Hermès Birkin Sizes: Dimensions in cm and What Fits
Reviewed by the Nuvinty editorial team · Last checked
Birkin sizes are named for the approximate width of the bag across the base in centimetres, so a Birkin 30 is about 30 cm wide. The four core sizes are 25, 30, 35 and 40; the 20 and the micro 15 are rare limited formats. Hermès does not publish Birkin dimensions online, so the figures below come from Sotheby's and Christie's, and individual handmade bags can differ by a centimetre or so.
| Size | Width (cm) | Height (cm) | Depth (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birkin 15 (Micro) | 15 | 10 | 7 | Produced 2011 to 2012 under Jean-Paul Gaultier per Sotheby's; extremely rare. A Christie's lot (Candy Birkin 15, 2010) was catalogued at 15 x 9 x 3 cm, so measurements vary between examples. Card holder and lipstick territory only. |
| Birkin 20 | 20 | 15 | 11 | Rare, best known from the limited-edition Faubourg Birkin; Christie's notes the 20 uses Sellier (external-stitch) construction. A Christie's Faubourg 20 lot measured 20 x 16 x 11 cm. Phone and small wallet. |
| Birkin 25 | 25 | 20 | 13 | Smallest core size, introduced 2004. Sotheby's gives a handle drop of about 6.35 cm (2.5 in) and says it holds daily essentials but not a standard laptop. Christie's catalogued a 2026 Togo 25 at 25 x 19 x 14 cm. |
| Birkin 30 | 30 | 22 | 16 | Christie's calls it the 'Goldilocks' size. A Christie's ostrich 30 lot measured 30 x 22 x 15 cm. Handle drop not published by Sotheby's or Christie's. |
| Birkin 35 | 35 | 25 | 18 | One of the two original sizes (with the 40). Christie's catalogued a 2026 Togo 35 at the same 35 x 25 x 18 cm. Our practical guidance: room for a tablet and an everyday load; check the opening for any laptop. |
| Birkin 40 | 40 | 30 | 21 | Largest standard size; usually framed as a travel or work bag. A Christie's 2010 Togo 40 lot was catalogued at 40 x 29 x 15 cm, a much shallower depth than Sotheby's guide figure, so ask the seller to measure. |
| Shoulder Birkin (JPG) | 42 | 20 | 21 | Longer handles for shoulder carry; originally 40 and 42 cm, discontinued 2013, returned 2024 (Sotheby's). Christie's notes a Shoulder Birkin Light in 29 and 39 cm. |
Measurements are the maker’s published dimensions where available; “—” means we couldn’t find a reliable figure. Handmade and older pieces can vary by a few millimetres.
Checking the size on a pre-loved listing
- Ask the seller for width, height and depth measured with a tape, not just the size name; auction houses record the same size up to 1 cm apart in height and several cm apart in depth.
- The size is not stamped inside a Birkin, so measure the base width yourself: a 30 should read about 30 cm across the bottom.
- Retourné bags (most Birkins) have softer, rounded edges and usually slouch a little with use; Sellier bags (such as the Birkin 20) keep a stiffer outline.
- If you want to carry it over the forearm, ask for the handle drop; the 25 has a short drop of about 6 cm according to Sotheby's.
- Leather matters: Togo and Clemence relax over time, Epsom holds its shape, so two genuine bags of the same size can measure slightly differently.
Questions
What does the number on a Birkin mean?
It is the approximate width of the bag across the base in centimetres. A Birkin 25 is about 25 cm wide, a Birkin 30 about 30 cm.
Will a laptop fit in a Birkin?
Not in a 25, according to Sotheby's. A 35 or 40 has the floor space for a small laptop, but the flap and strap opening can make it awkward, so check the actual bag before relying on it.
Which Birkin sizes are most popular?
Sotheby's and Christie's both say the 25 and 30 lead current demand, while larger 35 and 40 bags have been regaining interest.
Why do two Birkin 30s list different dimensions?
Each bag is handmade, leathers relax differently, and sellers measure height and depth at different points. Differences of about 1 cm are normal; larger gaps are worth questioning.
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