Dog crate size calculator

How to measure your dog for a crate

The method is the one crate makers such as Impact Dog Crates use. Measure length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, not the tip. Measure height at the shoulder with your dog standing. Then add 2 to 4 inches to both: the calculator adds 2 in for small dogs and 4 in from about 20 in of length up. That leaves room to turn and lie down, without so much space that a corner becomes a bathroom.

A worked example

In inches (US). The calculator opens with a dog 26 in long and 20 in tall at the shoulder.

• Extra room: 4 in
• Minimum inside length: 30 in
• Minimum inside height: 24 in
• Crate to buy: a 30 inch crate

In centimetres (UK and elsewhere). A dog 65 cm long and 50 cm tall needs at least 75 × 60 cm inside: again a 30 inch (76 cm) crate.

Dog crate size chart

Crates are sold by length: 18, 22, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 and 54 inches.

Dog length	Crate
up to 16 in (40 cm)	18"
18 in (46 cm)	22"
20 in (51 cm)	24"
22-26 in (56-66 cm)	30"
28-32 in (71-81 cm)	36"
34-38 in (86-97 cm)	42"
40-44 in (102-112 cm)	48"
46-50 in (117-127 cm)	54"

Check the inside height on the maker's spec too: it must clear the shoulder height plus the extra room.

Home crate, car crate or airline carrier

The calculator's sizes work for home and car crates. For flying, the airline decides: check its accepted carrier sizes before you buy, because cabin and cargo limits differ from home crates.

Common mistakes

• Measuring the tail. Length stops at the base of the tail.
• Measuring to the top of the head. Height is taken at the shoulder, standing.
• Buying huge for a puppy. Buy the adult size with a divider and move it as the puppy grows.
• Looking only at length. A tall, short-bodied dog may need the next size up for height.