Quick answer: Match the bag's padded sleeve to your laptop's actual width and depth, not its screen size label. For a 13 to 14-inch laptop or MacBook, look for a sleeve of at least 34 x 24 cm. For 15 to 15.6 inches, at least 38 x 27 cm. For 16 to 17 inches, at least 42 x 30 cm. Leave about 1 cm of slack in each direction.
Minimum sleeve size by laptop
| Laptop size | Minimum sleeve | Suggested bag capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 13 to 14 inch | 34 x 24 cm | 15 to 20 L |
| 15 to 15.6 inch | 38 x 27 cm | 20 to 25 L |
| 16 to 17 inch | 42 x 30 cm | 25 to 30 L |
These sleeve sizes follow our laptop backpack buying guide.
MacBook sizes and the sleeve they need
| Model | Closed size (width x depth) | Sleeve to look for |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 13-inch | 30.41 x 21.5 cm | 34 x 24 cm (13 to 14 inch) |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch | 31.26 x 22.12 cm | 34 x 24 cm (13 to 14 inch) |
| MacBook Air 15-inch | 34.04 x 23.76 cm | 38 x 27 cm (15 to 15.6 inch), because it is just over 34 cm wide |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch | 35.57 x 24.81 cm | 38 x 27 cm (15 to 15.6 inch) |
Dimensions are from Apple's tech specs for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Add a little room if you carry the laptop in a case.
Why the screen size label misleads
A 15.6-inch gaming laptop can be several centimetres wider and much thicker than a 15.6-inch ultrabook. Measure your laptop's width, depth and thickness, add a charger or case if you carry one, then compare the numbers with the sleeve size on the product page.
Frequently asked questions
What size bag fits a 15.6-inch laptop?
A padded sleeve of at least 38 x 27 cm. Thick machines such as gaming laptops may need more room, so measure yours.
Will a MacBook Air 13-inch fit a 14-inch laptop bag?
Yes. At 30.41 x 21.5 cm it fits a 34 x 24 cm sleeve with room to spare.
Does a 15-inch MacBook Air fit a 14-inch sleeve?
No. It is 34.04 cm wide, so choose a sleeve of at least 38 x 27 cm.
How many litres do I need for office use?
20 to 25 L covers a laptop, charger, lunch box and a folder for most people.
Ready to choose? Browse the laptop backpack collection. Every Citizen laptop backpack fits laptops up to 15.6 inches, so a 15.6-inch laptop or a 14-inch MacBook Pro fits any of them.