Suitcase Size Guide

Choosing the right suitcase size can make a big difference to how easy your trip feels, from packing at home to checking in at the airport.

One of the questions we hear most at Case is, What size suitcase do I need? The answer depends on where you’re going, how long you’re away and, of course, how much you like to pack.

This guide explains suitcase sizes, dimensions and packing capacity, with practical advice on choosing the right size for your trip.

Title

Underseater Guide

Cabin Luggage Guide

Check-in Luggage Guide

 Backpack
Guide

Duffle and Holdall Guide 

Garment Bag Guide

Title

What Do Suitcase Dimensions Actually Include?

Most suitcase dimensions listed on caseluggage.com are external measurements. This means they usually include:

• Wheels
• Top carry handle
• Side handle

The telescopic trolley handle isn’t included when extended.

 

Suitcase height is usually measured from the bottom of the wheels to the top carry handle, while the width often includes the side handle. If a suitcase has been measured without its wheels, we’ll clearly state this on the product page.

 

As a general guide, suitcase wheels can add around 5 to 6cm to the overall height.

Title

Why can a new suitcase feel smaller than my old one?

We see this quite often when someone replaces an older two-wheel suitcase with a modern four-wheel spinner.

 

Older cases often had wheels partly integrated into the body. On many modern four-wheel suitcases, the wheels sit externally to make the case easier to manoeuvre. This can mean two suitcases with similar external dimensions don’t necessarily offer the same amount of packing space.

 

That’s why it’s worth comparing capacity in litres as well as suitcase dimensions when choosing your next case.

Title

Which Suitcase Size Is Right for My Trip?

The best suitcase for your holiday depends on:

• Trip length
• Destination and climate
• Your packing style
• Whether you plan to bring anything home

A winter break with boots and bulky layers needs more space than a week somewhere warm, so there’s no single suitcase size that works for every trip.

Here’s the simple sizing guide we often recommend at Case:

Cabin suitcases
Ideal for 1 to 3 days
Typical height around 55cm

Medium suitcases
Ideal for 3 to 10 days
Typical height around 65cm

Large suitcases
Ideal for 7 to 14 days

Typical height around 76cm

Extra large suitcases
Ideal for trips over 14 days

Typical height around 81cm

A cabin suitcase works well if you pack light and want to travel without checking in luggage. 

 

Airline size limits vary, so check your allowance before you fly.

 

If you’re planning to travel with cabin luggage only, our How To Choose The Best Cabin Bag For Air Travel blog can help you decide which type of carry-on works best for your trip.

For many travellers, a medium suitcase is the sweet spot. You get enough packing space for around a week away without the extra bulk of a large case.

They’re particularly useful for city breaks, summer holidays and trips where cabin luggage simply won’t give you enough room.

Not sure what counts as medium? Read our What Size Is or Can Be a Medium Suitcase? guide for a closer look at dimensions, capacity and what you can realistically pack.

A large suitcase gives you plenty of room for longer holidays, winter clothing and trips where you need several pairs of shoes or extra outfits.

 

It’s also a useful choice if you prefer having some spare packing space rather than filling a medium case to the limit. 

 

Just keep an eye on the packed weight, as a larger case can quickly become heavy.

Extra large suitcases give you maximum packing space and work particularly well for extended travel, long-haul trips or when you’re packing for more than one person.

 

The extra room is useful, but don't assume a bigger suitcase means a bigger airline baggage allowance.

 

Check your airline's size and weight limits before you pack.

Shop Cabin Suitcases

Shop Medium Suitcases

Shop Large Suitcases

Shop Extra Large Suitcases

Title

Suitcase Size Comparison Chart

If you are unsure which suitcase size to choose, this comparison chart shows the typical dimensions, capacity and trip length for each type.

Suitcase Size	Typical Height	Capacity	Best For
Cabin	50 to 56 cm	30 to 45 litres	1 to 3 day trips, short breaks
Medium	60 to 70 cm	60 to 80 litres	3 to 7 day holidays
Large	70 to 80 cm	90 to 110 litres	7 to 14 day trips
Extra Large	80cm and above	110 to 140+ litres	Extended trips, long holidays and family packing

Suitcase dimensions and capacities vary between brands and ranges, so use these figures as a general guide rather than a fixed rule.

 

If you’re flying, always check your airline’s size and weight allowance before you travel. 

 

This is particularly important with larger Check-in suitcases, as having more packing space can make it easier to go over your weight allowance.

Title

How Much Can I Fit in a Suitcase?

Suitcase capacity is measured in litres, and it can give you a better idea of usable packing space than dimensions alone.

Two suitcases with a similar height won’t always hold the same amount. The shape of the case, wheel design, internal compartments and whether it expands can all affect how much you can actually pack.

Packing Capacity Guide

35 to 40 Litres:

4 shirts

1 toiletry bag

2 pairs of shoes

2 trousers

1 coat

70 to 80 Litres:

14 shirts

2 toiletry bags

4 pairs of shoes

4 trousers

1 coat

80 to100 Litres:

20 Shirts
2 Toiletry bags
6 Pairs of shoes
6 Trousers
2 Coats

100 to120 Litres:

20 Shirts
2 Toiletry bags
6 Pairs of shoes
6 Trousers
2 Coats

120 to130 Litres:

24 Shirts
2 Toiletry bags
6 Pairs of shoes
8 Trousers
2 Coats

130 to140 Litres:

30 Shirts
2 Toiletry bags
7 Pairs of shoes
10 Trousers
2 Coats

Packing styles vary, but this gives you a practical idea of what different suitcase capacities can hold.

 

How you pack can make a difference too. Our How to Pack a Suitcase blog has practical tips for making better use of your packing space.

 

Taking a larger Check-in suitcase? Read The Secret Code to Packing Check-In Luggage Like a Pro for more advice on organising your case for longer trips.

 

You can also explore our Packing Accessories for packing cubes, organisers and other useful ways to keep your suitcase organised.

Title

Understanding Different Types of Luggage

Suitcases aren’t your only option when you travel. The right type of luggage depends on where you’re going, how long you’re away and how you prefer to travel.

You might want the ease of a four-wheel suitcase for an airport journey, a backpack when you need your hands free, or a duffle for a relaxed weekend away. For some trips, a combination works best.

Here’s how the main types of travel luggage compare.

Underseat luggage

Underseat bags are designed to fit beneath the seat in front of you. They’re a practical choice for short trips, travelling light or using as your personal bag alongside a larger cabin case.

Airline allowances vary, so always check the permitted dimensions for your booking before you travel.

 

See our Underseater Guide for more help with sizes, airline allowances and choosing the right underseat bag.

 

Flying with Ryanair? Our What is Ryanair Hand Luggage Allowance? blog explains its personal bag and cabin luggage rules in more detail.

Cabin luggage

Cabin luggage travels with you on the aircraft and is usually stored in the overhead locker. It works well for short breaks, business trips and travellers who prefer to skip the Check-in desk.

Cabin size and weight limits vary between airlines, so the right case can depend on who you regularly fly with.

See our Cabin Luggage Guide for more help with cabin sizes and choosing the right carry-on.

If you regularly travel around Europe, read How To Choose The Best Cabin Luggage For European Airlines for more advice.

Backpacks

A backpack can be one of the most versatile ways to travel, particularly when you want to keep your hands free or you'll be moving between airports, trains and city streets.

Smaller backpacks can work as underseat luggage, while larger travel backpacks can provide an alternative to a cabin case. The right choice depends on your trip and the airline allowance you need to meet.

See our Backpack Guide for help choosing the right backpack for work, weekends and travel.

Duffles & Holdalls

Duffles and holdalls are a flexible alternative to a traditional suitcase. They work particularly well for weekend breaks, road trips, train journeys and more relaxed travel.

Their soft construction makes them easier to squeeze into tighter spaces, and smaller styles may also work as cabin luggage depending on their dimensions.

See our Duffle & Holdall Guide for more help choosing the right size and style for your trip.

Check-in Luggage

Check-in luggage is the practical choice when you need more packing space. It works well for longer holidays, winter travel, family trips or journeys where cabin luggage simply isn't enough.

Medium, large and extra large suitcases can all work as Check-in luggage, with the best size depending on your trip length and packing style.

See our Check-in Luggage Guide for more help choosing your suitcase size and understanding airline allowances.

Airline size and weight allowances vary depending on the carrier and the type of luggage you’re taking. Before you fly, check our Airline Regulations guide for the latest information on underseat, cabin and Check-in luggage.

Title

FAQ's About Suitcase Sizes

Do suitcase wheels count towards the size?

Yes. The dimensions shown on caseluggage.com are usually external measurements and include the wheels and carry handles. Wheels can add around 5 to 6cm to the overall height, so always include them when checking your suitcase dimensions.

Are suitcase dimensions measured with handles included?

Yes. Height is normally measured from the bottom of the wheels to the top carry handle, while width often includes the side handle. The telescopic trolley handle isn’t included when extended. If a suitcase is measured without its wheels, we’ll clearly state this on the product page.

What size suitcase do I need for a two-week holiday?

For most travellers, a large or extra large suitcase works well for a two-week holiday. Your destination and packing style matter too. A summer holiday may need considerably less space than a winter trip with coats, boots and heavier clothing.

Why does my new suitcase feel smaller than my old one?

Many older suitcases had wheels partly integrated into the body of the case. Modern four-wheel suitcases often have externally mounted spinner wheels, which make them easier to manoeuvre but can slightly reduce the internal packing space.

That’s why comparing capacity in litres as well as external dimensions can be useful when replacing an older suitcase.

Is underseat luggage smaller than cabin luggage?

Yes. Underseat luggage is designed to fit beneath the seat in front of you, so it’s generally smaller than standard cabin luggage stored in the overhead locker.

Airline allowances vary, so check the permitted dimensions before you fly. Our Underseater Guide explains underseat sizes and allowances in more detail.

How do I know which suitcase size is right for my trip?

Start with your trip length, destination and packing style. Compare capacity in litres to understand how much you can pack, and dimensions in centimetres to understand the overall size of the case.

If you’re flying, always check your airline’s size and weight allowance before travelling.

What size suitcase do I need for a 15kg luggage allowance?

A 15kg allowance refers to the packed weight of your luggage, not the physical size of your suitcase. You’ll still need to choose a case that gives you enough space without making it too easy to overpack.

Read our How Big Is or Can Be a 15kg Suitcase? blog for more help choosing the right suitcase for a 15kg allowance.

Title

Discover More

Choosing the right luggage size is only one part of planning your trip. Explore our dedicated guides for more help choosing your luggage and understanding airline allowances.

 

Cabin Luggage Size Guide
Find out about cabin suitcase sizes, packing space and what to consider when choosing luggage for the overhead locker.

 

Check-in Luggage Size Guide
Compare Check-in suitcase sizes, capacities and what works best for longer trips.

 

Underseat Luggage Size Guide
Understand underseat luggage sizes and what to consider when choosing a bag that fits beneath the seat in front of you.

 

Backpack Guide
Find the right backpack for travel, commuting, work and weekends away.

 

Duffle & Holdall Travel Guide
Learn how to choose the right duffle or holdall for weekends, holidays and everyday travel.

 

Airline Regulations
Check airline size and weight allowances for underseat, cabin and Check-in luggage.