Knowing how to measure a purse can help you decide if the handbag you're viewing online will hold everything you wish to put in it. Designers and purse manufacturers list purse sizes, but length and width are often used interchangeably.
How to Measure a Purse
You can learn how to measure a handbag so you can understand what the actual bag measurements are. When you use a bag measurement guide as a quick reference, you can recognize what a website listing means, even if the measurements aren't listed with their accompanying dimensions.
Understanding What a Purse Measurement Is
Purse measurements are made up of three measurements. The first is the length (L), the second is height (H), and the third is the width (W). An example of how these measurements are listed by designers/manufacturers is: 9"L x 8"H x 5"W.
How to Measure a Handbag Length
The first measurement you will take is the length of the handbag. This measurement is taken from the front of the handbag. You will measure along the base of the front, drawing the measuring tape from left to right.
How to Measure the Height of a Handbag
You will next measure the height of the handbag. This measurement is taken in the middle of the purse. You'll measure the front of the bag, starting at the base of the purse to the top. You won't count the handles or straps in your measurement.
How to Measure Width of a Bag
The measurement for the width of the bag is take from the side of the handbag. You'll measure this from the handbag base, drawing the measuring tape from the back to the front of the handbag.
What Is Meant by Depth of a Handbag?
There isn't a set standard for listing handbag dimensions. Some designers and handbag manufacturers don't use the typical L/H/W (Length/Height/Width). Instead, they list the dimensions of their bags as H/W/D (Height/Width/Depth). This can cause confusion among buyers. It helps to compare instances as:
- Height=Height (same)
- Width =Length
- Depth=Width
An example of the differences will look like this:
- 9"L x 8"H x 5"W
- 9"W x 8"H x 5"D
How to Measure Depth of a Bag
When you set out to measure the depth of a bag, you will follow the same instructions for measuring the width of a purse. You'll take this measurement on the side of the purse measuring front to back.
Examples of Purse Measurement Listings
A few examples of designer handbag measurements can be helpful. You can quickly compare these purse measurements to understand how they are listed.
- Kate spade Puffy Cat Large Tote: 13.4"h x 16.5"w x 7.9"d
- Coach Cashin Carry Tote 22: 8 1/2" (L) x 7 3/4" (H) x 5" (W)
- Chanel Vintage Classic Chevron Lambskin Medium: 10"W x 6"H x 2.5"D
What Is Drop Length on a Purse?
The drop length on a purse is the measurement of the handles or shoulder straps of a purse. This measurement is always taken at the top of the purse at the lowest point.
How to Measure the Drop Length
This measurement is taken from the top of the purse at the lowest point to the inside of the handles or shoulder strap held above the purse. You will start your measurement from the center top of the purse and measure straight up to the inside peak of the handles or shoulder strap.
How Do You Measure the Length of a Handbag Strap?
You can easily measure a handbag strap by starting from one end of the strap where it is connected to the purse. You will measure the strap length to the opposite end where it also connects to the purse.
Learning How to Measure a Purse for Correct Measurements
You can easily learn how to measure a purse correctly. Once you know what the measurements mean, you can determine if a handbag is large enough or too small for your needs.
