Dog Crate Size Calculator: Find the Right Crate for Your Dog
Not sure what size crate your dog needs? We can help you figure it out.
Enter your dog’s length and height, and our dog crate size calculator will calculate the minimum crate dimensions your dog needs. You’ll get the result in both inches and centimeters, making it easier to choose the right crate when shopping.
Find the Right Crate Size for Your Dog
Enter your dog’s length and height to calculate the minimum crate dimensions needed for your dog. Your result will be shown in both inches and centimeters.
Tip: Measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to the base of the tail.
Tip: Measure from the floor to the top of your dog’s head while sitting.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate
Measuring your dog correctly is the best way to find the right crate size. You only need two measurements: your dog’s length and height.
Follow the instructions below to measure your dog, then enter both measurements into our dog crate size calculator to find the minimum crate dimensions your dog needs.
Measure Your Dog’s Length
Have your dog stand naturally on all four paws. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Do not include the tail itself.
Add about 4 inches (10 cm) to this measurement. The extra space gives your dog enough room to move around and settle comfortably inside the crate.
Measure Your Dog’s Height
Have your dog sit naturally. Measure from the floor to the top of the head.
Add about 4 inches (10 cm) to this measurement as well. The extra space gives your dog enough room to sit, move, and settle comfortably inside the crate.
Example
If your dog measures 30 inches (76 cm) long and 23 inches (58 cm) tall, add about 4 inches (10 cm) to each measurement. The minimum crate dimensions would be approximately:
34″ L × 27″ H
86 cm L × 69 cm H
When choosing a crate, compare these numbers with the crate’s interior dimensions. The crate should meet or exceed both measurements so your dog has enough room to sit, move, and settle comfortably.
Dog Crate Size Chart
Use this dog crate size chart to see the minimum crate dimensions for different dog lengths and heights. Find the measurements closest to your dog, or use our dog crate size calculator above for a more precise result.
| Dog Length | Dog Height | Minimum Crate Length | Minimum Crate Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 in (46 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) | 22 in (56 cm) | 18 in (46 cm) |
| 22 in (56 cm) | 18 in (46 cm) | 26 in (66 cm) | 22 in (56 cm) |
| 26 in (66 cm) | 20 in (51 cm) | 30 in (76 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) |
| 30 in (76 cm) | 23 in (58 cm) | 34 in (86 cm) | 27 in (69 cm) |
| 34 in (86 cm) | 26 in (66 cm) | 38 in (97 cm) | 30 in (76 cm) |
| 38 in (97 cm) | 29 in (74 cm) | 42 in (107 cm) | 33 in (84 cm) |
| 42 in (107 cm) | 32 in (81 cm) | 46 in (117 cm) | 36 in (91 cm) |
These are minimum interior crate dimensions. The recommended measurements include approximately 4 inches (10 cm) of extra space beyond your dog’s length and height.
Crate sizes can vary by brand, so always check the crate’s interior dimensions before buying. If your dog’s measurements fall between two rows, choose a crate that meets or exceeds the larger dimensions.
Dog Crate Sizes by Breed
If you know your dog’s breed, this chart can give you a quick starting point for choosing a crate for an adult dog. Keep in mind that dogs of the same breed can vary in size.
| Breed | Recommended Minimum Crate Dimensions (Length × Height) |
|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 22″ × 18″ (56 × 46 cm) |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 22″ × 18″ (56 × 46 cm) |
| Shih Tzu | 24″ × 20″ (61 × 51 cm) |
| Beagle | 30″ × 23″ (76 × 58 cm) |
| Corgi | 30″ × 23″ (76 × 58 cm) |
| French Bulldog | 30″ × 23″ (76 × 58 cm) |
| Border Collie | 36″ × 27″ (91 × 69 cm) |
| Australian Shepherd | 36″ × 27″ (91 × 69 cm) |
| Labrador Retriever | 42″ × 30″ (107 × 76 cm) |
| Golden Retriever | 42″ × 30″ (107 × 76 cm) |
| German Shepherd | 48″ × 32″ (122 × 81 cm) |
| Great Dane | 54″ × 45″ (137 × 114 cm) |
These are general guidelines for adult dogs, not exact measurements for every dog of a particular breed. For the best fit, use your dog’s actual length and height with the calculator above.
What Size Crate Does My Puppy Need?
Puppies grow quickly, so choosing a crate can be a little different from choosing one for an adult dog. Your puppy needs enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, without having a large amount of unused space.
Start by measuring your puppy’s current length and height and use the calculator above to find the minimum crate dimensions. If your puppy is still growing, also consider their expected adult size when choosing a crate.
Should You Buy a Larger Crate for a Growing Puppy?
If you know how large your puppy is expected to be as an adult, you can choose a crate that will accommodate their adult size and use a crate divider while they grow.
A divider lets you adjust the available space as your puppy gets bigger, so you can keep using the same crate instead of replacing it as they grow.
Whether you choose a puppy-sized crate or one that can grow with them, make sure the available space is large enough for your puppy to move comfortably.
How Much Extra Space Should a Dog Crate Have?
Your dog should have enough room to stand up, turn around, sit, and lie down comfortably. A crate should not feel cramped, but it also does not need to have a large amount of unused space.
What If the Crate Is Too Small?
A crate that is too small can make it difficult for your dog to move or rest comfortably. If the crate does not meet the minimum dimensions from the calculator, choose a larger crate.
What If the Crate Is Too Large?
A little extra space is fine. You do not need to find a crate that matches the calculator’s measurements exactly. The important thing is that the interior provides enough room for your dog to move comfortably.
Do I Need to Buy the Exact Dimensions?
No. The dimensions from the calculator are minimum dimensions. When shopping, look for a crate with interior dimensions that meet or exceed these measurements.
For example, if the calculator gives you a minimum length of 36 inches (91 cm), a crate with an interior length of 36 inches or more can work, as long as its other interior dimensions also provide enough room for your dog.
Dog Crate Size FAQs
Still wondering what size crate your dog needs? Here are quick answers to some of the most common dog crate size questions.
Measure your dog’s length and height, then add about 4 inches (10 cm) to each measurement. Use these numbers as the minimum crate length and height, and choose a crate with interior dimensions that meet or exceed them.
No, dog crate sizes are not completely standardized. Different brands can have different interior dimensions, even when they use the same size label. Always check the crate’s actual interior measurements before buying.
Measure your puppy’s current length and height to find the minimum crate size. If your puppy is still growing, you can choose a crate that will fit their expected adult size and use a crate divider to adjust the available space as they grow.
Weight alone is not enough to determine the right crate size. Dogs with the same weight can have very different body proportions. Measure your dog’s length and height instead, then use those measurements to find the minimum interior crate dimensions.
A Labrador Retriever will often need a crate around 42 inches long and 30 inches high (107 × 76 cm), but individual dogs can vary. Measure your Labrador’s actual length and height before buying, and compare those measurements with the crate’s interior dimensions.
A Golden Retriever will often need a crate around 42 inches long and 30 inches high (107 × 76 cm). Because individual dogs can vary in size, use your dog’s actual length and height to confirm the minimum interior dimensions you need.
An adult Corgi will often need a crate around 30 inches long and 23 inches high (76 × 58 cm). However, Corgis can vary in size, so measure your dog’s actual length and height and check the crate’s interior dimensions before buying.
A little extra space is fine. The crate does not need to match the calculator’s measurements exactly, but it should provide enough room for your dog to move and rest comfortably without a large amount of unnecessary space.
If your dog cannot stand up, turn around, sit, or lie down comfortably, the crate is too small. Check the crate’s interior dimensions and choose a larger one if they do not meet the minimum measurements recommended for your dog.