How many cubic feet is a carry on luggage?
Most standard cabin suitcases offer roughly 1.5 to 2 cubic feet of space, equating to external dimensions around 22 by 14 by 9 inches and about 1.6 cubic feet of internal capacity. Actual usable space varies by design, padding, and wheels.
Airlines typically enforce maximum external dimensions or total linear inches, which means the volume you can pack depends on the bag's shape and how efficiently you pack. To estimate cubic feet, multiply the bag’s interior length, width, and height in inches to get cubic inches, then divide by 1728. Keep in mind that external measurements are easier to verify than true usable volume.
Common carry-on dimensions and estimated volumes
Airlines commonly allow carry-ons up to about 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Below are representative external sizes and their rough cubic-foot equivalents.
- 22 x 14 x 9 inches (external): approximately 2,772 cubic inches, about 1.60 cubic feet; usable interior space is typically around 1.3–1.5 cubic feet depending on padding and pockets.
- 21 x 13 x 7 inches: 1,911 cubic inches ≈ 1.11 cubic feet.
- 22 x 15 x 9 inches: 2,970 cubic inches ≈ 1.72 cubic feet.
- 23 x 14 x 9 inches: 2,898 cubic inches ≈ 1.68 cubic feet.
Note that these are estimates based on external dimensions; actual usable space depends on internal layout, material thickness, and wheel housings. Always verify interior measurements if precise packing is essential.
Estimating the volume of your own bag
To tailor the calculation to a specific bag, measure its interior dimensions and convert to cubic feet using the steps below.
- Measure the interior length, width, and height in inches with the bag fully empty and uncompressed.
- Multiply these numbers to obtain the volume in cubic inches.
- Divide the result by 1728 to convert to cubic feet.
- Use this figure to compare with airline limits and plan your packing accordingly.
Because interior dimensions vary with padding, liners, and rigid structures, expect some deviation from the calculated value when you actually pack.
Summary
For most travelers, a standard carry-on offers around 1.5–2.0 cubic feet of space. The common external size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches yields about 1.6 cubic feet of space; the exact usable volume varies by bag design and packing. Check airline limits and your bag's interior measurements to ensure a proper fit.
