How to Measure an iPad for a Case in 2022 - (Expert Advice) - Golf Bag,Sports Bag,Outdoor Bag Manufacturer

With the introduction of 5 new, refreshed, or renamed Apple tablet models in the last 6 months, it’s more important than ever to know how to measure an iPad for a case. This post covers several ways to make sure you can match the Apple tablet you own to the case you want.

This post was updated in May of 2022 to include the newly released 5th generation iPad Air 10.9, 3rd generation 2021 11-inch iPad Pro and the 2021 M1 equipped 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This is the most up-to-date information on how to measure a tablet for a case, Apple tablet dimensions, and how to measure your tablet screen size so you’ll know what size tablet you own so you can purchase the right size case.

Please note that the 2021 M1-equipped 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the 2020 4th Generation version are the same overall dimensions. There is a slight deviation in the placement of the speakers which may affect the how certain cases fit. We recommend checking with your respective case manufacturer for compatibility between the 4th and 5th generations of the 12.9.

Recently we’ve noticed a bit of a trend here at MacCase: Customers ordering iPad Pro Cases and iPad Sleeves and then contacting us to inform us that we have shipped the wrong size. Upon checking their orders, we found we did indeed ship the size they requested. They just ordered the wrong size.

MacCase has been making iPad cases since Steve Jobs introduced the first one back in 2010. Throughout the history of MacCase, the problem of customers ordering the wrong size case was not an issue. What had changed that suddenly customers were ordering the wrong size iPad cases?

No one enjoys the process of placing an order online for any product only to receive the wrong size and then have to have it replaced with the correct size. It’s a hassle for everyone involved. No accessory company wants to ship the wrong size of anything and have the customer be disappointed. So we thought, maybe we should do a blog post about how to measure an iPad for a case?

A Brief History of iPad Size

Before Apple created iPads in different sizes, there was only one size. You either had an iPad or you didn’t. Buying the right size iPad case was easy. It was either for the iPad or it wasn’t. Oh, the good old days of 2010!

Following the product strategy of the iPods, when it came time to refresh the iPad, Apple released the iPad 2 and a smaller-sized Mini version. So now we have the original which was one size, the new iPad 2 which was slightly different, and a new smaller Mini. We went from a single iPad size to 3 in one step. Yikes! Relative to how things are now, this was still the good old days!

As the iPad line grew, Apple wisely changed its naming program. They switched it up and followed the strategy of their MacBooks, naming subsequent the newer models based on the size of the screen (10.2, 11, 12.9 ) not on generation (iPad 1, iPad 2, iPad 3). Of course, they did this after releasing 3 or 4 versions of the original iPad further confusing things if you were looking for a case for an older model.

The inevitable switch to and current use of naming by size helps when searching for the right size case. “Which iPad do you have” or “What size is it?” is often heard when someone here at MacCase is on a call with a customer. Most of the time the customer knows which size they own and we can get them the right case.

Once you have the iPad or iPad Pro home and you are using it a while and realize you need a way to protect it, the actual size of the iPad you are using can be long forgotten. It’s not like the size pops up on the login screen every time you turn it on. It would not be hard for Apple to add an option in the settings to tell you what iPad the size and generation you have.

The size isn’t even etched into the aluminum on the back. (That might help if you’re listening Apple). So you either know you have a 10.9, 11, or a 12.9 or you don’t. And if you don’t have an 11-inch Apple tablet, you can mistakenly order something other than an iPad Pro 11 case.

What Size is My iPad?

The current Apple iPad lineup has 5 sizes. To make matters worse there are a whole plethora of generations of each size. That’s why we created this post. It can be intimating to want to order a case and not know what size or which generation of Apple tablet you own.

To make matters even more confusing, Apple has taken older models like the 10.5 that used to be called “Pro” and recast it as the new “Air”. Does my old 10.5 Pro case fit the new 10.5 Air? It depends. We suggest calling the case manufacturer and asking them.

The 9.7 and 10.5 are pretty close. It would be very hard to know which size is which without having them next to each other. This can make purchasing a case difficult and can lead to buying the wrong size case.

The purpose of the blog is to give you some guidance in how to measure the size of your iPad so you can then purchase the correct size case. Here is the “Rosetta Stone” of how to measure an iPad for a case: All tablets and laptop computers are measured across the screen diagonally.

This measurement is the size of the product. An iPad Pro 10.5 will measure approximately 10.5 inches when measured diagonally across the screen. The measurement does not include the bezel. If you are measuring, only measure the active part of the screen which is the part that lights up.

Consequently, a 12.9 iPad Pro will measure just under 13 inches when the screen is measured diagonally as shown in the image above. Many people think that measuring the length of the tablet will give you the correct size. This is not the case.

You may be even more confused if you try to measure the overall length or width to determine the size. Many times in the history of iPad development, Apple has kept the overall length and width of the actual tablet the same but decreased the black bezel around the screen. What effect does this have on the size of the tablet?

If you’re measuring the overall length is it reads 9.5-inches and the previous model was a 10.5 (as measured by screen size diagonally), by making the bezel smaller, the actual screen size increases. So you might think you need a case for a 9.5-inch (which Apple never made) but the old official size was 10.5 and with the bigger screen measured diagonally, that model is now officially a 10.9.

Again, the nomenclature of the product comes from the screen measured diagonally. It’s the same system or method used to measure and sell televisions.

How to Measure a Tablet for a Case

If doesn’t matter if you own an Apple or Android tablet, again like televisions, consumer electronic screens are measured diagonally across the screen from left to right. The important thing to remember is to make sure you are measuring the lit part of the screen and not the screen bezel.

Measuring the screen and including the bezel will give you a number different from what the manufacturer intended. If the lit part of the screen measures 10.9-inch and you include the .50″ bezel, your measurement will result in a reading of 11.9. You’ll be spending all your time looking for a case for an 11.9 tablet which doesn’t exist

The manufacturer is calling that a 10.9-inch model. You’ll either not find a case for it or you’ll wind up ordering the wrong side protective device. Measure twice, buy once.

How to Find iPad Measurement

Like televisions, the same method of measuring the screen diagonally is used to dictate laptop size. Measuring the screen diagonally will yield what the manufacturer considers the size of the computer. This way of measuring the screen to name the size is also used for tablets like Apple’s.

The key thing to know about this is exactly how to measure the screen. To find the correct iPad measurement, you need to make sure you are measuring the lit part of the screen, not the black bezel that surrounds it. Make sure you turn your tablet on and when the screen lights up, measure from one lit corner diagonally across to the other as shown above.

Any website product page listing (worth their salt) should have multiple call-outs either on the images themselves, in the feature set, or somewhere in the description stating which size and which generation of that size the case is for. Again, be sure to check you’re getting the right case for your iPad.

Some sites will have the iPad cases offered by size. Others will have a style and you can pick the size on the product page of that specific style. Some sites might have a combination of the two. a page like this will have the size listed multiple times throughout the text.

The point is to know what size case you need and be sure to order the correct size for your iPad 9.7, 10.5 Air, 10.9 Air, iPad Pro 11, or 12.9-inch. Even if you know your iPad measurements, the length, and the width, without knowing the measurement of the screen diagonally, you can still order the wrong size case or bag.

What Generation is My iPad?

If you measure the screen and it shows 12.9 inches, you have a 12.9 iPad Pro and need a case that is designed for the 12.9 iPad Pro. But there is a catch. With the 12.9 though, you have to know what generation is it. Fun, huh?

As of this writing, there have been 5 versions or generations of the 12.9 including the current m1 equipped one. Generation 1 and 2 use the same outer casing and the form factor remained the same from the first generation to the second. So a case that worked for the 1st generation model will work for the 2nd generation 12.9.

The third generation released in October of 2018, has the same size screen but the overall iPad measurements, length, width, depth, and feature set are radically different. Cases for the generation 1 and 2 12.9-inch Apple tablet will not fit the 3rd generation or 4th generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The size discrepancy is just too great. So if you have a 3rd generation 12.9-inch iPad, you will need a case specially designed for that model.

How do you know which generation you own? If you’ve purchased your 12.9 after October 2018 and there is no home button as part of the design, you have the Gen 3 12.9 model.

In March of 2020, Apple introduced the 4th generation of the 12.9 model. Accompanying this new large, top-of-the-line model was the 2nd generation of the 11-inch iPad Pro. Both these models were different enough from their predecessors to warrant new case designs to fit them. Are you having fun yet?

Let’s review the differences between the 3rd and 4th generations so you’ll have yet another way to know which is the best case for your iPad. From the front, the 3rd and 4th generation 12.9-inch models are the same. They both do not have a home button.

To find the visual differences between the 2 versions you need to flip the tablet over. On the rear panel, look to the upper left-hand corner. If the camera system has multiple lenses housed in a square panel, you have a 2021 5th generation or 2020 4th generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro or the 2nd generation of the 11-inch model. All use the same square camera system.

And just to make it even more confusing, in April of 2021 Apple didn’t follow their own launch schedule (which is usually 18 months between updates). At this time they introduced yet another version of the 12.9-inch and 11-inch tablets which are equipped with their M1 chipset.

The good news is that the form factors or overall dimensions didn’t change. This means many cases designed for the 4th gen 12.9 and 2nd gen 11 will fit these new models. Whew!

If you have this tablet and purchased it new after April 2021 you’ll need a case designed for the 2021 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch or the 20201 3rd generation 11-inch Apple tablet.

How to Find Your iPad Screen Size

As you go back in time, finding your iPad screen size becomes more and more difficult. Not because you cannot measure the screen the same way as described above. But because Apple didn’t always use the size of the screen as the name for that particular iPad model.

So how do you find which iPad you have?

If you have an iPad that pre-dates the current 10.5, 11, and 12.9 sized models, you can find out which model you have, the relative size, and generation by turning it over. On the back in very, very small type will be a model number. If you search for that model number, you’ll be able to find which generation iPad it is and its respective size.

If you are shopping in a traditional brick-and-mortar store, the packaging the case comes in should clearly show the size of the iPad the case is designed to hold. Now that you know how to measure an iPad for a case is to measure the screen diagonally, buying the wrong size case should be a thing of the past.

If you recently purchased an iPad, Air, or Pro, the size should be pretty fresh in your mind. The most popular, current generation of iPads includes the 3rd or 4th generation 12.9 and the smaller, lighter 11″ iPad Pro. Links to cases for those individual sizes along with other popular iPad case sizes are below.

• iPad Leather Folio Collection

• 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 (M1 Chip) Case

• 2021 iPad Pro 11 (M1 Chip) Case

• 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 (4th Generation) Case

• 2020 iPad Pro 11 (2nd Generation) Case

• 2020 iPad Air 10.9 (4th Generation)Case

• iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Generation) Case

• iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Generation) Keyboard Cover

• iPad Pro 12.9 (1st and 2nd Generation) Case

• iPad Pro 11 (1st Generation) Case

• iPad Pro 10.5 Case

If you forget which of the new Apple tablet models you do own, using any of the techniques mentioned on this page for measuring the size of your iPad for a case will yield the correct results.

Still Have Questions About iPad Size, Dimensions, Generation, or Model?

Do you have a question concerning the size, dimensions, generation, or model of your iPad? Leave your question in the comments section below and we’ll do our best to get you an answer.

For older models, we do recommend doing a google search using the very small serial number on the rear aluminum panel of your Apple tablet. This will pull up many reference points for iPad size, model, year, generation, dimensions, and name for your serial number.

As we stated above, Apple tablets have been around since 2010. As you can see with all the sizes and generations listed below, there is a lot of room for confusion. Hopefully, we’ve helped to remove some or most of your confusion.

Dimensions of All iPad Models and Generations

For everyone looking to just measure the length and width of their iPad to find the correct size, we have put together a chronological list of iPad sizes below. The list starts with the first iPad released in 2010 by Steve Jobs. The last models on the list are the current models available as of April 2021. These are the third generation 2021, M1 equipped 11-inch iPad Pro, and the 5th generation 2021, M1 equipped 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

The screen sizes are also listed for cross-referencing your correct model and size. iPad Mini models have been omitted from the list as most people who own a Mini know they indeed have a Mini.

• iPad 1 ( Original model introduced by Steve Jobs on January 27th, 2010 )

Dimensions: 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.528 inch (243 x 190 x 13.4 mm)

Screen Size: 9.7

• iPad 2

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.346 in (240 x 186 x 8.8 mm)

Screen Size: 9.7

• iPad 3

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.37 in (240 x 186 x 9.4 mm)

Screen Size: 9.7

• iPad 4

Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.37 in (240 x 186 x 9.4 mm)

Screen Size: 9.7

• iPad Air ( 5th Generation )

Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.67 x 0.30 inch (240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm)

Screen Size: 9.7

• iPad Air 2 ( 6th Generation )

Dimensions: 9.4 in x 6.67 in x 0.24 inch (240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm)

Screen Size: 9.7

• 12.9 inch iPad Pro ( 1st Generation )

Dimensions: 12.04 x 8.69 x 0.27 inch (305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm)

Screen Size: 12.9

• 9.7 inch iPad Pro ( 1st Generation )

Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 inch

Screen Size: 9.7

• iPad 2017

Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.29 inch (240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm)

Screen Size: 9.7

• 10.5 inch iPad Pro (2017)

Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.24 Inch (250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 mm)

Screen Size: 10.5

• 12.9 inch iPad Pro ( 2nd Generation )

Dimensions: 12 x 8.68 x 0.27 Inch (305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm)

Screen Size: 12.9

• 12.9 inch iPad Pro ( 3rd Generation )

Dimensions: 11.05 x 8.46 x .23 inch (280 x 215 x 6mm)

Screen Size: 12.9

• 11 inch iPad Pro ( 1st Generation, 2018 )

Dimensions: 9.75 x 7.02 x .23 inch (247.6 x 178.5 x 6 mm)

Screen Size: 11

• iPad Air ( 2018 )

Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x .24 inch (250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 mm)

Screen Size: 10.5

• iPad ( 2018 )

Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x .29 inch (250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm)

Screen Size: 10.2

• 12.9 inch iPad Pro ( 4th Generation, 2020 )

Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x .23 inch (280 x 215 x 6mm)

Screen Size: 12.9

• 11 inch iPad Pro ( 2nd Generation, 2020 )

Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x .23 inch (247.6 x 178.5 x 6 mm)

Screen Size: 11

• 10.9 inch iPad Air ( 4th Generation, 2020 )

Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x .24 inch (247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm)

Screen Size: 10.9

• 12.9 inch iPad Pro ( M1 equipped, 2021 )

Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x .23 inch (280 x 215 x 6mm)

Screen Size: 12.9

• 11 inch iPad Pro ( M1 equipped, 2021 )

Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x .23 inch (247.6 x 178.5 x 6 mm)

Screen Size: 11

• 10.9 inch iPad Air ( 2022 5th Generation )

Dimensions: 9.74 x 7.02 x .24 inch (247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm)

Screen Size: 10.9

“Measuring an iPad for a case is quick and easy! …”

Additional FAQs –

What are the different sizes of iPad?

As of April 2021, there are 5 different sizes of iPad in production and available for sale by Apple. The 12.9-inch and 11-inch are iPad Pros. There is a 10.9-inch iPad Air, the 10.2-inch iPad and 9.7-inch Mini. These are the 5 different sizes of iPad right now.

How do I find out what size my iPad is?

The best way to know what size iPad you have is to measure the lit screen diagonally from corner to corner. This will tell you the size. But you might also need to know which generation of that size you have. This can be achieved by searching for the serial number.

How do you measure the size of a screen?

Almost all consumer electronic devices in including televisions, computer monitors, tablets, and phones measure the screen size by the width of the lit screen measured diagonally.

How do you measure the size of a tablet case?

A tablet case is best measured by doing some research on the case either before you make a purchase or afterward. The size of the tablet case should be in the name or description of the product. Another option would be to place the tablet it’s designed to hold in the case and measure the tablet screen.