Weigh a suitcase without a luggage scale

You do not need a luggage scale to know roughly what your bag weighs. A bathroom scale will do, or a list of what is in the bag. Here is how to use each, and what to do when the number is close to your limit.

Use a bathroom scale

1. Weigh yourself and write the number down.
2. Pick up the packed bag, stand on the scale and weigh again.
3. Subtract the first number from the second. The difference is the bag.

Use the same scale for both readings, so any error in the scale cancels out. Hold the bag close to your body and keep it off the floor and off any furniture while you read the number. Bathroom scales are not precise, so treat a result that is close to the limit with care.

Add up what is in it

If the bag is not packed yet, add up the pieces instead. Our free luggage weight calculator does the sums with typical weights. It counts a pair of hiking boots as 1.4 kg, a laptop as 1.5 kg and a toiletry bag as 0.3 kg. Those are estimates, and your own boots may weigh more or less. If you know the real weight of something, use that.

Count the empty bag

The bag itself is part of the total. In our estimates an empty suitcase weighs 3.5 kg, which is more than a pair of hiking boots and a laptop together. A carry-on suitcase is 2.5 kg and a backpack is 1 kg. A lighter bag leaves more of your limit for what you pack.

Find your limit

We do not list airline limits. They change, and they depend on your ticket, your route and the kind of bag. Look up the limit on your airline’s own baggage page for your booking, and look again shortly before you fly.

If you are close to the limit

An estimate can be off, so weigh the packed bag on a scale before you leave if the calculator puts you near the limit. Take out what you can do without. Check the limit for your hand luggage too before you move heavy items into it.