Dog Crate Size Calculator
Add your dog weight and height to get a recommended crate length, width, and height, along with the standard size class.
| Weight | Crate size | Length (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | XS | 31.5 |
| 25 lb | S | 31.5 |
| 50 lb | M | 31.5 |
| 75 lb | L | 31.5 |
| 100 lb | XL | 31.5 |
Measure height, then add room
Stand your dog beside a wall and mark the top of the head, or measure from the floor to the highest point of the shoulders. Add about four inches so the head clears the top when standing. The length formula gives extra room to turn around and lie flat. If your dog falls between two sizes, round up.
Match the size class to adult weight
Crate charts run from XS to XL by adult weight, but two dogs of the same weight can carry it differently. A tall, lean dog may need a longer crate than the class suggests, while a stocky dog may need a wider one. Use the class as a starting point, then compare the inside dimensions of the crate you are considering with the numbers above.
Train with a divider
A puppy should travel in an adult-sized crate with a divider panel so the space shrinks to fit. Too much room invites a puppy to potty in one corner and sleep in the other. Move the divider back as the puppy grows. A crate that is too small is worse than one that is slightly large, so never squeeze a growing dog.
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Questions about this calculator
What size crate does my dog need?
Size to the adult dog, not the puppy. Your dog should be able to stand without hitting the top, turn around, and lie on its side. Measure the height to the top of the head, then use a crate about four inches taller than that and long enough to stretch out.
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Measure from the floor to the top of the head while your dog stands naturally, and measure from the chest to the rump for length. Round both up to the nearest inch. If you are between sizes, choose the larger crate and use a divider to shrink the space.
Should I buy a puppy crate or an adult size?
Buy the adult size and add a divider. The puppy gets only enough room to stand, turn, and lie down, which supports house training. As the puppy grows, move the divider back until it comes out. That way you buy one crate instead of three.
Is a bigger crate always better?
No. A crate that is much too large can slow house training and give an anxious dog too much space to pace. It should be safe and snug, with just enough room to stand and turn. For a puppy, a divider is the better fix than a smaller crate.
What if my dog is between two crate sizes?
Go with the larger crate. Extra length is easier to manage with bedding and a divider than a crate that is too tight. Check the inside dimensions, since exterior sizes vary between brands and a 36 inch crate is not the same across all makers.
Do crate dimensions vary by brand?
Yes. A size label like 36 inch usually refers to length, but width and height differ by brand and by wire versus plastic styles. Always compare the inside dimensions with your dog measurements rather than trusting the label alone.
Do I need a different crate for travel?
Home training often goes faster in a wire crate that breathes and folds. Car trips and airline rules may call for a hard-sided kennel that meets carrier hardware requirements. Some owners keep one of each instead of trying to make one crate do both jobs.