How do you measure car boot size?
Measuring boot size involves either checking the official cargo capacity published by the manufacturer or taking your own measurements of length, width and height to estimate usable space. This helps you compare models, pack efficiently, and decide on accessories.
What boot size means and why it matters
Boot size, or cargo capacity, is the interior volume of the trunk. It’s usually stated in litres by the automaker and can change depending on whether rear seats are up or folded, and whether a spare wheel or subfloor is installed. Knowing the size helps you plan luggage, shopping trips, and home moves, and it matters for choosing roof boxes or crates.
Two ways to measure: official figures vs your own measurements
Automakers publish cargo capacity using standard testing methods; you can also measure the space yourself using common tools to get a practical estimate. The two approaches complement each other.
Methods to determine boot capacity
Follow one of these approaches to determine boot size:
- Check the official specification in the car’s brochure or the manufacturer’s website. Look for phrases like "cargo space," "boot volume," or "luggage capacity" and note the figure in litres. If the car has split rear seats or seats you can fold, the spec may list volumes for seat-up and seats-down configurations.
- For a DIY measurement, prepare the boot: empty it, remove floor mats, and optionally remove a spare wheel cover to measure recesses accurately. Decide whether you want the measurement with the rear seats up (typical daily use) or with the rear seats folded for maximum space.
- Measure the main dimensions with a flexible tape measure: length from the back of the rear seats (or the seatbacks) to the inside of the tailgate, width between the side trim or wheel arches at floor level, and height from the floor to the ceiling at the tallest point in the boot. Best practice is to measure at multiple points to capture irregularities.
- For irregular shapes (like wheel arches), estimate volume by breaking the space into simple boxes or by measuring the largest length, width and height and then subtracting the space taken by arches. If you fold the rear seats, repeat the measurements to capture the larger cleared area.
- If you want a rough volume, multiply length × width × height of the main rectangular space (as a rough rectangle). Remember this is an approximation; actual usable space may be smaller due to wheel wells and fixed equipment.
In practice, using a combination of official figures and a DIY measurement will give you a reliable sense of cargo capacity for everyday use and for packing heavier items.
Understanding the numbers you’ll see in boot specs
Manufacturers typically publish cargo volume in litres. Many European brands use the VDA 2100 standard for trunk volume, which standardizes how space is measured with the rear seats in place. The numbers may differ depending on whether the rear seats are upright or folded, whether a subfloor is installed, and whether the measurement accounts for the spare wheel compartment. Always check which configuration the figure refers to.
- Litres are the common unit in car catalogs; 1 litre equals 0.001 cubic metres. Some markets also show cubic feet for convenience.
- Two common published figures exist for many cars: "with seats up" and "with seats down" (or "folding seats"). Use the one that matches your intended use.
- Official figures assume standard interior fittings and a certain floor position; real-world loads can be slightly larger or smaller depending on accessories or floor height.
Understanding these nuances helps you interpret the numbers more accurately when shopping for a vehicle or planning a move.
Practical tips for measuring in real life
To ensure measurements reflect actual use, follow these practical tips.
- Clear the boot and remove floor mats or dividers to measure the full interior space.
- Include or account for fixed features such as a spare wheel recess or tool kit; decide whether you want to measure with these spaces available for cargo.
- Measure with seats in the configuration you’ll use most often (usually seats up), and repeat with seats folded to understand maximum capacity.
- Measure around wheel arches by measuring the width between the inner trim at floor level and the maximum height at the opening.
- Take photos and notes of your measurements for future reference when you actually pack luggage or crates.
With careful measurements, you’ll have a practical handle on what fits in your boot and how to plan for purchases like roof boxes or travel crates.
Boot size by vehicle type: typical ranges
Boot capacity varies widely by car class. These broad ranges offer a guideline to expectations, though actual numbers will differ by model.
- Small hatchbacks: roughly 250 to 320 litres (some models up to about 350 litres).
- Compact hatchbacks and sedans: typically 320 to 550 litres depending on design.
- Mid-size SUVs and crossovers: commonly 500 to 1,000+ litres with seats up; more space is often available with the rear seats folded.
- Large SUVs and wagons: frequently 600 to 2,000 litres or more (with seats down for max capacity).
When planning moves or weekend trips, use these ranges as a starting point alongside official specs to pick a model that fits your luggage habits.
Summary
The boot size of a car can be understood through official cargo-volume figures or your own measurements of length, width and height. By comparing both approaches and considering seat configurations, you’ll gain a practical understanding of how much you can load. Always check whether the published figures reflect seats up or seats down, and look for measurements using standardized methods such as VDA when comparing European models. A structured approach — clear boots, careful measurements, and consideration of wheel arches — helps you pack efficiently and choose the right vehicle or accessory for your needs.
How is car boot size measured?
How Is Boot Space Measured? Manufacturers provide measurements of boot volume (in litres) to help customers compare models more easily. In the UK, manufacturers usually measure boot space by volume using the VDA method. They fill the boot with small 1-litre blocks and count how many fit inside.
How do I measure my boot size correctly?
Size is to match up the widest part of your foot with the widest. Part of the boot. It should be snug there to keep you in but not too tight. And you definitely shouldn't be swimming.
How to measure car trunk size?
Length of the trunk is measured in the case of upright seats in the middle of the boot floor level from the seat back of the last row of seats to the inside of the trunk edge by means of a roll measuring tape.
How do I tell what my boot size is?
Measurement. Now to find your boot. Size head to the sizing chart from the length that you measured you will go down one whole number so if you measured at an 11 you will go down to a size. 10.
