Messenger Bag Sizes: Dimensions, Laptop Fit and How to Wear One
A messenger bag is a flap-top bag worn across the body on one wide strap. Its width decides which laptop goes in, and its strap decides how it rides. Here are the standard sizes in inches and centimeters, and how they compare with satchels, slings and crossbody bags.
An average messenger bag measures about 15 × 11 × 4 in (38 × 28 × 10 cm) and holds 10 to 14 liters, enough for a 13 or 14-inch laptop. Small messengers are about 12 × 9 × 3 in (30 × 23 × 8 cm); large ones about 16–17 × 12 × 5–6 in (41–43 × 30 × 13–15 cm) for 15.6 to 16-inch laptops; cycling messengers reach 18–21 in wide.
- Average size
- 15 × 11 × 4 in
- In cm
- 38 × 28 × 10 cm
- 15.6-in laptop
- 16–17 in wide bag
- Capacity
- 10–14 L typical
On this page
Messenger bag size chart
Messenger bags are measured width × height × depth with the flap closed. Width is the number that matters most, because the bag lies landscape and the laptop or folder slides in sideways.
| Size | Width × height × depth (in) | cm | Capacity | Takes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small / mini | 11–13 × 8–10 × 3–4 | 28–33 × 20–25 × 8–10 | 4–9 L | Tablet, 11 to 13-inch laptop in larger minis, A5 notebook |
| Medium | 14–15 × 10–11 × 4–5 | 36–38 × 25–28 × 10–13 | 9–14 L | 13 or 14-inch laptop, letter or A4 folder |
| Large | 16–17 × 12 × 5–6 | 41–43 × 30 × 13–15 | 15–20 L | 15.6 or 16-inch laptop plus files |
| Extra large / cycling | 18–21 × 13–14 × 6–8 | 46–53 × 33–36 × 15–20 | 23–38 L | 17.3-inch laptop, groceries, a change of clothes |
Many messenger bags have a gusset that expands from 3 to 6 in or more as you fill them. Capacity figures assume a moderate fill; a bag described as 4 in deep may carry 6 in deep once the flap buckles are let out.
Which laptop fits which messenger bag
A laptop sleeve needs about 1 cm (0.4 in) of clearance beyond the laptop body, and the bag's padding and side seams add another 1 to 2 in to the outside width. That gives a simple rule: the bag's outside width should be at least 2 in (5 cm) more than the laptop's width.
| Laptop | Laptop width | Sleeve needed (inside) | Bag width (outside) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13–13.6 in | up to 12 in (30.4 cm) | 12.4 × 8.9 in (31.5 × 22.5 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) and up |
| 14 in | up to 12.8 in (32.4 cm) | 13.2 × 9.3 in (33.5 × 23.5 cm) | 15 in (38 cm) and up |
| 15.6–16 in | up to 14.3 in (36.4 cm) | 14.6 × 9.8–10.2 in (37 × 25–26 cm) | 16–17 in (41–43 cm) |
| 17.3 in | up to 15.8 in (40.1 cm) | 16.1 × 10.6 in (41 × 27 cm) | 18 in (46 cm) and up |
The full table for every laptop class, including thick gaming models, is in the laptop bag size chart. If you carry a laptop every day for long distances, compare a laptop backpack: a messenger puts the full weight on one shoulder.
Messenger bags vs satchels, crossbody bags and slings
These bags are all worn on a single strap, so they are easy to confuse in listings. Their sizes are quite different.
| Bag | Typical size (in) | cm | Capacity | Defining features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Messenger | 14–17 × 10–12 × 4–6 | 36–43 × 25–30 × 10–15 | 9–20 L | Soft, landscape, full flap, wide strap across the body |
| Satchel | 11–15 × 9–11 × 3–5 | 28–38 × 23–28 × 8–13 | 5–12 L | Structured, top handle, often leather with buckles |
| Crossbody bag | 7–10 × 5–8 × 2–3 | 18–25 × 13–20 × 5–8 | 1–3 L | Small purse on a thin, long strap |
| Sling bag | 10–14 × 6–8 × 3–5 (vertical or diagonal) | 25–36 × 15–20 × 8–13 | 4–10 L | Worn on the back or chest, swings round to open |
| Briefcase | 15–17 × 11–12 × 3–5 | 38–43 × 28–30 × 8–13 | 8–15 L | Top handles, structured, for documents; see briefcase sizes |
Crossbody purses and other handbag shapes are covered in detail in purse sizes and handbag dimensions. A tote, with two handles and an open top, is the other everyday carry option; see tote bag sizes.
How to set the strap length
- Decide where the bag should sit. Walking: at the hip, slightly behind it. Cycling: high in the middle of the back. Commuting on crowded transit: in front, against the stomach.
- Put the strap over your shoulder and across the chest, with the buckle or pad on the front of the shoulder so it does not dig into the collarbone.
- Adjust until the top of the bag sits where you chose. For walking, the bottom of the bag should be no lower than mid-thigh, or it will bump your leg with every step.
- Use the quick-adjust strap if there is one. Cycling bags have a cam buckle that cinches the bag tight while riding and releases it to swing to the front when you stop.
- Add the stabilizer strap, the short strap that runs under the opposite arm, for cycling with anything heavier than a few kilograms.
All the weight of a messenger bag sits on one shoulder. Keep a daily load light, and switch sides periodically. If you regularly carry a heavy laptop, charger and books together, a backpack spreads the same load over both shoulders.
Messenger bags as an airline personal item
A soft messenger bag is one of the easiest personal items to fit under an airline seat, because its depth compresses. A medium bag of 15 × 11 × 4 in (38 × 28 × 10 cm) fits every US airline's personal-item limit, as long as its 11 in height gives an inch for United's 10 in limit. A large one of 16–17 × 12 × 5–6 in fits American (18 × 14 × 8 in), JetBlue (17 × 13 × 8 in) and Southwest (16.25 × 13.5 × 8 in), and fits United's 17 × 10 × 9 in only if its 12 in height can squash down to 10 in. For other airlines, check the carry-on rules by airline.
On Ryanair and Wizz Air, where the free bag is 40 × 30 × 20 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in), a medium messenger fits but a 16 or 17-inch wide large one does not.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a messenger bag in cm?
Small messenger bags are about 28–33 × 20–25 × 8–10 cm, medium about 36–38 × 25–28 × 10–13 cm, large about 41–43 × 30 × 13–15 cm and cycling messengers 46–53 × 33–36 × 15–20 cm (width × height × depth).
What size messenger bag fits a 15.6-inch laptop?
A bag at least 16 in (41 cm) wide with a laptop sleeve of about 37 × 25 cm (14.6 × 9.8 in) inside. A 15-inch wide messenger is usually too narrow, because 15.6-inch laptops are 35.4 to 36 cm (13.9 to 14.2 in) wide before padding.
What is the difference between a messenger bag and a satchel?
A messenger bag is soft, wide and usually landscape-shaped, with a long flap and one wide strap worn across the body. A satchel is smaller (typically 11–15 in wide), more structured, often leather, and has a top handle as well as a shoulder strap.
Can a messenger bag be a personal item on a plane?
Yes. A medium or large messenger bag (up to about 17 × 12 × 6 in) fits the personal-item limits of American (18 × 14 × 8 in), JetBlue and Southwest. United's 17 × 10 × 9 in limit is tighter: the bag's height must squash to 10 in, which a soft messenger usually does.
Where should a messenger bag sit?
Walking, the bag usually sits at the hip or slightly behind it, with the strap across the chest. For cycling, shorten the strap so the bag rides high in the middle of the back, where it will not swing into your legs, and use a stabilizer strap if the bag has one.