Baggage Weight Calculator
Check luggage against airline weight limits.
Often 50 lb (23 kg)
Optional
Results update as you type.
How it works
Overweight baggage fees can be steep and are easy to avoid if you check before heading to the airport, and this calculator does that check. You enter your bag's weight, the airline's weight limit, and the overweight fee, and it returns whether the bag is within the limit or overweight, by how much, and any fee due. Most airlines set a standard checked-bag limit of 50 pounds (about 23 kilograms) for economy fares, with a higher limit around 70 pounds for premium cabins or elite status, though limits and fees vary by airline, route, and fare, so confirm yours. Going even slightly over the limit typically triggers a flat overweight fee, and bags well over the limit (often above 70 or 100 pounds) may be refused entirely. These fees are charged per bag, each way, so an overweight bag on a round trip is charged twice. To avoid fees, weigh your bag at home with a luggage or bathroom scale before leaving, redistribute weight to a carry-on or a second checked bag if allowed, or remove items. Knowing your bag is within limits saves money and the stress of repacking at the check-in counter. Enter your bag weight, limit, and fee to check your baggage.
Over limit = bag weight − weight limit (fee applies if positive)
The calculator subtracts the airline's weight limit from your bag's weight. If the result is positive, the bag is overweight by that amount and the overweight fee applies; if zero or negative, the bag is within the limit and no fee is due.
Source:Airline baggage policies
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter bag weight.
- 2
Adjust the options
Adjust airline weight limit and overweight fee if they apply — sensible defaults are already set.
- 3
Read your result
Status updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard airline baggage weight limit?
Most airlines limit checked bags to 50 pounds (about 23 kilograms) for economy tickets, with higher limits around 70 pounds for business or first class and some elite frequent flyers. Limits vary by airline, route, and fare class, and international flights may differ, so always confirm the specific limit for your ticket before packing.
How much are overweight baggage fees?
Overweight fees vary by airline and how far over the limit you are, but they commonly run from about $50 to $200 per bag, each way. Bags in higher weight brackets cost more, and very heavy bags may be refused. Because the fee is charged in each direction, an overweight bag on a round trip is billed twice.
How can I avoid overweight fees?
Weigh your bag at home before leaving using a luggage scale or by standing on a bathroom scale with and without the bag. If it is over, move heavy items to a carry-on or personal item, redistribute weight to another checked bag if you have the allowance, or remove nonessentials. Checking ahead avoids costly surprises and repacking at the counter.
What happens if my bag is too heavy?
If your bag exceeds the standard limit, you pay an overweight fee, which increases in brackets the heavier it is. Bags above a hard maximum, often 70 or 100 pounds depending on the airline, may be refused for handler safety, requiring you to remove items or split the contents. Checking the weight beforehand prevents these problems at check-in.
Is the limit per bag or total?
Airline weight limits generally apply per individual checked bag, not to your total luggage. So each bag must stay under the limit on its own; having several bags does not let one exceed the cap. Overweight fees are assessed per bag as well, so distributing weight so no single bag is over is the way to avoid them.