Best Laptop Sizes and Bag Dimensions for Commuters (13", 15", 16" Guide)

Buying a work bag for your laptop sounds very simple until you start looking at the measurements. A bag might be described as a laptop bag but that does not necessarily mean your particular laptop will fit comfortably inside. Then there are the extra things you carry everyday: a charger, notebook, headphones, water bottle and maybe a few things you didn't plan to bring but somehow end up carrying anyway. That is why choosing a commuter bag based only on the laptop size can be a mistake. A 13-inch laptop, a 15-inch laptop, and a 16-inch laptop can all need slightly different amounts of space, and the bag's outside dimensions matter just as much as the laptop compartment.

First laptop size does not tell you the exact laptop damage

The first thing you need to understand is that the number on your laptops does not represent the actual width. When you say that you have a 13 inch laptop the 13 inches refer to the screen measured diagonally from corner to corner. The same applies to 15 inch and 16 inch laptops. This means 2 laptops with the same screen size can have slightly different physical dimensions depending on the manufacturer and the design. That is the only reason you should always check the actual dimensions of your laptop before buying a bag. If your laptop measures 12.8 inches across for example you don't want a bag compartment that measures exactly 12.8 inches. You need a little room to get the laptop in and out without facing it.

What bag size do you need for a 13 inch laptop?

A 13 inch laptop is generally easier to carry because the device itself is relatively compact. For people who carry a smaller laptop along with a notebook, charger, phone and a few personal items, a compact leather messenger bag or smaller leather backpack can be enough. The biggest mistake is choosing a bag that is only large enough for the laptop. Your laptop might fit perfectly but where are you going to put the charger? What about your notebook? Headphones? A good everyday bag should leave some room around the laptop compartment so that the rest of your essentials do not have to sit on the top of the device. For a 13 inch laptop look for a bag with a dedicated padded laptop compartment and enough additional storage for the things you normally carry.

What about a 15 inch laptop?

A 15 inch laptop is a common choice for work because it gives you a larger screen without being as large as some 16 inch models. But the extra screen size does not mean you need to pay closer attention to your bag dimensions. A bag design especially for smaller laptops might technically look roomy but still have a laptop compartment that is too narrow for your device. For a 15 inch laptop check the actual laptop compartment dimensions not just the overall bag size. You also need to think about the thickness. A laptop might fit in terms of width and height but still feels cramped if the compartment is too slim once you add a protective sleeve. If you regularly carry a 15 inch laptop, charger, notebook and other work essentials, a medium sized messenger bag or briefcase can give you a useful balance between capacity and portability.

Is a 16 inch laptop too big for a commuter bag?

Not necessarily. A 16 inch laptop is larger but there are plenty of bags designed to accommodate larger laptops. The key is choosing the right compartment. A 16 inch MacBook for example has different physical dimensions from some 16 inch windows laptop so simply seeing a fit 16 inch laptop on a product page is not enough. You need to check the measurements. If you are buying a leather briefcase or backpack for a 16 inch laptop you need to look for an adequate compartment that gives you enough space to slide your laptop in and out comfortably. It is also worth checking the overall depth of your bag. A larger laptop often means a slightly larger bag especially if you want to carry your charger and other accessories alongside it.

Laptop Size vs. Bag Size

Here's a simple guide to help you think about the relationship:

Don't forget the charger

This sounds really obvious but it is one of the easiest things to forget when choosing a leather laptop bag. Your laptop might fit perfectly into a slim compartment but your charger cable, mouse and other accessories still need somewhere to go. If you commute everyday, think about everything you normally carry rather than just the laptop. For example everyday think about everything you normally carry rather than just the laptop. For example every day just include your laptop charger, notebook, phone, wallet, keys, headphones and a water bottle. Suddenly that compact bag does not sound quite so spacious.

How much extra room should a laptop bag have?

You want enough space to remove your laptop easily, but you do not want to have so much extra room that the device moves around inside the bag. A little breathing room is useful. Too little space can make taking the laptop in and out frustrating. Too much space can allow your laptop to move around when you are walking or commuting. A padded laptop section can also keep your computer separate from your other belongings. If your bag has a dedicated laptop compartment you need to check whether it is padded and whether it closes security.

So choosing a laptop bag is not really about finding the bag that matches a 13 inch, 15 inch or 16 inch label. It's about finding a bag that fits your actual laptop and everything you carry with it. If you are looking for a leather bag for work or commuting Wild Vintage offers a range of styles designed around everyday carrying.