How to Measure a Tablet for the Best Fitting Case

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Whether you’ve just unboxed a brand new tablet or your old standby has been knocking around for a while, outfitting your device with the right sized case is essential. You do want the best case for your iPad or tablet, after all. Although many tablet cases are sold for a specific make and model, there are cases out there that are designed more universally.

Still, even if you’re shopping for cases made specifically for your tablet, it can be difficult to discern what exactly that is (looking at you, confusingly named iPads and Kindle Fires, among others). We’ve compiled some methods to ensure you get the right size for your tablet every time. From how to measure a tablet for a case to how to discern your tablet model, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

How to Measure an iPad or Tablet

The first step in how to measure a tablet is to have the right tools for the job. A measuring tape or a ruler should do fine. If you find yourself lacking those measuring tools, don’t despair. There are many household objects that will do in a pinch. A standard credit card is 2-⅛ x 3-⅜. A standard letter-size piece of paper is 8-½ x 11.

A little bit of ingenuity using an item like these will give you approximate dimensions to get you going. But we don’t recommend doing any ultra-fine measurements without a more standardized measurement tool. Now that you’ve got the tools, it’s time to measure a tablet for a case.

Take Manual Measurements

If you’re looking for a universal tablet case, or simply want to ensure that you’re dealing with the make and model of device that you think you are, the most foolproof way is to simply measure tablet size yourself.

The most important thing to remember here is that screen size is measured diagonally—corner to corner. Note down the width and length of your device as well, as those numbers are equally as important when looking at universal cases. Most of these are designed for a certain screen size (usually somewhere from 7-12 inches), but differences in bevel size and screen aspect ratio can indeed have an effect on length and width dimension.

When measuring the screen, it’s best to turn the screen on so you have a reference for where the screen actually is, as most tablets have black bevels that blend into a deactivated screen.

Look it Up!

If you’ve got an internet-connected device handy (and it seems like you do), another good option for measuring tablet size is right in front of you—no ruler required! Simply search for your specific tablet, plus dimensions, and a plethora of responses should be served right up!

It’s best to consult the tablet maker’s own website for the most accurate data, but other marketplaces like Amazon should have reliable data. You’ll be able to get the screen size, as well as your tablet’s length, width, and height, without trouble. Once you do, sanitize your tablet and secure the properly fitting case.

Use an App

Smartphones save the day once again! Since iPhones and most Androids come with a measuring app included, you don’t even have to download anything (yay for saving storage). Navigate to your measuring app and allow camera access.

Then, point the camera at the starting point you want to measure and slowly drag until you reach the endpoint. Your phone will display the measurements on your screen. Take note of these measurements on a piece of paper or in your Notes app. Just like that, you can measure a tablet for a case without any extra tools!

A Note on Tablet Models

We can’t be the only ones frustrated with the sheer amount of confusion around tablet models these days. Every year each tablet maker introduces at least one new model, sometimes named the same as the previous year. How many iPads are on the market right now? You’d think every “Kindle Fire 8” would have the same dimensions. Not so! That’s why there are so many Kindle cases to choose from.

If you’re not careful, you could end up with a case with slightly wrong dimensions, despite your best efforts. Be sure to get your tablet’s exact model number by looking in the settings of the device. Trust us—nothing is more disappointing than unboxing a new tablet case or tablet holder only to find it won’t fit your device.

How Should a Tablet Case Fit?

That little rant brings us to our next section: how should a tablet case fit? Well, a good-quality case (like a repair engineer-designed SaharaCase) should fit like the old phrase says: like a glove. A well-fitted case should cradle the device without squeezing it to absorb impact effectively. On the flip-side, a tablet case shouldn’t be too loose. When holding the case, you shouldn’t feel nervous that the tablet will slip out of alignment or fall out entirely.

Most case makers have solved these problems nowadays, so an obviously ill-fitting tablet case is either designed for a different model or is defective. Universal tablet cases, on the other hand, tend to be a little more flexible, seeing as they’re designed to accommodate a certain range of sizes. If you’re going that route, we recommend finding a case that fits snugly but not too snugly.

Measuring Up

We hope these tips have helped you sort out your questions on how to measure tablet screen size and have helped you on your journey to the perfect case for your device. Once you put the ruler away, head on over to our shop for an entire range of perfectly crafted cases for a wide range of devices. You’re sure to find something that—ahem—measures up to your high standards!