Looking for a linear inches calculator or wondering how to calculate linear inches for your suitcase? You’re in the right place.
Most U.S. airlines allow checked luggage up to 62 linear inches, but if you are unsure how to measure their bags correctly. This guide will help you understand what linear inches mean, how to measure them, and give you real-world examples including a simple linear inches calculator to use anytime.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What is linear inches and some real examples
- How to calculate linear inches (using the linear inches calculator )
- Examples of 62 linear inch suitcases
- Frequently asked questions
Linear Inches Calculator
This handy linear inches calculator allows you to figure out linear inches for your luggage by simply entering the height, width, and length of your bag.
If an airline stated that a checked bag must not exceed 62″ linear, which is the most common checked baggage size, they mean that the total of the three dimensions of the suitcase must not be more than 62 ” or 158 cm when added.
That is it simple.
If you’re using a pen and paper, just add the three measurements together.
A 62-inch suitcase doesn’t have to follow one specific shape
So it can be something like : 31 Height + 18 Length + 13 Width = 62 linear inches
Or 28 in Height + 20 in Length + 14 in Width = 62 linear inches
That bag is airline approved.
How To Measure Linear Inches For Luggage?
Most luggage brands list the size in the product description.
If not, use a measuring tape or ruler to get the height, length, and width then add them together.
For example: This suitcase measures 61.3 linear inches — just under the 62-inch limit.
Always include wheels and the handles along with any side compartments when measuring, most airlines do count them in their maximum size, even though some airlines are not strict if a bag has some extra few inches.
Important
The same thing applies for a 29″ or 52″ suitcase, a duffle bag or a backpack.
Here’s a screenshot from United Airlines’ customer service on X, confirming that their standard checked baggage allowance is 62 linear inches or 158 cm.
Same goes for other travelers like Jain.
The allowed size and weight are already set by the airline and must not be exceeded.
Examples of 62 Linear Inch Luggage
Here are some suitcases with 62 linear inches / 158 cm.
The first suitcase is the beautiful Samsonite Omni PC hard-side expandable with spinner wheels, its dimensions are 28.5″ H + 20.5″ L +13.5″ W= 62.5″ linear.
Compatible with most U.S. airlines (United, American, JetBlue, Delta, Spirit, etc.)
The second suitcase is the Lightweight KENNETH COLE REACTION Out Of Bounds Luggage Collection, the size is 29.5” H + 20.5” L + 11.75” W = 61.75 inches linear.
This suitcase is also comatose with any airline that allows 62 inches linear, in both domestic and international flights.
The third and final example is the U.S. Traveler Aviron Bay Expandable Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, the size is 31” H + 18” L + ( 11” W + 2” if expanded ) = 62 inches linear.
What is special about this suitcase is the added two inches, you can check it with an airline that has 60″ linear and 62″ linear inches if expanded
How To Compute Linear Inches: The Final Thoughts
If this is your first time calculating linear inches, don’t worry you’ve got this.
Most airlines use the linear rule for checked baggage, while only few of them apply it for carry-on baggage.
And the reason why airlines use it is because they have limited space on the airplane hold, and they wanted bags to fit in the compartment regardless of the type of the suitcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. The capacity, or volume, of each 80″ linear bag varies, because the suitcase is not the same.
For instance, a 80″ linear golf bag will not have the same capacity as a 80″ suitcase or backpack.
Let’s do some math:
let’s assume you have a bag with these dimensions 75″+ 3″ + 2″ = 80 inches linear.
If you want to know how big the suitcase is, just multiply the dimensions and you will get the capacity in cubic inches, then convert it to litter.
75″x 3″ x 2″ = 450 cubic inches which is about 7.40 litters.
Let’s apply this for a 62-inch suitcase:
29.5” + 20.5” + 11.75” = 62 inches
29.5” x 20.5” x 11.75” = 7105.9 cubic inches, about 116.5 liters.
A. Airlines rules in this case are different, but most of them do include wheels in the size limits especially for carry on bags, but At times (not always ) for checked baggage even if an airline do counted wheels as part of the dimensions, it will depend on the agent at the check in counter to either consider your bag as oversized or not, but most of the time they won’t as checked baggage have less restrictions, but it is better to alias stay within the size limits of the airline.
A. Just like 62 inches suitcases, there is no specific size that a 29 inches suitcase need to be, the main thing is that the total three dimensions need to be 29 inches when added together.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels
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