Yes, you can measure kitchen cabinets yourself! Measuring kitchen cabinets is a crucial first step for any renovation, replacement, or even just adding new storage. Taking accurate measurements ensures that your new cabinets fit perfectly in the space you have. This guide will show you exactly how to get precise figures for your base cabinet measurements and wall cabinet measurements.
Why Accurate Cabinet Measurement Matters
Getting the numbers right saves time and money. Wrong measurements lead to ordering cabinets that do not fit. This causes delays. It can also mean costly restocking fees or extra delivery charges. Knowing your current kitchen cabinet dimensions helps you plan your new layout efficiently. If you are measuring kitchen cabinets for replacement, precise data is non-negotiable.
Tools You Need for Measuring
Gather these simple tools before you start. They help make the job easy and accurate.
- Tape Measure: A sturdy, long metal tape measure is best.
- Pencil and Paper/Notepad: For writing down all your numbers.
- Level or Straight Edge: To check if walls or floors are truly flat.
- Helper (Recommended): Having a second person helps hold the tape measure steady.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Kitchen Space
Before you measure the cabinets themselves, measure the room. This gives you the overall context for your standard cabinet sizes.
Measuring the Wall Length
Measure the total length of each wall where cabinets will go.
- Start at one corner.
- Measure straight across to the next corner or end point.
- Measure twice to check your work.
- Note down the measurement clearly, like “Wall A: 145 inches.”
Checking for Squareness and Plumbness
Walls and floors are rarely perfectly straight. This step is vital for success, especially when measuring for custom cabinetry.
Wall Straightness
Use a long level or a straight edge. Place it against the wall where the cabinets will sit. See if there are any big dips or bows. If there are, note the maximum amount the wall sticks out or pulls in.
Floor Flatness
Check the floor where the base cabinet measurements will rest. Do this across the entire length of the area. Major dips mean you will need more shims later to make the base cabinets level.
Determining Cabinet Placement Constraints
Note down anything that interrupts the cabinet run. These items will affect the usable space.
- Windows and doors.
- Vents, radiators, or electrical outlets.
- Any fixed features like plumbing stacks.
Deciphering Base Cabinet Measurements
Base cabinets are the lower cabinets that sit on the floor. They support the countertops. Getting these base cabinet measurements correct is key to a functional kitchen.
1. Measuring Cabinet Width (The Most Important Part)
This is the side-to-side measurement. When measuring existing cabinets, measure the cabinet box, not just the doors.
- For New Installations: Measure the total available linear wall space you have designated for cabinets. Subtract any gaps you want between cabinets (usually 1/8 inch or less) or spaces needed for appliances like a dishwasher.
- For Replacement: Measure the outside edge of the existing cabinet box from left to right. This gives you the rough cabinet width you need to replace.
Important Note on Standard Sizes: Most standard cabinet sizes come in widths that are multiples of three inches (e.g., 12″, 15″, 18″, 21″, 24″, 27″, 30″, 33″, 36″). Your final measurement might need slight adjustments to fit these norms.
2. Measuring Cabinet Height
Cabinet height for base units is usually very consistent.
- Measure from the floor straight up to the top edge of the cabinet box (where the countertop will sit).
- Standard Height: Most standard cabinet sizes for base units are 34.5 inches tall.
- When you add the countertop (usually 1.5 inches thick), the total height becomes 36 inches.
If you are measuring existing cabinets that are old or custom, they might be slightly different. Always measure the actual space you have.
3. Measuring Cabinet Depth
Cabinet depth refers to how far the cabinet sticks out from the wall.
- Measure from the back wall straight out to the front edge of the cabinet box. Do not include the door or drawer fronts if they stick out further.
- Standard Depth: The common cabinet depth for base cabinets is 24 inches.
- If your current cabinets are shallower (say, 18 inches), and you are replacing them, measure that exact depth. This is crucial if you have a tight space or are working around existing plumbing.
Table 1: Summary of Base Cabinet Measurements
| Measurement Aspect | Standard Range (Inches) | Notes for Accurate Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 9″ to 48″ (in 3″ increments) | Measure available space or existing box width. |
| Height | 34.5″ (Box only) | Total height with counter is usually 36″. |
| Depth | 24″ | Check if appliances require a different depth. |
Fathoming Wall Cabinet Measurements
Wall cabinets (or upper cabinets) hang above the base cabinets. They are generally shallower and taller than base units.
1. Measuring Cabinet Width
Just like base units, measure the required cabinet width along the wall.
- If replacing, measure the outside edge of the existing box.
- If planning new, measure the total space available, subtracting any planned gaps or spaces for items like a microwave shelf.
Wall cabinets also follow standard cabinet sizes based on 3-inch increments.
2. Measuring Cabinet Height
Wall cabinet height is often dictated by ceiling height and desired placement above the counter.
- Measuring Existing Height: Measure the existing box height from top to bottom. Common standard cabinet sizes are 30″, 36″, or 42″ high.
- Placement Consideration: Remember the space needed between the base cabinet countertop and the bottom of the wall cabinet. The usual clearance is 18 inches. If you have a 34.5-inch base cabinet plus a 1.5-inch counter (total 36 inches), your wall cabinet bottom should start around 54 inches from the floor (36″ + 18″).
3. Measuring Cabinet Depth
Wall cabinets stick out less than base cabinets to save floor space.
- Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the cabinet box.
- Standard Depth: Common cabinet depth for wall units is 12 inches. Some specialty cabinets, like pantry pull-outs or refrigerator cabinets, may be deeper (closer to 24 inches).
Table 2: Summary of Wall Cabinet Measurements
| Measurement Aspect | Standard Range (Inches) | Notes for Accurate Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 9″ to 36″ (in 3″ increments) | Must match base cabinet layouts for aesthetic flow. |
| Height | 12″ to 42″ | Higher ceilings often allow for 42″ cabinets. |
| Depth | 12″ (Typical) | Measure carefully if existing features dictate a different depth. |
Special Considerations for Measuring Kitchen Cabinets
Simply measuring width, height, and depth might not be enough, especially when measuring kitchen cabinets for replacement or when measuring for custom cabinetry.
Measuring for Appliance Openings
Refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges all need specific openings.
Dishwasher Space
Dishwashers generally require a standard 24-inch wide opening. If your current cabinets surround the dishwasher, measure the width between the two adjacent cabinet sides. Ensure the space is flat and plumb.
Range/Oven Space
If you have a slide-in range, measure the space between the side cabinets very carefully. Ranges often need precise side clearances for ventilation and safety.
Dealing with Irregular Spaces and Corners
Corners are often tricky spots in any kitchen.
Inside Corner Cabinets
If you have an “L” shape, the corner area requires special cabinet types (like a blind corner cabinet or a lazy Susan).
- Measure the width of the cabinet run on Wall 1 up to the corner point.
- Measure the width of the cabinet run on Wall 2 up to the corner point.
- These measurements define the opening you have for the specialty corner unit. Consult the manufacturer’s specs for how the corner unit uses that space.
Diagonal or True Corner Cabinets
If you are using a true diagonal cabinet, you need two measurements: the width along the front face (the part you see) and the depth along the wall where it connects.
Measuring for Sink Base Cabinets
The sink base is perhaps the most crucial cabinet because it houses plumbing.
- Measure the required cabinet width. Sink bases are usually 30″, 33″, or 36″.
- Plumbing Check: Look inside the existing cabinet. Note the location and size of the drain pipe and shut-off valves. When measuring existing cabinets, you must confirm that the new sink will fit over these existing pipes or if the plumbing needs to be moved.
The Process of Measuring Existing Cabinets
If you are measuring existing cabinets to replace them with new ones of the same size, follow these steps closely:
- Remove Doors and Drawers: Take off all fronts. This allows you to measure the true cabinet box dimensions directly. Doors and frames often overlap the box, skewing your width measurement if you are not careful.
- Check Cabinet Box Dimensions: Measure the outside height, width, and depth of the actual wooden carcass.
- Note Shelf Placement: Record where adjustable shelves sit. This impacts interior fitting.
- Document Hardware: If you are keeping the same hardware placement, measure the distance from the top/side edge to the center of the mounting holes for handles or hinges.
Translating Measurements into Cabinet Orders
Once you have all your raw measurements, you must convert them into orderable units, keeping standard cabinet sizes in mind.
Adjusting for Gaps and Seams
Cabinet manufacturers generally require a small gap between units or between the cabinet run and the wall/appliance. This space is used for shims (small wedges) to make the cabinets perfectly level and plumb.
- Recommended Gap: Plan for about 1/8 inch gap between each cabinet box.
- Wall Gap: Plan for a 1/4 inch gap at the ends where the cabinet run meets a wall or tall appliance.
Calculating Fillers
If your measured space does not perfectly match a standard cabinet size (e.g., you have 34 inches of space, but the largest standard cabinet is 33 inches), you use filler strips.
A filler strip is a narrow piece of matching wood veneer placed between the last cabinet and the wall. It covers the gap and makes the line look finished. Always account for fillers in your final layout plan.
Working with Custom Cabinetry Measurements
If you are measuring for custom cabinetry, precision is even more important. Custom shops can build any size, but they rely entirely on your provided numbers.
- Provide wall dimensions and cabinet box dimensions separately.
- Clearly mark measurements taken “from the finished edge” versus “from the structural framing.”
- If replacing, send photos of the existing cabinet construction style.
Final Checks Before Ordering
Always perform this three-step verification process.
Check 1: The Summation Check
Add up all your planned cabinet width measurements, plus all the planned gaps (including fillers). This total must match the total wall length measurement you took initially.
Example:
| Item | Width (Inches) |
| :— | :— |
| Cabinet 1 (30″) | 30.0 |
| Gap 1 | 0.125 |
| Cabinet 2 (18″) | 18.0 |
| Gap 2 | 0.125 |
| Filler Strip | 0.5 |
| Cabinet 3 (36″) | 36.0 |
| Gap at End | 0.25 |
| Total Calculated Width | 85.0 inches |
If your Wall A measurement was 85 inches, your numbers align.
Check 2: Vertical Clearance Check
Ensure the cabinet height chosen for the wall cabinets allows for the 18-inch countertop clearance above the base units. If you have low ceilings, this might mean choosing shorter wall cabinets (e.g., 24″ high instead of 36″).
Check 3: Depth Consistency Check
Ensure that all cabinet depth measurements are consistent for the entire run of base cabinets and the entire run of wall cabinets. Mixing depths unnecessarily complicates countertop fabrication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I measure the cabinets with the doors on or off?
A: When measuring kitchen cabinets for replacement, it is best practice to measure the actual cabinet box (carcass) with doors and drawers removed. This reveals the true structural width. If you are only measuring for simple replacement with identical units, measuring the outside edge, door edge to door edge, might give you a quick estimate, but the box measurement is more accurate for ordering.
Q: What is the standard depth for kitchen cabinets?
A: The standard cabinet depth for base cabinets is 24 inches (measuring from the wall to the front edge of the box). For wall cabinets, the standard depth is usually 12 inches.
Q: How much space should I leave between wall cabinets and the countertop?
A: The generally accepted clearance between the top of your base cabinet countertop and the bottom of your wall cabinets is 18 inches. Always verify this if you have specialized equipment like a powerful range hood that might require more room.
Q: What if my walls are not straight? How do I handle this when measuring kitchen cabinets?
A: If your walls are wavy, you must measure the deepest point of the curve or dip for your overall wall length measurement. When installing, you will use shims behind the cabinet boxes to pull them straight, using the measurement of the deepest point as your minimum requirement for clearance.
Q: Are all standard cabinet sizes the same brand to brand?
A: Standard cabinet sizes (like 30″ high base cabinets or 12″ deep wall cabinets) are generally consistent across major manufacturers. However, slight variations exist, especially in filler strips or specialized features. Always check the specific manufacturer’s specification sheet if you are mixing brands or measuring existing cabinets to match new ones precisely.