How to measure your vacuum bag
If the reference code on your old bag has worn away, been torn off, or was never legible, you can still identify the correct replacement by measuring the collar and comparing it against the reference table on your brand's page on this site.
What to measure
| Measurement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Collar width | The most common cause of a bag not sealing; even a five millimetre difference will stop the bag seating correctly |
| Collar shape | Round, square or rectangular collars are not interchangeable even at the same width |
| Bag depth and overall size | Confirms the litre capacity, which should roughly match your old bag |
| Position of the card tab or clip | Some holders rely on the tab sitting in a specific position to seal against the door |
Step by step
- Remove the old bag and lay its collar flat on a hard surface.
- Measure the widest point of the collar in millimetres with a tape measure or ruler.
- Note the collar's shape, whether it is a simple flat card tab, a moulded plastic ring, or a rectangular frame.
- Measure the bag's total height and width when laid flat, to estimate its litre capacity against your brand's known references.
- Compare your measurements against the specification table on your brand's page on this site, which lists collar type, capacity and material for each reference we cover.
- If nothing matches closely, do not guess. Contact the manufacturer or a specialist vacuum parts retailer with your machine's model number instead of buying a bag on an approximate measurement.
A faster alternative
Before measuring, check the rating label on the underside or rear of your vacuum for its model number, then search that model number using the tool on our homepage. Most machines can be identified this way without needing to measure the old bag at all.