Measure your dog, or pick a breed, and find the crate that lets it stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Switch to travel mode for the IATA airline kennel formula.
Last updated:
Crate type
Units
Measure standing, not to the tip of the tail
Standing or sitting, whichever is taller (include upright ears)
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Dog Crate Size Calculator
Choose a home crate or an airline travel crate.
Pick your dog's breed or choose to enter measurements.
Measure length from nose to the base of the tail and height from the floor to the top of the head.
Read the recommended crate size and check the size chart.
Dog crate size chart
Crate
Approx. size (L × W × H)
Dog length (nose–tail base)
Example breeds
18-inch (XS)
18 × 12 × 14 in
up to 16 in
Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier
22-inch (S)
22 × 13 × 16 in
up to 20 in
Shih Tzu, Pug
24-inch (S)
24 × 18 × 21 in
up to 22 in
French Bulldog, Dachshund
30-inch (M)
30 × 19 × 21 in
up to 28 in
Bulldog, small Beagle
36-inch (Intermediate)
36 × 23 × 25 in
up to 34 in
Beagle, Cocker Spaniel
42-inch (L)
42 × 28 × 30 in
up to 40 in
Labrador, Golden Retriever, Husky, Border Collie
48-inch (XL)
48 × 30 × 33 in
up to 46 in
German Shepherd, Rottweiler
54-inch (XXL)
54 × 35 × 45 in
up to 52 in
Great Dane, Mastiff
Height matters too: a dog that fits the length but is taller than the crate height minus 2 inches needs the next size up. Breed presets use approximate adult averages; individual dogs vary a lot.
The formulas
Home crate: inside length ≥ dog length + 2–4 in; inside height ≥ head height + 2–4 in.
Airline crate (IATA): length = A + ½B, width = 2 × C, height = D, where A is nose to tail base, B elbow to floor, C shoulder width and D standing height to the top of the head or ears.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Measure length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip) while the dog stands, and height from the floor to the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever is higher, while it sits or stands. Add 2 to 4 inches to each for the crate's inside size.
How big should a dog crate be?
Big enough for your dog to stand up without ducking, turn around and lie down stretched out. Not much bigger: for house training, a crate that is too large lets a puppy use one end as a toilet.
What size crate does a Labrador need?
Most adult Labrador Retrievers need a 42-inch crate (about 42 × 28 × 30 inches). Large males may need a 48-inch crate.
Should I buy a crate for my puppy's adult size?
Usually yes. Buy the crate your dog will need as an adult and use a divider panel to make the space smaller while it grows, moving the divider back as needed.
How is an airline travel crate sized?
IATA rules use four measurements: A (nose to tail base), B (elbow to floor), C (shoulder width) and D (standing height). The inside must be at least A + ½B long, 2 × C wide and D high. Always check your airline's own size and weight limits.
Are crate sizes the same for every brand?
No. The size name usually refers to the length (for example a 36-inch crate), but width and height vary by brand and style. Always compare the actual inside dimensions with your dog's measurements.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.