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What Size Crate Does My Dog Need?

Measure your dog’s length and height, and the calculator picks the crate size to look for, with an optional airline crate check.

Enter your pet’s details

in

Measure standing, not including the tail.

in

Standing: floor to the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever is taller.

lb
in

Guides say 2–4 in.

Crate size to look for36 in (91 cm) crate

Crate size to look for

36 in (91 cm) crate

Smallest common length that fits; check its inside height too

Minimum inside length
32 in
Minimum inside height
24 in
Weight guide says
36–42 in

Estimates only, not veterinary advice.

How to use the dog crate size calculator

  1. Measure your dog’s length from the nose to the base of the tail, standing.
  2. Measure its height from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips) while it sits.
  3. Enter its weight. The calculator shows a weight-based guide as a second check.
  4. Leave the extra room at 4 in, or lower it to 2 in for a snug fit.
  5. Flying? Tick airline (IATA) travel crate and add three more measurements.

The formula

Minimum inside length = nose-to-tail length + 2–4 in Minimum inside height = standing height (to the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever is taller) + 2–4 in

Crates are sold by their length in inches. The calculator picks the smallest common size (18, 22, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 or 54 in) that is long enough. Heights differ between brands, so check that the crate’s inside height on the product page is at least the minimum inside height shown; if it isn’t, go up a size.

IATA travel crate (IATA Live Animals Regulations, Container Requirement 1):

  • Length = A + ½ B, where A is nose to base of tail and B is elbow to floor
  • Width = 2 × C, where C is the width across the shoulders
  • Height = D + bedding, where D is the standing height to the top of the head or ear tips

Tips

  • Measure, don’t guess. Breeds of the same weight can be very different shapes.
  • Use a divider for a growing puppy, sized from the puppy weight calculator.
  • Airlines have their own rules. Check your airline’s crate rules before you buy, because many add extra requirements on top of IATA’s.
  • Getting a harness too? Use the collar and harness size calculator.

Sources

  • PetSmart: dog crate size chart and measuring guide.
  • American Kennel Club: crate training guide.
  • IATA: pet container requirements (Live Animals Regulations, Container Requirement 1).

Frequently asked questions

What size crate do I need for my dog?

Measure from the nose to the base of the tail and from the floor to the top of the head, then add 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) to each. Choose the smallest crate whose inside length and height are at least that. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down.

What size crate for a 50 lb dog?

Usually a 36 or 42 inch crate. PetSmart’s weight guide puts 41–70 lb dogs in 36–42 inch crates, but a long or tall 50 lb dog may need more, so measure rather than going by weight alone.

How do I measure my dog for a crate?

With your dog standing, measure in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip). Then, still standing, measure from the floor to the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever is taller. Add 2–4 inches to both (PetSmart’s measuring guide).

What size crate for a puppy that will grow?

Buy the crate for its adult size and use a divider panel to make the space smaller while it is young. PetSmart notes that with too much space a puppy may use one end for sleeping and the other as a bathroom.

Can a dog crate be too big?

Yes, especially for puppies in house training, because they may soil one end and sleep in the other. For adult dogs a bit of extra room is fine, but for travel a snug crate is safer because the dog is thrown around less.

Last reviewed November 3, 2026. Found a problem? Tell us.