Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom update, or simply upgrading your storage, taking accurate cabinet measurements is one of the most important steps in the process. A small mistake in your measurements can mean cabinets don’t fit, or poor appliance fit, or having to re-order items. But don’t worry: with a tape measure, a bit of planning, and a step-by-step approach, you can measure your space with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly measure for cabinets. From sketching your layout to capturing every important dimension, this guide will help ensure your project starts with the solid foundation it needs.

Materials Needed for Measuring

Measuring tape (preferably a steel tape measure)
Pencil and paper
Graph paper (optional, but helpful for visualizing the layout)
Step Ladder for measuring the upper cabinets and ceiling height.

1) Create a rough sketch of your room layout

Draw a simple outline of your room, including walls, windows, doors and any appliances.

2) Measure the length of each wall

Starting at one corner, measure the length of each wall to the nearest 1/8 inch. Record these measurements on your sketch.

3) Measure the height of the walls and windows

Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling in several spots along each wall. Record the shortest measurement, as this will determine the height of your upper cabinets. Measure the height from the floor to the bottom of the window frame. This is the space for your base cabinets.

To determine the height of your wall cabinets do follow this formula:

Wall Cabinet Height = Ceiling height - 54” (standard height from the floor to the bottom of the wall cabinets) - Crown Installed Height - Crown Reveal (½” Recommended)

4) Measure the width and height of all openings

Measure the width and height of windows, doors and any appliances. Include the trim in these measurements.

5) Measure the depth of the countertop and large appliances

Measure the depth of your existing countertop from the front edge to the wall. This will help determine the depth of your base cabinets. Measure the depth of your fridge and other large appliances to determine the depth of their cabinets. The standard countertop depth is 25.5”, and the depth of base cabinets is normally 24”, creating an overhang of 1.5” from the front of the cabinet (not counting the door). A standard countertop overhang on finished sides is .5”

6) Locate Plumbing, Electrical & Gas Lines

Measure from a fixed corner to the center of each connection and note the outlet heights from the floor.

7) Note Any Obstacles

Identify vents, radiators or any architectural features in the drawing.

8) Changing the Room Layout

If your layout is changing, start by drawing where you want to put the sink and appliances (if applicable). You’ll need to know the dimensions of your sink and appliances, so either measure your current items or find the specs of your new sink/appliances. Note where you want cabinets on your drawing.

Standard Cabinet Sizes

Cabinet full depth = cabinet box (24”) + bumper (⅛”) + door thickness (¾“ or ⅞”) = 24 ⅞”
Interior depth = cabinet box - 1"
Width always includes the finished ends (not fillers)

Base Cabinets
- Standard height of a base cabinets: 34.5” (includes 4” tall toekick)
- Standard depth of base cabinet box: 24" (not including doors)
Wall Cabinets
- Measuring Tip: Cabinet Height = Ceiling height - crown installed height - 1/2” reveal (crown carrier) - 54”
- Recommended depth of an upper wall cabinet box: 14" (not counting doors)
Tall Cabinets
- Measuring Tip: Cabinet Height = Ceiling height - crown installed height - 1/2” reveal (crown carrier)
Sink Cabinets
- Standard depth of a sink base cabinet box: 21"
- Standard height of a base cabinets: 34.5”

Cabinet Measuring Tips

Be as precise as possible when taking measurements. Double-check all measurements before proceeding.
Think about the traffic flow in your room. Make sure you have enough space for people to move around comfortably.
Consider the placement of appliances and cabinets.
Make sure that you can open all your doors, drawers and appliances with enough clearance.
Do not forget to add a filler every time that a cabinet ends in a wall (no exceptions!). It is not necessary to add fillers if your cabinet dies into another cabinet EXCEPT in corners. We recommend leaving 1.5” space for your fillers all around.
Center the sink with the center of the windows.
Follow symmetry in key places such as around windows. We recommend leaving a minimum of 2” space between wall edges or frames (window or door) and your cabinets.
Make sure you have enough counter space and storage space.
Think about the lighting in your room.
Make sure you have enough outlets and switches.
Always follow the measurements/clearance instructions for all your appliances.

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