IATA crate size calculator for dogs and cats
Four measurements of your pet standing, and you get the minimum internal dimensions the IATA standard requires to fly in the hold. Free, no sign-up, nothing is sent.
How to measure
- A: from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip).
- B: from the ground to the elbow of the front leg.
- C: width across the shoulders, at the widest point.
- D: from the ground to the top of the head, or the ears if they stand up.
The IATA formula
Length = A + ½B · Width = C × 2 · Height = D. These are internal dimensions: buy a crate on its internal measurements, not its external ones.
Common questions
- What size crate does my dog need to fly in the hold?
- The crate must let your pet stand with its head upright, turn around and lie down naturally. The IATA standard turns that into minimum internal dimensions: length = A + ½B, width = C × 2, height = D, measured with your pet standing.
- Does the crate count towards the weight limit?
- In the hold, most airlines publish a maximum for pet plus crate. In the cabin, the limit usually includes the carrier. Each airline page gives the published limit and its source.
- Do I need an IATA crate in the cabin?
- No. In the cabin your pet travels in a soft or hard carrier that fits under the seat, at the size the airline sets. The IATA crate standard is for the hold and cargo.