Tel: 0303 003 2266

Enquire Now

What are the most common protective case sizes?

Protective hard cases are available in a wide range of sizes, from compact cases for small electronics to large industrial cases designed for long or bulky equipment.

Most protective cases fall into a few standard size categories that are commonly used across industries such as photography, drone transport, medical equipment, electronics, industrial tools, and firearms storage.

Understanding common protective case sizes helps you choose a case that provides enough room for both the equipment and the protective foam or compartment system inside.

What are the standard protective hard case size categories?

Protective hard cases are generally grouped into five common size categories.

Small protective cases

Small cases are usually under 12 inches in length and are designed for compact equipment.

They are commonly used for:

  • Memory cards and drives
  • Small electronics
  • Handheld GPS devices
  • Compact cameras
  • Medical supplies

Typical internal dimensions may range from:

  • 7″ × 5″ × 3″
  • 10″ × 7″ × 4″

Medium protective cases

Medium cases are among the most commonly used sizes and generally measure between 12 and 18 inches.

They are suitable for:

  • Camera kits
  • Drones and controllers
  • Audio equipment
  • Testing equipment
  • Tool kits

Typical internal dimensions include:

  • 13″ × 9″ × 6″
  • 16″ × 12″ × 7″
  • 18″ × 13″ × 7″

Large protective cases

Large cases usually range from 18 to 24 inches and are designed for larger professional equipment setups.

They are commonly used for:

  • Professional camera systems
  • Lighting equipment
  • Industrial electronics
  • Medical instruments
  • Larger drone systems

Typical internal dimensions may include:

  • 20″ × 15″ × 8″
  • 22″ × 17″ × 9″

Extra-large protective cases

Extra-large cases generally measure between 24 and 30 inches or more.

These are often used for:

  • Large industrial tools
  • Broadcast equipment
  • Large drones
  • Surveying equipment
  • Specialist engineering equipment

Many extra-large cases also include wheels and telescopic handles to make transport easier.

Specialty and long protective cases

Specialty cases are designed for long or unusually shaped equipment.

These are commonly used for:

  • Firearms and rifles
  • Tripods and stands
  • Fishing equipment
  • Lighting poles
  • Surveying gear

Some long cases exceed 50 inches in length depending on the application.

Why do internal dimensions matter more than external dimensions?

When choosing a protective case, internal dimensions are usually more important because they show the actual usable storage space inside the case.

External dimensions include:

  • The outer shell
  • Handles
  • Latches
  • Wheels
  • Wall thickness

A thick protective shell reduces the available internal space, so relying only on external measurements can result in a case that is too small for the equipment.

How much extra space should you allow inside a case?

It is important to leave enough room for foam inserts, dividers, and shock protection around the equipment.

General recommendations include:

  • 25 mm of foam around smaller equipment
  • 50 mm or more around fragile or heavy equipment
  • Additional space for cables and accessories
  • Clearance for handles, lenses, or mounted attachments

Equipment should fit securely without being forced into the case.

What are the most common case sizes for camera equipment?

Camera equipment is usually stored in medium-sized protective cases.

Popular sizes often include:

  • 13″ × 9″ × 6″
  • 16″ × 12″ × 7″
  • 18″ × 13″ × 7″

These sizes typically provide enough room for:

  • Camera bodies
  • Several lenses
  • Batteries and chargers
  • Memory cards
  • Small accessories

What are the most common case sizes for drones?

Drone cases are often slightly larger because they need space for:

  • The drone body
  • Controllers
  • Multiple batteries
  • Chargers and cables
  • Propellers and accessories

Common drone case sizes range from:

  • 16″ × 12″ × 7″
  • 20″ × 15″ × 8″

Larger professional drones may require extra-large or custom-sized cases.

What are the most common case sizes for industrial equipment?

Industrial equipment often requires larger and deeper cases because of heavier components and more demanding protection requirements.

Common industrial case sizes include:

  • 22″ × 17″ × 9″
  • 24″ × 18″ × 10″
  • 30″ × 20″ × 12″

These cases are frequently used for:

  • Testing equipment
  • Power tools
  • Surveying equipment
  • Electronics and instrumentation

How do custom foam inserts affect case sizing?

Custom foam inserts reduce the available storage space slightly because the foam itself takes up room inside the case.

Foam inserts are important because they:

  • Reduce equipment movement
  • Improve impact protection
  • Protect delicate components
  • Keep equipment organised

When planning a custom foam layout, it is important to account for both the equipment dimensions and the protective foam thickness.

What features are common on larger protective cases?

Larger cases often include additional transport and protection features.

Common features include:

  • Wheels and telescopic handles
  • Pressure release valves
  • Heavy-duty latches
  • Waterproof gasket seals
  • Stackable designs
  • Custom foam interiors

These features help improve portability and long-term equipment protection.

How do you choose the right protective case size?

The best case size depends on:

  • The dimensions of the equipment
  • The amount of protective foam required
  • The accessories being stored
  • The transport environment
  • Future equipment expansion

Choosing a case that is too small can reduce protection, while an oversized case may allow unnecessary movement if the interior is not organised properly.

A well-sized protective hard case should provide secure protection, efficient organisation, and enough room for safe transport without excessive empty space.

More Posts

How do I account for irregular-shaped equipment when measuring for a case?

For irregularly shaped equipment, measure the maximum dimensions at the widest points, including any protruding elements. Consider the equipment's orientation during transport and measure in that position. Use the "bounding box" method—imagine a rectangular box that completely contains your equipment and measure that box's dimensions, then add your padding allowance.

Can I modify the interior of a protective case if my equipment doesn't fit the standard foam layout?

Yes, most quality protective cases offer customizable foam interiors. You can remove existing foam and replace it with custom-cut foam using CNC services, or use pick-and-pluck foam that allows you to create custom compartments by hand. Some manufacturers also offer modular divider systems for flexible organization.

What should I do if my equipment falls between two standard case sizes?

Always size up to the next category when your equipment falls between sizes. The extra space can accommodate future equipment additions, cables, or accessories. Use additional foam padding or modular dividers to secure smaller items within the larger case and prevent movement during transport.

Are there weight restrictions I should consider when choosing larger protective cases?

Yes, larger cases can exceed airline weight limits (typically 50 lbs for checked baggage) when fully loaded. Consider the case's empty weight plus your equipment weight. For heavy loads, look for cases with quality wheels and ergonomic handles, or consider splitting equipment across multiple smaller cases for easier transport.

How do I protect multiple small items in a large case without them shifting around?

Use modular foam systems, custom-cut compartments, or padded dividers to create secure sections for each item. Pick-and-pluck foam allows you to create perfectly sized cavities for individual pieces. Alternatively, use smaller protective pouches within the larger case to prevent items from moving and potentially damaging each other.

What's the best way to test if a case size will work before purchasing?

Create a cardboard mockup using the case's interior dimensions, or use existing boxes of similar size. Place your equipment inside with the planned foam thickness to verify fit and accessibility. Many specialty retailers also offer case sizing consultations or allow returns if the fit isn't suitable.

Do I need different case sizes for air travel versus ground transport?

Air travel may require smaller cases due to size restrictions (typically 62 linear inches for checked bags), while ground transport allows for larger, more convenient sizes. Consider having both a compact travel case for flights and a larger case for ground transport if you frequently switch between transportation methods.