📦 Dog Crate Size Calculator
Measure your dog and get the crate length and height to look for — enough room to stand, turn around and lie down.
Crate length
26–28 in
Crate height
20–22 in
The AKC guideline: measure nose to the base of the tail (not the tail tip) for length, and floor to the top of the head (or ear tip for erect-eared breeds) for height, then add about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) to each. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. For a growing puppy, size for the adult dog and use a divider. 🔒 In your browser.
How the dog crate size calculator works
The AKC guideline is to measure your dog's length from the nose to the base of the tail, and its height from the floor to the top of the head (or the ear tip for erect-eared breeds), then add about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) to each. The tool applies that margin so you get a length and height range to shop for.
A crate should let your dog stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably — but not be so large that it can toilet at one end and rest at the other, which undermines house-training. For a puppy, size the crate for the adult dog and use a divider to expand the space as it grows.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does my dog need?
Measure nose-to-tail-base for length and floor-to-head for height, then add 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) to each. A dog measuring 24 in long and 18 in tall wants a crate roughly 26–28 in long and 20–22 in tall.
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Length: from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (don't include the tail). Height: from the floor to the top of the head while sitting or standing — use the ear tips for breeds with erect ears.
Should a crate be bigger for a puppy?
Buy for the adult size but use a divider to keep the usable space small while house-training. Too much room lets a puppy toilet in one corner and sleep in another, which slows toilet training.
Can a crate be too big?
Yes — an over-large crate can hinder house-training and feel less den-like and secure. The goal is enough room to stand, turn and lie down, plus a couple of inches, not a lot of extra space.
What if my dog is between crate sizes?
Size up to the larger crate so your dog can stand and turn comfortably, and add a divider if you need to reduce the interior for training. Comfort and the ability to stand fully are the priorities.