A laptop's advertised size is its screen diagonal, not the size of the case that has to fit in a sleeve. A 15.6-inch model has a 15.6-inch screen, but its chassis can be wider than you expect. This guide shows how to measure your laptop, how screen sizes convert and which sleeve size to pick from 12 to 15 inches.
How do you measure a laptop for a sleeve?
Measure the closed laptop's width, depth and thickness, to the nearest millimeter or sixteenth of an inch. These three numbers matter more than the screen size.
- Close the laptop and lay it flat on a table.
- Measure the width, from one side edge to the other.
- Measure the depth, from the front edge to the hinges.
- Measure the thickness at the thickest point, feet included.
- Compare these numbers with the sleeve dimensions.
The manufacturer's spec sheet also lists these numbers under dimensions. If in doubt, Garbelle customer support answers 7 days a week to check your laptop against the Garbelle leather sleeves and briefcases.
What does laptop screen size actually measure?
Screen size is the diagonal of the display, from one corner to the opposite corner, frame excluded. One inch equals 2.54 cm, so a 15.6-inch screen measures 39.6 cm across.
| Advertised size | Screen diagonal |
|---|---|
| 12 inches | 30.5 cm |
| 13.3 inches | 33.8 cm |
| 14 inches | 35.6 cm |
| 15 inches | 38.1 cm |
| 15.6 inches | 39.6 cm |
| 16 inches | 40.6 cm |
| 17.3 inches | 43.9 cm |
Why doesn't screen size tell you the sleeve size?
Screen size describes the display, while a sleeve has to hold the whole chassis. Two 14-inch laptops can differ by close to half an inch in width. Material and lining matter too, as our guide to choosing among top laptop sleeves explains.
- The bezel around the screen, wider on some models.
- The hinges and vents at the back of the chassis.
- The rubber feet under the laptop.
- The thickness, greater on performance models.
According to Apple's spec pages checked on October 12, 2026, the 13-inch MacBook Air measures 11.97 × 8.46 × 0.44 in. The 14-inch MacBook Pro measures 12.31 × 8.71 × 0.61 in, about a third of an inch wider. For a MacBook Air, see our guide to the best MacBook Air case for protection.
What size sleeve do you need for a 14-inch laptop?
For a 14-inch laptop, choose a 14-inch sleeve, then check that the chassis fits its dimensions. The Garbelle classic laptop sleeve comes in a 14-inch version: 35 × 24.5 × 2 cm (13.8 × 9.6 × 0.8 in) for 360 g (12.7 oz).
Its microfiber interior protects the screen from scratches, and its zipped front pocket holds the charger and cables. A built-in wrist strap lets you carry it between meetings.
Which sleeve fits a 15 or 15.6-inch laptop?
A 15 or 15.6-inch laptop needs a 15-inch sleeve, as long as the chassis fits its dimensions. The Garbelle classic sleeve in 15 inches measures 39 × 27.5 × 2 cm (15.4 × 10.8 × 0.8 in) and weighs 600 g (1.3 lb).
For reference, Apple lists the 16-inch MacBook Pro at 14.01 × 9.77 × 0.66 in in 2026. The Garbelle slim briefcase, for its part, takes a 17-inch laptop in 15 liters.
Which sleeve fits a 12 or 13-inch MacBook?
For a 12 or 13-inch MacBook, choose a sleeve cut for ultra-thin laptops, and check the model year. The Garbelle minimalist laptop sleeve comes in three sizes, two of them for 13-inch models depending on their release date.
| Garbelle sleeve | Screen | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimalist | 12 inches | 30 × 22.1 cm (11.8 × 8.7 in) | 260 g (9.2 oz) |
| Minimalist | 13 inches, before 2016 | 32 × 24.6 cm (12.6 × 9.7 in) | 330 g (11.6 oz) |
| Minimalist | 13 inches, 2016 onward | 33.6 × 25.1 cm (13.2 × 9.9 in) | 360 g (12.7 oz) |
| Classic | 14 inches | 35 × 24.5 × 2 cm (13.8 × 9.6 × 0.8 in) | 360 g (12.7 oz) |
| Classic | 15 inches | 39 × 27.5 × 2 cm (15.4 × 10.8 × 0.8 in) | 600 g (1.3 lb) |
Inside, the minimalist model has a natural suede lining against scratches and a built-in mouse pad. Compare every size on the page for Garbelle leather briefcases, portfolios and laptop sleeves.
