Dog Crate Size Calculator
Calculate the perfect crate size for your dog by measuring length (nose to tail base) and height (floor to head/ears when sitting). The ideal crate allows your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Add 2-4 inches to measurements for comfort, or choose the next size up for growing puppies.
Calculate Crate Size
Dog's Length (Standing)
📏 How to measure: Dog standing, measure from tip of nose to base of tail (where tail meets body). Do NOT include tail length.
Dog's Height (Sitting)
📏 How to measure: Dog sitting upright, measure from floor to top of head (or tip of ears if erect).
Dog's Weight (Optional)
Weight helps confirm size selection
Dog's Age/Status
Puppies need size-up or adjustable divider crates
How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate
1️⃣ Measure Length
Position: Dog standing naturally on all fours
Measurement: Tip of nose to base of tail (where tail meets body). Do NOT include tail. Use flexible tape measure.
2️⃣ Measure Height
Position: Dog sitting upright (not lying down)
Measurement: Floor to top of head or tip of ears (whichever is higher). Dog should sit naturally, not slouching.
3️⃣ Add Comfort Space
Formula: Add 2-4 inches to both measurements
Purpose: Ensures dog can stand fully, turn around, and lie stretched out. If between standard sizes, always size up.
Crate Sizing Formulas
Crate Size Calculations
1. Minimum Crate Length:
\( \text{Crate Length} = \text{Dog Length (nose to tail)} + 2\text{-}4 \text{ inches} \)
Minimum space needed for dog to lie down fully extended. Add 2 inches for small dogs, 4 inches for large dogs. Example: 24" dog + 4" = 28" minimum crate length.
2. Minimum Crate Height:
\( \text{Crate Height} = \text{Dog Height (sitting)} + 2\text{-}4 \text{ inches} \)
Space needed for dog to sit upright without head touching top. Measure from floor to top of head/ears when sitting. Example: 20" sitting height + 3" = 23" minimum crate height.
3. Standard Crate Width Formula:
\( \text{Crate Width} \approx 0.67 \times \text{Crate Length} \)
Standard proportions: width is roughly 2/3 of length. Allows dog to turn around comfortably. For 36" long crate: width ≈ 24". Most commercial crates follow this ratio.
4. Crate Size with Bedding:
\( \text{Required Height} = \text{Dog Sitting Height} + \text{Bed Thickness} + 2 \text{ inches} \)
Account for crate pad/bed height. A 2" thick bed reduces clearance by 2". If dog height + bed = 22", need minimum 24" crate height. Compressed bed may be less.
5. Puppy Growth Projection:
\( \text{Adult Crate Size} = \text{Breed Adult Weight Range} \rightarrow \text{Size Chart} \)
For puppies, research breed's typical adult weight and size to that range. Use crate divider to create smaller space during growth. Example: Lab puppy (adult 65 lbs) needs 42" crate with divider.
6. Between-Sizes Decision:
\( \text{If } (\text{Measurement} - \text{Size}_{\text{min}}) < 2\text{", choose next size up} \)
When dog measurement falls within 2" of size minimum, choose larger size for comfort. If 30" dog barely fits 30" crate minimum, select 36" crate instead. Better slightly too large than cramped.
Standard Dog Crate Size Chart
Sizes are standard industry measurements. Always measure your individual dog as size varies within breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Measure two dimensions: (1) Length - dog standing, from tip of nose to base of tail (not including tail), and (2) Height - dog sitting upright, from floor to top of head or tip of ears, whichever is higher. Add 2-4 inches to each measurement for comfort. Length determines crate length, height determines crate height. Use a flexible tape measure and measure when dog is calm. If measurements fall between standard crate sizes, always choose the larger size. For puppies, research breed's adult size and buy for full-grown dimensions.
What size crate should I get for my dog?
Choose a crate where your dog can stand without head touching the top, turn around completely, and lie down fully stretched out. Common sizes: 24" (up to 25 lbs), 30" (26-40 lbs), 36" (41-70 lbs), 42" (71-90 lbs), 48" (90+ lbs). However, weight alone isn't reliable - a stocky 40 lb Bulldog may need a 36" crate while a lanky 40 lb Whippet fits in 30". Always measure your specific dog. For puppies, either buy adult-sized crate with divider panel to adjust space as they grow, or plan to purchase larger crates during growth stages.
Is it better for a crate to be too big or too small?
Slightly too large is better than too small, but ideal fit is best. A too-small crate restricts movement, causes stress, and can lead to physical discomfort or injury. However, excessively large crates can cause house-training problems - dogs may use one corner as a bathroom since they can eliminate far from sleeping area. For adult dogs, 2-4 inches clearance is perfect. For puppies during house-training, use divider panels to create appropriately-sized space that grows with them. The crate should feel like a cozy den, not cramped confinement or vast empty room.
Should I size up for a puppy?
Yes, buy a crate sized for your puppy's adult dimensions and use a divider panel to create smaller space that expands as they grow. This saves money and ensures consistent environment. Research your puppy's breed to estimate adult weight and size. For example, a 15 lb Lab puppy will reach 60-75 lbs as adult, requiring a 42" crate - buy that size now with divider. Adjust divider every few weeks to maintain proper space (just enough to stand, turn, lie down). Without proper sizing during house-training, puppies may develop bad habits of eliminating in oversized crates.
What if my dog is between two crate sizes?
When measurements fall between standard sizes, choose the larger size. For example, if your dog measures 32" long (30" crate max is 30", 36" crate accommodates up to 36"), select the 36" crate. The extra space ensures comfort and prevents the dog from feeling cramped. This is especially important for long-bodied breeds (Dachshunds, Basset Hounds) or dogs with thick coats that need more clearance. If cost is concern and dog is very close to fitting smaller size (within 1"), the smaller might work, but err on side of comfort. You can always add extra bedding to make larger crate cozier.
How much space should a dog have in a crate?
A properly-sized crate should allow 2-4 inches of clearance above the dog's head when standing and 2-4 inches beyond their nose and rear when lying down. The dog should be able to stand without crouching, turn around in a complete circle without difficulty, sit upright without head touching top, and lie down with legs fully extended. They should NOT be able to pace back and forth or have excess room to separate sleeping from elimination areas. Test fit: place dog in crate - if they can comfortably perform all these positions, it's correct size. Too cramped if they duck head or curl up tighter than usual.