OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
Dog Crate Size Calculator
IATA Travel Crate and Home Crate Size
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How the Dog Crate Size Calculator works
This dog crate size calculator works out the minimum travel crate for flying with your dog using the IATA formula airlines use, and a roomier size for a crate at home. Measure your dog standing in four places and enter the numbers in centimetres or inches.
How the dog crate size calculator works
The IATA Live Animals Regulations set the minimum inside size of a pet travel container so the dog can stand, turn round and lie down naturally. Measure A from the tip of the nose to the root of the tail, B from the floor to the elbow, C across the widest point of the shoulders and D from the floor to the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever is higher. The formula is length = A + ½B, width = C × 2 and height = D. These are inside dimensions, so the crate's outer size will be larger.
First example. A dog with A = 70 cm, B = 30 cm, C = 25 cm and D = 65 cm needs a travel crate at least 85 × 50 × 65 cm inside. A home crate of about 80 × 50 × 75 cm gives a little headroom.
Second example. In inches, A = 28, B = 12, C = 10 and D = 26 give a travel crate of at least 34 × 20 × 26 in (86.4 × 50.8 × 66.1 cm).
How many centimetres should a home crate add? About 10 cm (4 in) over nose-to-tail length and standing height is the usual guide, enough to stand and turn without room to use one end as a toilet.
Airlines and countries can add their own rules, so check with the carrier before you buy. Snub-nosed breeds often need a crate one size larger for extra ventilation.
IATA travel crate length (A + ½B) by body length A and elbow height B
| Body length A | B = 20 cm | B = 30 cm | B = 40 cm | B = 50 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 cm | 40 cm | 45 cm | 50 cm | 55 cm |
| 35 cm | 45 cm | 50 cm | 55 cm | 60 cm |
| 40 cm | 50 cm | 55 cm | 60 cm | 65 cm |
| 45 cm | 55 cm | 60 cm | 65 cm | 70 cm |
| 50 cm | 60 cm | 65 cm | 70 cm | 75 cm |
| 55 cm | 65 cm | 70 cm | 75 cm | 80 cm |
| 60 cm | 70 cm | 75 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| 65 cm | 75 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm | 90 cm |
| 70 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm | 90 cm | 95 cm |
| 75 cm | 85 cm | 90 cm | 95 cm | 100 cm |
| 80 cm | 90 cm | 95 cm | 100 cm | 105 cm |
| 85 cm | 95 cm | 100 cm | 105 cm | 110 cm |
| 90 cm | 100 cm | 105 cm | 110 cm | 115 cm |
| 95 cm | 105 cm | 110 cm | 115 cm | 120 cm |
| 100 cm | 110 cm | 115 cm | 120 cm | 125 cm |
| 105 cm | 115 cm | 120 cm | 125 cm | 130 cm |
| 110 cm | 120 cm | 125 cm | 130 cm | 135 cm |
| 115 cm | 125 cm | 130 cm | 135 cm | 140 cm |
| 120 cm | 130 cm | 135 cm | 140 cm | 145 cm |
| 125 cm | 135 cm | 140 cm | 145 cm | 150 cm |
FAQ
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
With the dog standing, measure nose to tail root (A), floor to elbow (B), width across the shoulders (C) and floor to the top of the head or ears (D). Use the highest point, not the back.
What is the IATA crate formula?
Length = A + ½B, width = C × 2 and height = D, where A to D are the dog's measurements. These give the minimum inside size of the container, and airlines usually refuse crates that are smaller.
Should a home crate be bigger than a travel crate?
Not much. A home crate should let the dog stand, turn round and lie stretched out. Too much space can slow house-training, so many owners use a divider while a puppy grows into an adult-sized crate.
Does the crate size include the dog's ears?
Yes. If the ears stand up, measure to the ear tips. Airlines check that the dog's head or ears do not touch the roof when it stands naturally, and a crate that is too low can be refused at check-in.
Can I use one crate for a growing puppy?
Yes, if it has a divider. Size the crate for the expected adult dog, using the puppy weight calculator for a guide, and move the divider back as the puppy grows.
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