Measuring your kitchen correctly is the most important first step for any cabinet project, whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or just replacing a few old cabinets. It helps you create an accurate cabinet layout plan and order the right size cabinets. This guide gives you simple steps to measure your kitchen space well.
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Gather Your Tools
You need a few simple things before you start measuring. Having the right tools makes the job easier and more exact.
- Steel Tape Measure: Get one that is at least 25 feet long. A stiff, wide blade is best so it doesn’t bend too much when measuring long distances.
- Paper: Use graph paper if you have it. This makes drawing your kitchen sketch easier and helps keep things to scale later. Plain paper is also fine.
- Pencil or Pen: To draw your sketch and write down numbers.
- Clipboard or Hard Surface: Makes writing easier if you don’t have a table nearby.
- Level: To check if floors, walls, and ceilings are straight.
- Step Stool or Ladder: For reaching high spots like the ceiling.
- Helper: Another person makes measuring much easier, especially for long distances or high spots.
Getting Ready
Before you measure, clear the space as much as possible.
- Move furniture out of the way.
- Take things off countertops if you can.
- Make sure doors and windows can open fully.
- Ensure the area is well-lit.
This helps you get clear, correct measurements without things blocking your path or view.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
Here is a simple kitchen measuring guide. Follow these steps one by one. Write down every number carefully on your sketch. Taking your time here saves big problems later.
Step 1: Draw a Simple Sketch
Start by drawing a rough picture of your kitchen layout. You don’t need to be an artist. Just draw the shape of the room as if you were looking down from the ceiling.
- Draw each wall.
- Show where doors and windows are.
- Mark where appliances are now, like the stove, fridge, and sink.
- Draw in any other things that stick out, like pipes or vents.
This sketch is where you will write all your measurements. Make it big enough so you have space to write numbers clearly.
Step 2: Measure Wall to Wall
Now you will measure the size of the whole room. This is key when you measure kitchen walls.
- Measure along the bottom of each wall from one corner to the next. Write this number on your sketch.
- Measure the same wall again, but do it in the middle of the wall. Write this number down too.
- Measure the wall one more time, near the top (but below where cabinets will go). Write this number.
Why measure in three spots? Walls are often not perfectly straight. Measuring in a few places tells you if the wall is uneven. Use the smallest number you get for that wall. This makes sure your cabinets will fit even if the wall bows in slightly.
- Tip: Always measure in inches. It’s easier when dealing with cabinet sizes. Write down “120” instead of “10 feet”. If you measure feet and inches, change it all to inches (e.g., 10 feet 3 inches becomes 123 inches).
Step 3: Measure Doors and Windows
Doors and windows take up wall space where cabinets can’t go. You need to know exactly where they are and how big they are. This is an important part of how to measure kitchen for renovation.
- Measure the Width: Measure the door or window frame from edge to edge. Measure at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the biggest number you get.
- Measure the Height: Measure from the bottom of the frame to the top of the frame.
- Measure Distance from Corner: Pick a corner of the room. Measure from that corner along the wall to the edge of the door or window frame. Do this for both sides of the door/window to show its position.
- Measure Distance from Floor: For windows, measure from the floor up to the bottom of the window frame (this is called the “sill height”).
- Measure Distance from Ceiling: For windows and doors, measure from the top of the frame up to the ceiling. This helps when planning wall cabinets.
- Note Trim: Write down how wide the trim is around the door or window. This trim might stick out and affect cabinet placement. Measure from the outer edge of the trim.
Mark all these numbers clearly on your sketch next to the drawing of the door or window. This step covers how to measure windows and doors in kitchen spaces.
Step 4: Mark Obstacles
Things like plugs, light switches, vents, pipes, or heating units also affect where cabinets can go. You need to know where they are.
- Draw each obstacle on your sketch.
- Measure how far the obstacle is from the nearest corner.
- Measure how far the obstacle is from the floor.
- Measure the size of the obstacle itself (width, height, depth).
- Note if anything sticks out from the wall more than usual (like pipes).
Write all these measurements next to the obstacle on your sketch. These details are part of important kitchen measurement tips.
Step 5: Measure Ceiling Height
Knowing your ceiling height is a must for planning wall cabinets.
- Measure from the floor straight up to the ceiling. Do this in a few different spots in the kitchen.
- Like with walls, floors and ceilings might not be perfectly flat or level. Note any differences you find.
- Use the lowest ceiling height measurement for planning. This makes sure your tallest wall cabinets will fit everywhere. This measurement helps you measure wall cabinet height possibilities.
Write the ceiling height(s) on your sketch.
Step 6: Measure Cabinet Areas
Now measure the spots where cabinets will actually go. This involves measuring for new kitchen cabinets.
- Measure Available Widths: This is super important for cabinet layout planning. Measure the total space between walls, doors, windows, or appliances where a run of cabinets will be placed. For example, measure the wall space between a corner and a door frame, or between two door frames. Write these widths down.
- Measure Base Cabinet Areas: Base cabinets sit on the floor. Standard height is about 34.5 inches (plus countertop thickness makes it about 36 inches total).
- Measure from the floor to the desired top height of your base cabinets (usually around 36 inches including the countertop). Note if your floor is uneven.
- Measure the depth available from the wall outwards. Standard base cabinets are about 24 inches deep (not counting the door/drawer front). Make sure you have at least 24 inches clear space. This helps you measure base cabinet depth requirements.
- Measure Wall Cabinet Areas: Wall cabinets hang on the wall above the base cabinets or countertop.
- Measure the distance from the floor up to where the bottom of your wall cabinets will be. This is often 54 inches from the floor (18 inches above a 36-inch countertop, or higher if needed).
- Measure the distance from where the top of the wall cabinets will be up to the ceiling. This helps you choose cabinet height (e.g., 30-inch, 36-inch, 42-inch tall cabinets). This measurement again relates to how to measure wall cabinet height.
- Measure the depth available from the wall outwards for wall cabinets. Standard depth is 12 inches, but some can be deeper. Ensure nothing will hit them when opened.
Write all these specific area measurements on your sketch. Note which measurements are for widths, which are heights, and which are depths. This is key to measure cabinet dimensions correctly for ordering.
Step 7: Measure Appliances
Existing or new appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, hood fan) take up space and need specific clearances.
- Measure the width, height, and depth of each appliance you plan to keep or buy.
- Look up the “cut sheet” or installation guide for new appliances online. They often give exact size needs and required space around them for air flow or opening doors.
- Write appliance sizes on your sketch. Note their planned location.
Making sure cabinets fit around appliances is a critical step in how to measure kitchen for renovation.
Step 8: Double Check
You cannot be too careful here. Mistakes in measuring are costly.
- Go over every single measurement you wrote down.
- Measure everything again. Yes, really. Do it at least twice.
- If possible, have your helper measure with you the second time and compare numbers.
- Check that the smaller measurements add up to the larger ones. For example, the distance from a corner to a door edge, plus the door width, plus the distance from the other door edge to the next corner should equal the total wall length you measured in Step 2. This is a great way to verify your measure kitchen walls step.
This double check is one of the most valuable kitchen measurement tips you can follow.
Checking Your Numbers
Once you have all your measurements on your sketch, look at them carefully.
- Make sure all numbers are clear and easy to read.
- Check that you measured everything asked for in the steps above.
- Use your sketch and numbers to get a feel for the space. Does it look right?
You can create a simple table to list your measurements. This makes it easy to read and share.
Example Measurement Table (Partial):
| Area/Item | Measurement Type | Location/Notes | Measurement (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall A | Total Length | Floor Level | 125 |
| Wall A | Total Length | Middle Height | 124.5 |
| Wall A | Total Length | Upper Height | 125 |
| Window 1 | Width | Frame edge-to-edge | 36 |
| Window 1 | Height | Frame bottom-to-top | 48 |
| Window 1 | Distance from Corner A | To left frame edge | 20 |
| Window 1 | Distance from Floor | To bottom frame edge | 34 |
| Ceiling Height | Floor to Ceiling | Near Wall A | 96 |
| Refrigerator Space | Width | Planned location | 36 |
| Refrigerator Space | Height | Planned location | 70 |
| Refrigerator Space | Depth | Planned location | 30 |
| Base Cabinet Run 1 | Available Width | Between Corner A & Door 1 | 78 |
| Wall Cabinet Run 1 | Available Width | Above Base Cabinet Run 1 | 78 |
| Base Cabinet Depth | Wall Out | Standard area | 24 |
| Wall Cabinet Depth | Wall Out | Standard area | 12 |
| Wall Cabinet Height | Floor to Bottom | Above Counter | 54 |
| Wall Cabinet Height | Top to Ceiling | Maximum space | 42 (96″ ceiling – 54″ bottom height) |
This table format helps organize your measure cabinet dimensions and other details.
Using Your Measurements for Planning
Your careful measurements are the base for everything that comes next. They are vital for cabinet layout planning.
- Drawing the Layout: Use your sketch and measurements to draw a more exact plan. You can use online kitchen planners, graph paper, or computer programs. Draw the walls, windows, doors, and obstacles to scale.
- Placing Cabinets: Now you can see how different sizes of standard cabinets (like 12-inch, 15-inch, 18-inch wide base cabinets, etc.) fit into your measured spaces. Remember to leave space for fillers (small wood strips used to make cabinets fit exactly against walls or around obstacles) and appliance clearances.
- Choosing Cabinet Sizes: Your measurements, especially the available widths, help you decide which standard cabinet sizes to order. Your ceiling height and desired height for base cabinets help you measure cabinet dimensions vertically. This is the core of measuring for new kitchen cabinets and how to measure kitchen for renovation projects. You’ll use your measure cabinet dimensions list to select cabinets that add up to fit your available wall spaces. For example, if you have 78 inches of available wall space (from Step 6 table example), you might plan for a 36″ base cabinet, a 30″ base cabinet, and perhaps a 12″ base cabinet, plus maybe 0-2 inches for fillers. (36+30+12 = 78).
Your measurements allow you to make smart choices about cabinet placement and size, making sure everything fits and works well in your kitchen space.
Important Kitchen Measurement Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the best measurements possible. These are handy kitchen measurement tips for any project.
- Measure to the Furthest Point: When measuring into corners, measure to the very back point of the corner, even if there’s trim.
- Measure Appliance Spaces Carefully: Appliances need air space around them. Check the appliance’s guide for required gaps. Measure the opening where the appliance will go, not just the appliance itself.
- Note Out-of-Plumb Walls: If your level shows a wall is not straight up and down (“out of plumb”), note how much it is off. This might mean you need filler strips to make cabinets look right against the wall.
- Note Out-of-Level Floors: If your floor is not flat (“out of level”), this affects base cabinet installation. Base cabinets need to be level. You might need shims during install. Note the difference in floor height across the room.
- Locate Plumbing and Gas Lines: Mark the exact center point of any water pipes or gas lines on your sketch. Measure their distance from the nearest wall corner and from the floor. This is needed when planning sink bases or stove locations.
- Locate Electrical Outlets and Switches: Mark these on your sketch with their distance from the corner and floor. Cabinets might need holes cut for these.
- Consider Door Swings: Make sure cabinet doors and drawers won’t hit appliances, other cabinets, doors, or walls when opened. Measure the space needed for door swings.
- Account for Overhangs: Countertops will hang over the front of the base cabinets (usually by about 1 inch). Wall cabinets might also have a slight overhang at the bottom if light rail trim is used. Don’t forget this when picturing the final look.
- Keep Notes Clear: Write big and clear on your sketch. Use arrows to show what you are measuring. If something is unusual, write a note about it.
- Take Photos: Take pictures of your kitchen from different angles. These photos, along with your sketch, can help you remember details later or show the space to a cabinet designer.
Following these measure kitchen walls, measure windows and doors in kitchen, measure wall cabinet height, and measure base cabinet depth tips will lead to better results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring for cabinets seems simple, but it’s easy to make small errors that cause big problems. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Not Measuring in Multiple Places: Relying on just one measurement for a wall or ceiling height when they might not be straight.
- Not Measuring to the Furthest Point: Forgetting about trim or uneven wall surfaces.
- Measuring in Feet and Inches and Not Converting: Mixing units can lead to errors in calculations. Always convert everything to inches early on.
- Forgetting Obstacles: Not marking radiators, vents, pipes, or electrical points.
- Not Accounting for Appliances: Not checking exact appliance sizes or needed clearances.
- Not Measuring Doors and Windows Accurately: Getting the size or position wrong means cabinets won’t fit around them.
- Not Double-Checking: Only measuring once is risky.
- Using a Flexible Tape Measure: Cloth or flexible tape measures are not good for getting straight lines over long distances.
Taking your time and being careful helps avoid these problems when measuring for new kitchen cabinets or doing how to measure kitchen for renovation work.
Putting It All Together
Measuring your kitchen space correctly is the absolute cornerstone of a successful cabinet project. It requires patience and care, but it is not difficult. By following these steps to measure kitchen walls, measure windows and doors in kitchen spaces, get your ceiling height (measure wall cabinet height), check depths (measure base cabinet depth), mark all obstacles, and measure appliances, you create a precise map of your kitchen. This map is your main tool for cabinet layout planning and choosing the correct measure cabinet dimensions for your new cabinets. Use this kitchen measuring guide, follow the kitchen measurement tips, and double check everything. Good measurements lead to a good plan, which leads to a kitchen you will love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How accurate do my measurements need to be?
Very accurate! Aim for measurements within 1/8 inch. Even small errors can cause cabinets not to fit correctly against walls or next to other cabinets or appliances. Precision is key when measuring for new kitchen cabinets.
Should I measure existing cabinets if I’m just replacing them?
Yes, measure the space where the cabinets are, just like you would measure an empty room. Measure wall to wall, windows, doors, etc. Measuring the old cabinets themselves can give you an idea of sizes that worked, but the actual room measurements are what you need for ordering new standard-sized cabinets.
My kitchen walls are not straight. What should I do?
Measure in multiple spots (top, middle, bottom) as described in Step 2. Use the smallest measurement for the total wall length for planning cabinet runs. Note the difference in measurements on your sketch. This tells you where the wall bows in. You will likely need filler strips when installing cabinets to bridge any gaps against the wall.
My floor is not level. How does that affect measuring?
Measure the floor height at different points in the kitchen, especially where base cabinets will go. Note the difference. Base cabinets must be installed level. You will need shims under the cabinets during installation to raise them to a level line. Your measurements help you know how much the floor is off.
Do I need to measure for soffits or bulkheads?
Yes, absolutely. Any box-like structure hanging down from the ceiling (a soffit or bulkhead) must be measured. Treat it like an obstacle. Measure its width, depth (how far it comes from the wall), and height (how far it hangs down from the ceiling). Measure its distance from corners and any doors/windows. Wall cabinets often stop below a soffit.
What is a “filler strip” and why do I need to plan for them?
A filler strip is a narrow piece of wood or cabinet material used during installation. They are cut to size and placed between the end of a cabinet run and a wall, or between a cabinet and an appliance or other obstacle. They fill small gaps caused by walls not being perfectly straight or square. You need to leave a little space (usually 1-3 inches, depending on design) in your total cabinet run length for potential fillers. This is part of good cabinet layout planning based on your measurements.
Should I include trim in my measurements?
Yes, measure to the outside edge of any door or window trim, baseboards, or crown molding that sticks out. Cabinets need clearance from these things. Mark the trim width on your sketch. When you measure walls, measure the full wall length behind the trim, but note where the trim is because it reduces the usable space for cabinets. When measuring from a corner to a door/window, measure to the outside edge of its trim.
Do I measure to the drywall or to the tile/backsplash?
Measure to the drywall surface. Cabinets hang on the wall structure. The tile or backsplash goes on after the cabinets are installed. If you have existing tile/backsplash, measure to the wall surface behind it if possible, or at least note the thickness of the tile so you can subtract it later. For planning cabinet dimensions, the wall studs or drywall surface is the reference point.
I’m using an online kitchen planner. Do I still need to measure this carefully?
Yes! Online planners are tools to use your measurements. They don’t measure for you. The quality of the layout and cabinet order from an online planner depends entirely on the accuracy of the numbers you type into it from your careful measurements.
What if I’m getting custom cabinets? Are the measurements different?
For custom cabinets, the base measurements (wall lengths, windows, doors, obstacles, ceiling height) are the same. You still need the precise dimensions of your space. The difference is that custom cabinets can be built to fit your exact, perhaps uneven, space without as much need for standard sizes or filler strips. But the starting point – the detailed and accurate measurement of the physical space – is exactly the same as when measuring for new kitchen cabinets from standard sizes. Your measure cabinet dimensions list will just be used differently by the custom builder.