry-on is built to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), the maximum on most US airlines. An international carry-on is a little smaller, around 55 x 35 x 20 cm, which fits the tighter limits of Air France, KLM, Emirates, Ryanair's priority bag and most Asian carriers. If you fly abroad more than twice a year, the international size is the safer buy. Note that many carriers outside the US also apply a 7–10 kg weight limit, and a hard-shell carry-on can weigh 2.5–3.5 kg empty. Full airline limits are in our carry-on size chart.
Checked Suitcases and the 62-Inch Rule
For checked bags, most airlines allow up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) — length + width + height — and 50 lbs (23 kg) in economy. That makes the size ladder simple:
- 24–26" medium: around 55 linear inches, comfortably inside the limit.
- 28" large: around 59 linear inches, still inside.
- 30–32" extra large: 63–67 linear inches, usually triggering an oversize fee of up to $200 on US airlines.
Capacity also drives weight: a fully packed 30-inch case easily passes 23 kg. Our checked bag size and weight guide explains overweight and oversize tiers.
Which Size Do You Need?
| Trip | Recommended combination |
|---|---|
| Weekend, basic economy | Personal item only (40 x 30 x 15 cm backpack) |
| 3–5 days | Carry-on + personal item |
| 1 week | Carry-on + personal item, or one 24–26" checked bag |
| 2 weeks or family trips | One 28" checked bag per person, or two medium bags |
| Ski, golf or sports trips | Dedicated sports bag (check airline sports rules) |
Converting Inches, Centimeters and Liters
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm. A 22-inch bag is 56 cm; a 62-inch total is 158 cm.
- Capacity in liters = (height x width x depth in cm) ÷ 1000, minus roughly 15–20% for the frame and lining.
- Hard-shell bags hold slightly less than soft bags of the same outside size but protect contents better; see our hard vs soft luggage comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a standard carry-on suitcase size?
In the US, 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including wheels and handles. For international travel, a smaller 55 x 35 x 20 cm bag fits almost every airline.
Is a 24-inch suitcase a carry-on?
No. A 24-inch suitcase is a medium checked bag on almost every airline; only Southwest, Frontier and Sun Country accept carry-ons up to 24 inches tall.
Is a 28-inch suitcase too big to check?
Usually not. A typical 28-inch case measures about 59 linear inches, inside the standard 62-inch limit. Most 30- and 32-inch cases exceed it.
How many liters is a carry-on?
Usually 35 to 45 liters for a 22-inch US carry-on, and around 30 to 38 liters for an international-size carry-on.
What size suitcase do I need for a week?
A carry-on plus a personal item is enough for many travelers; otherwise a 24–26 inch medium checked suitcase.