How to Measure Your Kitchen

Whether you're planning a full kitchen renovation or just upgrading your cabinets, getting accurate measurements is key to ensuring a smooth installation process. Measuring your kitchen correctly will save you time, money, and the headache of misfitting cabinets. In this guide, we’ll show you how to take precise measurements to create the perfect layout for custom cabinetry.

Why Accurate Measurements Are Crucial

Accurate measurements are essential because even small errors can lead to big problems, like cabinets that don’t fit properly or wasted space. Custom cabinets are made to fit your kitchen’s exact dimensions, so there’s no room for mistakes.

By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure that your new cabinets fit perfectly and make the most of your available space.

1. Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, you’ll need the right tools to take accurate measurements. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Tape Measure: A high-quality tape measure, ideally 25 feet or longer.
Pencil & Paper: To jot down your measurements and create a rough sketch.
Graph Paper: Optional but helpful for creating a scale drawing of your kitchen.
Level: To ensure your surfaces and measurements are straight and level.

2. Start with the Basic Kitchen Layout

Begin by sketching a rough outline of your kitchen. Don’t worry about being an artist—just focus on creating a simple drawing that includes the overall shape of your kitchen, along with doors, windows, and appliances.

Walls: Start by measuring the length of each wall. Be sure to measure wall-to-wall and write down each dimension.
Windows & Doors: Measure the width and height of windows and doors. Don’t forget to note the distance between the edge of the window or door and the adjacent walls.
Ceiling Height: Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling in several spots (since ceilings can sometimes vary slightly in height).

Pro Tip: Write your measurements directly on your sketch so that everything is easy to reference later. If you have a kitchen island, make sure to include it in your sketch and note the space between the island and surrounding counters or cabinets.

3. Measure Your Appliances

Custom cabinets need to fit seamlessly around your kitchen appliances, so it’s essential to measure them accurately. If you’re keeping your existing appliances, follow these steps; if you’re getting new ones, look up their dimensions online or in the owner’s manual.

Refrigerator: Measure the width, height, and depth of your refrigerator. Be sure to account for any door clearance when the fridge is opened.
Range/Oven: Measure the width and height of your oven or range. Include any extra space needed for ventilation or trim.
Dishwasher: Measure the width, height, and depth of the dishwasher.
Microwave/Range Hood: If your microwave or range hood will be installed above the range, note its dimensions and the required clearance.

4. Measure Countertop and Cabinet Spaces

Once you’ve mapped out the walls and appliances, it's time to measure the space where your new cabinets will go.

Base Cabinets: Measure from the floor to the underside of the countertop to get the height for base cabinets. Standard base cabinets are typically 34.5 inches high, but custom cabinets can vary depending on your needs.
Upper Cabinets: Measure from the countertop to the ceiling (or to the bottom of any upper cabinets). Standard upper cabinets are usually 18 inches above the countertop.
Cabinet Depth: Measure the depth of your countertops (standard is usually 24 inches) and decide how deep you’d like your cabinets to be.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to account for any space needed for electrical outlets or plumbing pipes that may affect cabinet installation.

5. Measure Corners and Odd Spaces

Custom cabinetry allows you to maximize storage, especially in corners or other awkward spaces. However, measuring these areas correctly is crucial.

Corner Cabinets: Measure both walls that form the corner and note any obstacles like outlets or pipes that might affect cabinet placement.
Kitchen Island: If you’re including a kitchen island, measure the distance between the island and surrounding counters. Be sure to allow for at least 36 inches of clearance to ensure comfortable movement around the island.

6. Consider Special Cabinet Features

Custom cabinets offer a range of special features, so make sure to plan for any extras you want to include:

Pull-Out Shelves: Measure for pull-out shelves or lazy Susans if you want to optimize corner cabinets.
Pantry Cabinets: If you’re installing tall pantry cabinets, measure the height from floor to ceiling and decide how wide and deep you want the cabinets to be.
Drawer Cabinets: For base cabinets with drawers, measure the depth and height to ensure they can accommodate your kitchen tools and appliances.

7. Double-Check Your Measurements

Before ordering your custom cabinets, double-check all your measurements to make sure nothing was missed. Even a small error can result in delays or costly changes during installation.

Measure twice to ensure accuracy.
Cross-check your measurements with your sketch.
If possible, ask a friend or professional to help you verify everything.

Bonus: Check Out Our Free Hardware Tool!

To make things even easier, we’ve created a Free Hardware Measuring Tool that you can use.

Common Questions About Measuring for Custom Cabinets

Q: How much space should I leave between my kitchen island and surrounding cabinets? A: Ideally, you should leave at least 36 inches of clearance between the island and surrounding cabinets or appliances. This ensures you have enough room to move around comfortably.

Q: Do I need to account for molding when measuring my cabinets? A: Yes, if you plan to add crown molding or trim to the top of your cabinets, be sure to include that in your height measurements.

Q: What if my kitchen has an uneven floor or ceiling? A: For uneven surfaces, measure from multiple points and use the shortest measurement to ensure your cabinets fit without any gaps. A professional installer can help adjust cabinets to account for uneven floors or ceilings.

Get Help from the Experts

Measuring for custom cabinets may seem daunting, but with careful planning, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams. If you're unsure about your measurements or want expert guidance, contact us for a free design consultation.

How to Measure Your Kitchen for Custom Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide