The question about if it is carry-on size or not, really depends on the flight attendant.  If you put the suitcase straight in bottom to top, or vice verse then the wheels will hang out, so it won't fit.  If you put it in sideways, it will fit.  If the flight attendant  tells you you cannot put it in sideways, because the plane is full then shell say it won't qualify as a carry-on.  It really depends on their mood