Laptops and tablets
Note how many devices, their overall size and thickness, where chargers go, and whether each unit needs its own slot.
Shop multiple laptop casesProtective case sizing guide
How to Measure for a Protective Case
Measure the equipment itself, include every protrusion and accessory, and allow room for foam, dividers, cables, lids, and rails. Accurate dimensions make it easier to choose the right stock or custom case.
Before you start
Measure these four things
- 1
Overall length, width, and height
At the largest points, in the way the item will sit in the case.
- 2
Everything that sticks out
Knobs, feet, handles, brackets, and connectors.
- 3
Accessories that travel with it
Chargers, cables, tools, and spare parts.
- 4
Weight and how it moves
Total loaded weight, and hand carry, vehicle, parcel, freight, or air.
Quick answer
Measure the largest outside points
Record the equipment’s maximum length, width, and height in the position it will sit in the case. Include handles, knobs, feet, brackets, ports, connectors, and mounted parts.
Starting clearance calculation
Minimum interior dimension = equipment dimension + clearance on both sides.
For example, equipment measuring 18 × 12 × 6 inches with 2 inches of protection on every side starts at about 22 × 16 × 10 inches of usable interior space. Final clearance depends on the equipment’s weight and fragility, the foam type, and how the case is handled.
Step-by-step guide
How to measure your equipment
Follow these six steps before shopping, using a case finder, or requesting a quote.
1. Choose the case orientation
Decide how the equipment will sit inside the case before you assign length, width, and height.
2. Measure maximum L × W × H
Measure at the widest, deepest, and tallest points, including anything that sticks out or is attached.
3. Add protection clearance
Allow room for foam, dividers, padding, lid depth, cable clearance, and loading access.
4. Include every accessory
List chargers, cables, tools, batteries, brackets, remotes, adapters, documents, and spare parts.
5. Confirm loaded weight
Add the case, equipment, accessories, and interior together to plan handles, wheels, and shipping.
6. Check interior and exterior size
Interior dimensions decide the fit. Exterior dimensions affect storage, vehicles, freight, and handling.
Fit checklist
Information to have ready
- Maximum equipment length, width, and height
- Total loaded weight
- A complete list of accessories and cables
- Preferred interior: foam, dividers, padded, or open
- How it travels: hand carry, wheels, vehicle, parcel, freight, or air
- Clearance for rails, cables, connectors, lids, and mounts
Sizing by equipment type
What to measure for different case types
Each type of equipment has fit details beyond basic length, width, and height.
Servers
Confirm rack units, server depth, rail and handle projection, rear cable clearance, and whether it ships mounted.
Shop server casesRack equipment
Confirm rack units, mounting depth, front and rear clearance, cable bend space, shock protection, and loaded weight.
Shop rack casesFlat screens
Use the full monitor width, height, and depth, not only the diagonal screen size. Include stands, mounts, handles, and cables.
Shop flat screen casesShipping cases
Measure the full footprint, height, accessories, and protection clearance. Consider wheels, handles, and stacking.
Shop shipping casesCustom interiors
Measure every item and note spacing, the order things come out, accessory compartments, and fragile points.
Compare interior optionsDimension definitions
Interior size, exterior size, and usable space
These measurements answer different questions. Checking all of them helps you avoid a fit that works on paper but not in practice.
| Measurement | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment dimensions | Maximum outside length, width, and height of the item. | The starting size before you add protection clearance. |
| Interior dimensions | Inside length, width, and height of the empty case. | Shows whether the equipment and its interior can fit. |
| Usable space | The space left after foam, dividers, lid depth, rails, and padding. | Keeps you from choosing a case that’s too tight once protection is added. |
| Exterior dimensions | Overall case size, including shell, hardware, wheels, and handles. | Affects storage, vehicles, parcel limits, freight cost, and handling. |
Avoid fit problems
Common case sizing mistakes
Using screen size as overall size
Diagonal screen size leaves out the bezel, stand, housing, hinges, and depth.
Forgetting accessories
Chargers, cables, brackets, tools, adapters, and removable parts often need their own space.
Ignoring protection clearance
Matching the interior exactly to the equipment leaves no room for cushioning or loading.
Checking only interior size
The outside of the case still has to fit storage areas, vehicles, doorways, and parcel limits.
Experience and accountability
Case sizing help from Specialty Cases
Guidance for your application
We compare fit by equipment, handling environment, transport method, and workflow.
Stock and custom options
We check available stock sizes before deciding whether a custom case is needed.
Since 1989
Specialty Cases has helped organizations choose reusable protective cases for over 35 years.
Guidance owner: Specialty Cases case specialists · Last reviewed August 2026
FAQs
Questions about measuring for a case
Should I measure the equipment or the old case?
Measure the equipment whenever possible. An old case may include unused space, compressed foam, or an interior layout that no longer fits how you use it.
How much extra space should I leave for foam?
It depends on the equipment’s weight, fragility, and shape, how it travels, and the foam you choose. Use the starting calculation above for planning, then confirm the final allowance with us before ordering.
Is screen size enough for a laptop or flat screen case?
No. Screen size is measured diagonally and doesn’t include the bezel, housing, hinge, stand, depth, or attached accessories. Measure the full outside dimensions.
What should I send for a rack case recommendation?
Send the rack units, equipment and mounting depth, front and rear cable clearance, total loaded weight, how it travels, and any needs for shock protection, wheels, lids, or console access.
Need help confirming fit?
Send your dimensions, quantity, loaded weight, accessories, how the cases will travel, your interior preference, and photos if you have them.
