# How many linear inches is my bag?

Adds the length, width and height of a suitcase or box to get its linear inches and centimeters, and checks it against a size limit such as the 62-inch checked bag rule.

- Page: https://www.acalculator.org/everyday-life/linear-inches-calculator
- JSON spec: https://www.acalculator.org/everyday-life/linear-inches-calculator.json
- Version: 12bd70dc3600

## Default answer

Example with the default inputs (Length 26 in, Width 20 in, Height 16 in, Size limit 62 in): Your bag is 62 linear inches (157.5 cm). Within the limit: Yes.

## Inputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| l | Length | The longest side of the bag, wheels and handles included. |
| w | Width | The width of the bag, wheels and handles included. |
| h | Height | The depth of the bag, pockets included. |
| max | Size limit | The airline’s limit in linear inches or centimeters: 62 in (157.48 cm) on many airlines. |

## Outputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| inches | Linear inches | Length + width + height, in inches. |
| centimeters | Linear centimeters | Length + width + height, in centimeters. |
| fits | Within the limit? | Yes when the sum is at or under the limit. |
| spareInches | Room to the limit, in | The limit minus the sum, in inches; negative when the bag is over. |
| spareCm | Room to the limit, cm | The limit minus the sum, in centimeters; negative when the bag is over. |

## Method

linear inches = length + width + height (in inches); room to the limit = limit − linear inches.

## Assumptions

- Measure the outside of the bag, wheels, handles and pockets included, as airlines do.
- The default limit is 62 linear inches (157.48 cm), common for checked bags; a bag exactly at the limit is within it, as Delta’s “must not exceed” says. Check your airline’s own limit.

## Worked examples

1. l = 0.6604, w = 0.508, h = 0.4064, max = 1.5748 gives inches = 62, centimeters = 157.48, fits = Yes, spareInches = 0. Source: 26 + 20 + 16 = 62 in = 157.48 cm (1 in = 2.54 cm, NIST SP 811); Delta Air Lines, Baggage Policy and Fees: length + width + height must not exceed 62 inches (157 cm), so a bag at exactly 62 in is within the limit, https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview (retrieved 2026-10-18).
2. l = 0.75, w = 0.5, h = 0.35, max = 1.58 gives centimeters = 160, inches = 62.992126, fits = No, it is over, spareCm = -2. Source: Malaysia Airlines, Checked baggage: each piece must have linear dimensions (length + height + width) of less than 158 cm or 62 in, https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/th/en/travel-info/baggage/checked-baggage.html (retrieved 2026-10-18).
3. l = 0.5588, w = 0.3556, h = 0.2286, max = 1.5748 gives inches = 45, spareInches = 17, fits = Yes.

## FAQ

### How do I calculate linear inches?

Add the length, the width and the height of the bag in inches. A suitcase 26 in long, 20 in wide and 16 in deep is 26 + 20 + 16 = 62 linear inches.

### What does 62 linear inches mean?

It means the length, width and height of a checked bag must add up to 62 inches or less. Delta, for example, says the total “must not exceed” 62 inches (157 cm). Many airlines use this limit and charge an oversize fee above it. A 26 × 20 × 16 in suitcase is exactly 62 inches.

### Do wheels and handles count?

Yes. Airlines measure the outside of the bag, so include wheels, handles, and full outside pockets. Measure with the bag packed, because a soft bag bulges.

### How many linear inches is a carry-on?

A common carry-on size is 22 × 14 × 9 in, which is 45 linear inches. Most airlines set a carry-on limit for each side, not just the sum, so check all three sides too.

### How do I convert linear inches to centimeters?

Multiply by 2.54, since 1 inch is exactly 2.54 cm. 62 linear inches is 157.48 cm. Airlines round it differently: Delta writes 157 cm and Malaysia Airlines 158 cm.

### What if my bag is over the limit?

The result shows how many inches and centimeters over it is. Most airlines charge an oversize fee for checked bags over 62 inches, up to a larger maximum. Check your airline’s rules before you fly.

## Sources

- Delta Air Lines, Baggage Policy and Fees: length + width + height “must not exceed” 62 inches (157 cm), so a bag of exactly 62 inches is within the limit. https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/overview (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- Malaysia Airlines, Checked baggage: each piece must have linear dimensions (length + height + width) of less than 158 cm or 62 in. https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/th/en/travel-info/baggage/checked-baggage.html (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- NIST SP 811 (2008), Appendix B: 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly; 1 ft = 12 in. https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811 (retrieved 2026-10-18)