How to Measure Your Kitchen
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a perfect cabinet order. Follow this step-by-step guide — it takes about an hour and no special skills. When you're done, submit your measurements for a free 3D design.
What You'll Need
Gather these tools before you start. The whole process takes about 45–60 minutes.
Measuring Tape
A sturdy 25-foot metal tape measure is ideal. Avoid cloth or flexible tapes — they stretch and give inaccurate readings. You'll be measuring in inches only.
Pencil, Paper & Graph Paper
You'll sketch a rough floor plan and individual wall elevations. Graph paper helps keep proportions readable. A clipboard makes writing easier.
Level & Step Ladder
A 4-foot level checks if walls and floors are plumb. A step ladder lets you measure ceiling heights and check for soffits above wall cabinets.
Smartphone Camera
Take photos of every wall, window, fixture, and appliance location. Photos help our design team catch details you might miss in a sketch.
The 4-Step Measuring Process
Follow these steps in order. Measure in inches only — don't mix feet and inches.
Sketch Your Layout
Draw a bird's-eye view of your room showing the general shape, doorways, windows, and where appliances are (or will go). Label each wall (A, B, C, etc.) and note which direction doors swing open. This sketch is your measurement roadmap.
→Measure Walls & Openings
Measure each wall at countertop height (about 36" from the floor). Record the total wall length corner-to-corner, then break it into segments — corner to window trim, window to door, etc. All segments should add up to the total wall measurement.
→Measure Heights & Verticals
Measure floor-to-ceiling in 3–4 spots. Measure window sill heights, soffit depths, and existing countertop heights. Note any variations.
→Mark Fixtures & Features
Locate and mark every plumbing line, outlet, switch, vent, gas line, and structural element. Measure to the CENTER of each fixture.
Detailed Measuring Instructions
Take your time with each area. Accurate measurements save days of headaches later.
How to Measure Walls
Start at one corner and measure the total wall length to the opposite corner. Then break it into segments — corner to window trim, window trim to window trim, etc. Every segment should add up to the total wall length. Measure at countertop height (about 36" from floor) — walls aren't always the same width at top and bottom.
How to Measure Windows & Doors
Measure from the OUTSIDE edge of trim to outside edge of trim — not just the glass or door. Record: distance from nearest corner to trim edge, full width including trim, and for windows: height from floor to bottom of sill trim and to top of window trim.
How to Measure Heights
Measure floor-to-ceiling in at least 3–4 spots — they're almost never perfectly level. Use the SHORTEST measurement for planning. If there are soffits, measure their height from floor, depth from wall, and length. Note existing countertop height (usually 36") and the gap to wall cabinets (usually 18").
How to Mark Fixtures & Utilities
Mark the exact location of: plumbing supply lines/drains, electrical outlets/switches, gas lines, heating vents, exhaust fans, and structural elements like posts. Measure each fixture's distance from nearest corner AND height from floor. This prevents cabinets from blocking outlets or conflicting with plumbing.
Measuring Appliances
Measure every appliance you plan to keep or replace. Get specs and clearance requirements before ordering cabinets.
Stove / Range
Measure width, depth, and height. Standard is 30" wide. Measure to the CENTER from nearest corner. If installing a range hood, measure height from countertop to vent exit.
Refrigerator
Measure width, depth (including doors), and height. Allow ½"–1" clearance on each side. Measure to CENTER from nearest corner. Note door swing direction if at end of a run.
Dishwasher
Standard 24" wide. Measure opening width, depth, and height. Note distance from center to center of sink (must be adjacent for plumbing). Mark water supply and drain connections.
Sink & Plumbing
Measure to CENTER of drain pipe from nearest corner. Note drain and supply line heights. If keeping your sink, measure its width and the minimum base cabinet needed (typically 30" or 36").
Standard Dimensions & Clearances
Measure every appliance you plan to keep or replace. Get specs and clearance requirements before ordering cabinets.
Standard Cabinet Sizes
Base cabinets: 34.5" tall × 24" deep (36" total with countertop). Wall cabinets: 12" deep, heights of 30", 36", or 42". Vanity bases: 34.5" tall × 21" deep. Widths range from 9" to 48" in 3" increments.
Key Clearances to Know
Countertop to wall cabinet: min 18". Island to perimeter: min 42" walkway (48" ideal). Blind corner pull: add 3" to width. Refrigerator: ½"–1" clearance per side. Dishwasher: adjacent to sink cabinet.
The Kitchen Work Triangle
The work triangle connects your sink, stove, and refrigerator. Each leg should be 4'–9' long, and the total perimeter should be 13'–26'. Keep these three zones close but not cramped for the most efficient kitchen layout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most frequent measuring errors we see. Avoiding them saves time, money, and headaches.
Measuring Old Cabinets Instead of the Space
Don't measure your existing cabinets — measure the empty wall space they occupy. Old cabinets may not have been sized optimally. Measure walls as if the room were empty.
Forgetting Trim, Baseboards & Molding
Window and door measurements must include the trim — measure to the OUTSIDE edge of trim, not just the opening. Note baseboard height and depth, as base cabinets sit against the wall above the baseboard.
Only Measuring Heights Once
Floors and ceilings are almost never perfectly level. Measure floor-to-ceiling in 3–4 spots. A ½" difference can cause problems with wall cabinet alignment or crown molding.
Not Cross-Checking Segment Totals
If Wall A is 144" total and your segments add up to 142", something is off. Small errors compound quickly. Always verify segments equal the total wall measurement.
Your Measuring Checklist
Before you submit your measurements, make sure you have all of these covered.
Sketch floor plan + wall elevations
Bird's-eye view showing room shape, doors, windows, and appliances. Then one front-facing sketch per wall.
All wall lengths (corner to corner)
Total wall lengths plus broken-down segments. Segments must add up to the total. Measure at countertop height.
All heights (3–4 spots per wall)
Ceiling heights, soffit dimensions, window sill heights, existing countertop height. Note the shortest measurement.
Windows, doors, appliances & fixtures
Every window/door with trim widths. Every appliance sized. Every outlet, pipe, vent, and switch — measured to CENTER.
What Happens After You Measure
Your measurements go straight to our designer. Here's what comes next.
Submit Your Measurements
Email your sketches, measurements, and photos to us or upload them through our 3D design request form.
→We Design Your Layout
Our designer creates a complete 3D design — photorealistic renders, itemized cabinet list, and full pricing. Free.
→Review & Revise
Request any changes — configurations, colors, layouts. We revise until you're 100% happy. No charge.
→Place Your Order
Order from the itemized list. Every cabinet and accessory is specified — no guesswork. Ships in 3–5 business days.
Measuring FAQ
Do I need professional help to measure my kitchen?
No — most homeowners can do it in about an hour using this guide. Our designers review your measurements and catch common errors before anything is ordered. For complex layouts, consider hiring a local contractor for added peace of mind.
Should I measure in inches, feet, or centimeters?
Inches only. Don't mix feet and inches (write "144 inches" not "12 feet"). This eliminates conversion errors and matches cabinet specifications.
What if my walls aren't perfectly straight or square?
This is extremely common, especially in older homes. Measure at countertop height for the most relevant reading. Our designers account for variations using filler strips and scribe pieces.
Should I remove my old cabinets before measuring?
No — measure the wall space they occupy. For a like-for-like replacement, measure existing cabinet dimensions. For a redesign, measure the full room walls. Just tell us which approach you're taking.
How do I handle corner cabinets and L-shaped layouts?
Measure each wall separately corner to corner. Note which corners are 90-degree angles. Corner cabinets require specific clearances (e.g., a 36" blind base corner installs as 39"). Our designers handle all of this for you.
What if I'm planning a kitchen island?
Measure the available floor space. You'll need at least 42" walkway clearance (48" ideal). Mark any floor outlets, vents, or plumbing rough-ins. Our designer will incorporate the island into the 3D layout.
I'm measuring a bathroom, not a kitchen. Is the process different?
Same process. Pay extra attention to: toilet drain location, distance between toilet center and nearest wall, shower/tub dimensions if adjacent to vanity, door swing clearance, and exhaust fan locations.
What photos should I send with my measurements?
When you place a cabinet order, the cost of each door sample ($20) is automatically applied as a credit toward your purchase. There's no coupon code needed — just reference your sample order number at checkout.
Ready to Submit Your Measurements?
Send us your sketches, measurements, and photos. Our designer creates a complete 3D layout with pricing — free, no obligation, within 48 hours.