Learning how to measure iPad for case fitting is easier than you might think! The secret is to measure your iPad's screen diagonally from corner to corner—not the whole device with its frame. This simple measurement is what case makers use when designing their products.
With just a ruler or measuring tape, you can quickly find your iPad's screen size and shop for the perfect case with confidence. No more guessing or returning cases that don't fit!
Read on to discover how to measure your iPad correctly and find your exact model in minutes.
First, Find Out Which iPad You Have
Knowing your exact iPad model helps you pick the right case that fits. You can check the model in settings, read the model number, or use Apple’s website if you want to be sure.
1. Check Your iPad Model In Settings
One of the simplest ways to find your iPad model is by using the device’s built-in Settings app. Follow these steps:
- Unlock your iPad and open the Settings app.
- Tap General on the left side.
- Now choose About at the top.
In the About screen, you’ll see a line called Model Name. This will say something clear like “iPad Pro 11-inch” or “iPad mini (6th generation).”
You will see the model number here too, but there’s also a separate section for that below. This method is fast and doesn’t require any tools.
It's useful if you have your iPad working and nearby.
Still wondering about your specific model. Read How Do I Know What Size iPad I Have? A Quick Guide for even more identification methods.
2. Look For The Model Number On Your iPad
If you can’t get into Settings, you can check the back of your iPad for the model number. Turn your iPad over and look at the bottom of the device near the charging port.
There’s a long line of small print. Look for a number starting with the letter “A” and four digits, for example, “A2197.”
Every iPad has a unique model number. This is helpful if the iPad won’t turn on, or the screen is broken. Just match this number to official Apple lists to learn your exact iPad type.
3. Use Apple's Website To Identify Your iPad
After you find the model name or number, you can double-check it on Apple’s website. Go to the page called Identify your iPad model using any browser. There’s a chart on the website.
You simply find your model number or name in the list to see which iPad you have and its screen size. This page also includes details like the year it came out, its features, and what cases fit.
Apple updates this list when new iPads are released.
How To Measure Your iPad The Right Way
Measuring your iPad is not hard, but you need to do it carefully so your case will fit well. Get the correct size by following some simple steps and using the right tools.
How To Measure Your iPad Screen Size
To measure your iPad, you should check the screen size, not the whole device. The standard way is to measure the screen diagonally from one corner to the other.
Start at the inside edge of one corner and go straight to the opposite corner, staying inside the black border.
If you measure the outside of the iPad, you can get the wrong size, since cases are made to fit the screen. Double-check your measurement in inches, as case sizes use this unit.
Most iPads have common screen sizes, like 9.7-inch, 10.2-inch, or 12.9-inch. Compare your measurement to these sizes to match the right case.
Simple Tools To Measure Your iPad At Home
You don’t need special tools. A tape measure or a regular ruler works fine.
If possible, use a flexible tape measure for more accuracy, but any measuring tool that shows inches will do.
Follow these steps when measuring:
- Lay your iPad on a flat surface.
- Place the ruler or tape measure across the screen from one corner to the opposite corner, keeping it flat.
- Write down your measurement to the nearest tenth of an inch.
If you do not have a ruler, you can print one from the internet or download a measuring app on your phone. Just make sure your chosen method is accurate, as even small errors can lead to buying the wrong case.
Don't Make These Mistakes When Measuring Your iPad
Some common mistakes can make your measurement useless.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Measuring the iPad body instead of just the screen: Cases are usually sized by screen measurement, not total size.
- Using centimeters instead of inches: Most iPad cases are listed in inches, so double-check your units.
- Rounding numbers too much: Write down the full measurement and don’t round up or down by more than one decimal place.
- Not checking the model number: The same screen size can be found on different models, so look on the back for a model code before you buy.
iPad Sizes For Buying The Right Case
Getting the correct iPad size is important for making sure your new case fits. Each iPad model has unique measurements, so it's smart to measure first.
How Big Is The iPad Pro For Cases?
The iPad Pro is larger than other iPads and comes in two main sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch.
The 11-inch iPad Pro has a screen that measures about 11 inches across the diagonal, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro measures 12.9 inches diagonally.
Always match the case to your iPad’s exact size and generation, as small changes in buttons and camera positions can affect fit.
Double-check the model number in your iPad’s settings by going to Settings > General > About.
Discover your iPad's exact generation by reading our guide: How Do I Find Out What Generation My iPad Is? for complete model identification.
iPad Air, Regular iPad, And Mini Measurements
The iPad Air, basic iPad, and iPad Mini are smaller than the iPad Pro. Their sizes also change a bit between generations, so you should measure yours or check the exact model.
- The iPad Mini has a screen around 8.3 inches diagonal (for the newest models) and is compact.
- The regular iPad models have screens between 9.7 and 10.9 inches, depending on which version you own.
- The iPad Air is similar to the regular iPad but a bit slimmer, usually with a 10.9-inch screen.
Tip: To measure the screen, use a ruler and go from one corner to the opposite corner, diagonally.
Don't Forget To Check Your iPad's Thickness
Thickness is important for finding a snug case, especially if your iPad is an older or newer model. Even tiny differences in thickness can keep a case from closing right or fitting well.
Most iPads are between 5.9 mm to 7.5 mm thick. Newer models usually have a thinner design, so a case for an older iPad may seem loose on a new one, or vice versa.
If your iPad uses a keyboard or has a camera bump, measure these, too. Cases sometimes fit loosely if they are not made for the exact thickness and shape of your device.
Reading iPad Case Descriptions Like A Pro
Image: CHESONA ArmorDock Series Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 12.9" 6/5/4/3th
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the case choices online. When you know how to read the descriptions and what to look for, you save time and avoid mistakes.
Making Sure A Case Will Fit Your iPad
Look for the model number or name listed in the product description. Most sellers will tell you exactly which iPad models the case fits.
For example, you might see “Fits iPad 9th Gen (model: A2602, A2603)” in the listing.
You can find your iPad’s model number by checking the tiny text on the back of your device, or by going to Settings > General > About.
Always match this number exactly.
Even two iPads that look almost the same may not fit the same case. Watch for details on screen size too. Some iPads have 10.2-inch screens, while others have 10.5-inch or 11-inch displays.
If you don’t check both the model number and screen measurement, you could get the wrong fit.
Matching Your iPad Size To Case Listings
Sellers often list the iPad models and screen sizes their cases fit. Check for exact matches. Don’t guess based on looks or size written on the box.
If you still aren’t sure which iPad you have, look up your model number on the Apple website. Listings can use words like “compatible with” or “only fits.” These clues help you avoid picking a case that’s too tight or too loose for your iPad.
Checking For Camera Holes And Button Cutouts
A good iPad case has cutouts in the right spots. The camera hole should line up perfectly and not block the lens.
Check the product images online to see where the holes are. Look at where the buttons and charging ports are on your iPad.
The case should leave these clear. Read the description to see if there are special flaps, port covers, or extra-wide cutouts.
Pay close attention if you use headphones, a keyboard, or an Apple Pencil. Some cases may block or cover these spots.
Getting A Perfect Fit For Your iPad Case
Getting the right iPad case helps keep your device safe and working well. Small details make a big difference in how your case fits and protects your iPad.
Try Before You Commit To An iPad Case
If you can, visit a store to try different iPad cases. Bring your iPad with you.
Slip it into a few cases to see which one snaps on easily and holds tight. Check that all buttons, speakers, and charging ports line up with the openings in the case.
Ask a worker at the store if you can test the display models. Feel the grip and weight.
Sometimes a case might cover speakers or the camera, or make the device feel too bulky. Move the cover open and closed.
Does it stay shut? A good case should fit snugly but be simple to remove.
If you order online, look for shops that let you return a case for free if it does not fit. Reading reviews or looking at real customer photos online can also help you compare options in advance.
What To Do When An iPad Case Doesn't Fit
If your new iPad case is loose or too tight, stop using it. Squeezing your iPad into a tight case could damage the screen or buttons.
A loose case may cause your device to slip out and fall. Check your iPad model number in “Settings” > “General” > “About.”
Make sure it matches the case box or product listing. Return the case if it does not fit your iPad’s size or shape.
Bring the receipt and any packaging back to the store or print a label for return if you ordered it online. Consider shopping from trusted brands.
Most cases list supported model numbers. If you keep having problems, try looking up the exact size of your iPad and compare it to the manufacturer’s size chart before buying another case.
Finding The Right iPad Case Without Measuring
You do not always need a ruler to buy the right case. Check the settings on your iPad.
Tap Settings > General > About and find the Model Number. Enter this number into the online store search bar or ask a salesperson to match it for you.
Some stores offer lookup lists or in-store help. Show your iPad’s model or even the device itself for staff to find the right case.
Many newer iPads have very slight differences that are hard to see without checking details. If you lost your model info, compare your iPad’s size and features to product photos.
Double-check the cutouts for cameras and buttons before you buy. This avoids picking a case that blocks features or does not snap on.
After learning how to measure iPad for case fitting, read: What Are the Different Types of iPad Cases? Find Your Match to discover which case style offers the features and protection you need.
Where To Get the Best iPad Cases
Image: CHESONA Step Series Keyboard Case for iPad 10th 10.9'' (Pink)
Once you've measured your iPad correctly, Chesona offers premium cases that provide perfect fits for every model. Their precision-engineered collections ensure your iPad stays protected without sacrificing functionality:
The Chesona iPad 9.7" cases feature advanced drop protection with precise cutouts for older iPad models. For power users, their collection of iPad Pro - 12.9" cases (6th/5th/4th/3rd Gen) deliver profesional-grade protection with Apple Pencil support and sturdy viewing stands.
Creative professionals love the collection of iPad Pro - 11" cases (All Generations) for their lightweight yet durable design. For the latest standard iPads, their iPad 10.9" cases provide exact-fit protection with smart sleep/wake functionality.
Each Chesona case is designed using precise iPad measurements, ensuring perfect alignment with all cameras, speakers, and ports on your specific model.
Final Thoughts on How To Measure Your iPad for a Case
Knowing how to measure your iPad for a case ensures you'll get the perfect fit every time. Remember to measure only the screen diagonally (corner to corner) and match this measurement to case descriptions when shopping. This simple step saves you time and frustration with returns.
If you're still unsure about your iPad model after measuring, check your settings or look for the model number on the back of your device. With your iPad correctly identified, you can shop confidently for cases that will protect your investment while perfectly accommodating all ports, cameras, and buttons.
Are you also wondering about compatibility between models? Read our article: Do iPad Cases Fit iPad Air? Compatibility Explained to answer all your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions on How To Measure iPad for Case
How do I tell what size my iPad is?
To find out your iPad’s size, measure the screen. Use a ruler or a tape measure to check from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner, going diagonally.
Do not include the black border or bezel, just the part that lights up. You can also go to Settings > General > About.
The model name or number shows the size and type.
What iPad is 10.2 inches?
The iPad that measures 10.2 inches is the standard iPad model from 2019 and later. It is sometimes called the 7th, 8th, or 9th generation iPad.
This iPad is not the Air or the Pro. Make sure to double-check the year and model for a perfect fit.
What is the size difference between 10.2 and 10.9 iPad?
A 10.2-inch iPad has a screen a bit smaller compared to a 10.9-inch iPad. The difference in screen size is about 0.7 inches diagonally.
The 10.9-inch iPad usually has thinner bezels, so the whole device may not be much bigger, but the display area is larger.
Which way is an iPad measured?
You measure an iPad screen diagonally. Start at one corner of the display and measure to the opposite corner.
Only measure the screen itself, not including the borders or the buttons. This is the standard way for electronics like tablets and phones.
How do I know what iPad I have for a case?
Look at the back of your iPad for the model number. It starts with the letter “A” followed by four numbers. You can also check in Settings under General > About.
