When Apple finally ditched the home button on the base model iPad, everyone assumed it just became an iPad Air clone. Honestly, at first glance, it kinda is. But if you’re trying to figure out how big is iPad 10th generation because you’re worried about it fitting in your bag—or if your old cases will still work—the answer is a bit more nuanced than just "10.9 inches."
Size is weird with tablets. You have the screen size, which is a diagonal measurement, and then you have the actual footprint of the metal and glass. If you're coming from an older model with the big "chin" and "forehead" bezels, this 10th-gen version is going to feel like a massive upgrade, even though the device itself hasn't actually grown that much.
The Raw Numbers: Dimensions and Weight
Let’s talk specs. The iPad 10th generation measures exactly 9.79 inches (248.6 mm) in height, 7.07 inches (179.5 mm) in width, and is a slim 0.28 inch (7 mm) thick.
It’s thin. Not "iPad Pro M4" thin, which is almost scary to hold, but thin enough that it feels premium.
Weight-wise, you’re looking at about 1.05 pounds (477 grams) for the Wi-Fi model. If you go for the cellular version so you can use 5G on the train, it tacks on a tiny bit of extra weight, bringing it to 1.06 pounds (481 grams). You won't feel that difference. Basically, it’s about the weight of a thick steak or a standard paperback book.
Compared to the 9th generation (the one with the home button), the 10th gen is actually shorter and thinner, but a little bit wider. It’s a boxier, more modern shape.
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Why "10.9 Inches" Is a Bit Misleading
When you see the marketing, Apple screams about the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. That sounds huge compared to the old 10.2-inch screens. However, because Apple shrank the black borders (the bezels) around the screen, they managed to fit a larger display into a chassis that is actually slightly smaller in height than the previous model.
Here’s the catch: the screen has a 2360-by-1640 resolution. At 264 pixels per inch, everything is crisp. But because it’s a non-laminated display—meaning there’s a tiny air gap between the glass you touch and the actual pixels—the screen can feel a little "hollow" if you tap it with your fingernail or an Apple Pencil.
Is it a dealbreaker? Probably not for most of us just watching Netflix or scrolling Reddit. But if you’re a professional artist, that air gap is a physical detail that makes the "size" of the experience feel different than the iPad Air, which has the same 10.9-inch footprint but a laminated screen that feels like you're touching the ink.
The Landscape Camera Shift
One big physical change that affects "how big" the iPad feels in use is the camera placement. For the first time, Apple moved the front-facing camera to the long edge.
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This is huge.
When you attach a keyboard—like the Magic Keyboard Folio—and sit it on a desk, you’re finally centered during Zoom calls. On older iPads, you always looked like you were staring off into space because the camera was on the "top" (the short side). This change makes the iPad 10th generation feel much more like a small laptop and less like a giant phone.
Case Compatibility: The 10th Gen Trap
If you have an iPad Air case lying around, don't just assume it'll fit. I've seen plenty of people make this mistake. Even though they both have 10.9-inch screens, the how big is iPad 10th generation question gets tricky here.
The 10th-gen iPad is 7.0 mm thick, while the iPad Air (5th gen) is 6.1 mm.
That 0.9 mm doesn't sound like much. But in the world of precision-molded plastic and silicone cases, it’s a mile. Most iPad Air cases are too tight or won't click into place on the 10th-gen model. Also, the corners on the 10th-gen are slightly more rounded. If you're buying a case, make sure it specifically says "for iPad 10th Generation (2022)."
Real-World Portability: Will It Fit?
I’ve carried this thing in a few different setups. If you use a standard Kanken backpack or a small messenger bag, it disappears. It’s small enough to fit on an airplane tray table even when the person in front of you reclines their seat—a feat the 12.9-inch iPad Pro definitely cannot claim.
- In a backpack: It takes up less room than a standard spiral notebook.
- On the couch: It’s light enough to hold with one hand for about 20 minutes before your wrist starts to complain.
- With the keyboard: Adding the Magic Keyboard Folio basically doubles the thickness and significantly increases the weight, making it feel closer to a MacBook Air.
Actionable Tips for New Owners
If you're looking at this iPad, here's the reality: it's the "Goldilocks" size for most people. It's not as cramped as the Mini, and it's not as cumbersome as the 13-inch Pro.
To get the most out of this specific size, don't buy a bulky "rugged" case unless you're giving it to a toddler. A thick case ruins the slim 7mm profile that makes this generation so nice to hold. Go for a slim magnetic folio.
Also, keep in mind that since this model uses USB-C, you can't use your old Lightning cables. You'll need to carry a USB-C cable, which is actually great because it’s likely the same one that charges your laptop or most other modern tech.
If you're still using an iPad 7th, 8th, or 9th gen, the move to the 10th gen will feel like the screen grew significantly without the device getting harder to carry. Just remember to measure your sleeve or bag for that 9.79 x 7.07 inch footprint, and you'll be good to go.