Last updated: July 13, 2026
Dog Crate Size Calculator
What size crate does your dog need? A crate should be just big enough to stand up, turn around, and lie down, and no bigger. Enter your dog's weight, or add a measured length for a more accurate result, to get the recommended crate size.
Dog Crate Size Chart by Weight
| Crate Size | Dog Weight | Interior (L x W x H) | Example Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18" (XS) | Up to 10 lbs | 46 x 30 x 33 cm | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier |
| 24" (S) | 11 to 25 lbs | 61 x 46 x 48 cm | Pomeranian, small Dachshund, Pug |
| 30" (M) | 26 to 40 lbs | 76 x 48 x 53 cm | French Bulldog, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel |
| 36" (L) | 41 to 70 lbs | 91 x 58 x 63 cm | Border Collie, Bulldog, Boxer |
| 42" (XL) | 71 to 90 lbs | 107 x 71 x 76 cm | Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd |
| 48" (XXL) | 91 to 110 lbs | 122 x 76 x 84 cm | Rottweiler, larger German Shepherd |
| 54"+ (Giant) | Over 110 lbs | 137 x 89 x 114 cm | Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard |
Weight bands are a guide. Tall, lean dogs often need a larger crate than stockier dogs of the same weight, so measuring is more reliable. Interior dimensions vary by brand.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate
Measure your dog standing naturally on all four paws for the most accurate fit.
- Length: Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (do not include the full tail, since it bends inside the crate). Add 2 to 4 inches for the minimum crate length.
- Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the head or the tip of the ears, whichever is taller. Add 2 to 4 inches for the minimum crate height.
Pick the smallest standard crate that meets both measurements. A crate that is too big can actually make housetraining harder, so more room is not better.
Sizing a Crate for a Puppy
The most cost-effective approach for a growing puppy is to buy a crate sized for their predicted adult size and use a divider panel to shrink the usable space to their current size. That gives just enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down, which supports housetraining by discouraging a puppy from using one end as a bathroom.
Move the divider back every 4 to 6 weeks as your puppy grows, then remove it entirely once they reach adult size. To estimate adult size, check our breed weight calculators.