TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Checker: Will Your Containers Pass?

How the 3-1-1 liquids check works

The TSA 3-1-1 rule means 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container, 1 clear quart-size bag, and 1 bag per traveler. Liquids, gels, creams, pastes and toiletry aerosols all count. This checker takes the size printed on your largest container, converts between ounces and milliliters, and compares it with the limit. It then checks the bag you chose. You get Pass only when the container is within the limit and everything rides in one clear quart-size bag.

The container size is what counts, not how much liquid is left inside. A 6 oz bottle that holds only 2 oz still fails, because the printed capacity is over 3.4 oz. A quart bag holds 32 fluid ounces, so the checker also flags a pile of containers that could not physically fit. Four 3.4 oz bottles total 13.6 oz of container space and fit easily. Ten 3.4 oz bottles total 34 oz and will not close in a quart bag.

Two groups of exceptions are built in. Medically necessary liquids, such as prescription syrups, may exceed 3.4 oz if you declare them at the start of screening. Baby formula, breast milk and juice for a child are also allowed in reasonable quantities above the limit. Both get separate screening. The table below lists these exceptions, and the liquids rule page explains the rule in full. For any other item, use the can I bring it finder.

If you fail the check, you have three easy fixes. Move the bottle to a checked bag, where toiletries up to 18 oz per container are allowed. Buy a travel size at the destination. Or decant into a small refillable bottle. Some airports with newer CT scanners let travelers leave larger liquids in the bag, but this is not a national change, so do not plan around it. The size conversion table below works with JavaScript off. This is general information, not an official TSA ruling.

Where these numbers come from

The formulas and default values in this calculator are based on:

• TSA liquids rule (3-1-1) at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
• FAA PackSafe medicinal and toiletry articles
• our TSA item pages in data_tsa.py

This is a planning estimate, not medical, legal or immigration advice. Fees, allowances, limits and entry rules change, so confirm the figures with your airline, cruise line, customs agency or the official government source before you book or travel, and follow their rules if they differ from this page.