Mountain Biking - Rear Wheel Travel

I'm very thoroughly confused. I have always been under the assumption that my bike had a very small-travel rear suspension. It has an 03 fox float on it, I think 1.5 inch travel. My question is: When bikes advertise rear travel, is that the wheel travel or the shock travel? If it's wheel travel, how would I go about finding mine? I don't think it's listed on the internet.

I'm very thoroughly confused. I have always been under the assumption that my bike had a very small-travel rear suspension. It has an 03 fox float on it, I think 1.5 inch travel. My question is: When bikes advertise rear travel, is that the wheel travel or the shock travel? If it's wheel travel, how would I go about finding mine? I don't think it's listed on the internet.
rear wheel travel is how much the rear wheel moves up and down
i have no clue how to find the amount of travel you have tho
i only ride hardtails
good luck

Does that mean just up and down, or sideways as well? (in the case that its not an up and down travel path)

Easiest way, measure distance from your rear axle to the back of your seat. Then release all of the air out of your shock and measure again. Then find the difference, that should tell you.

Oh, if you have side to side travel then it is time for a new bike.

Well I didn't mean the wheel just goes side to side, I meant that I think my bike's wheel follows the perimeter of a big circle due to it going around the pivot point in a way. Either way, I'll try that.