How to Measure for Kitchen Cabinets (Step-by-Step Guide)
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Nothing derails a kitchen remodel faster than cabinets that don't fit. Whether you're replacing a single run of base cabinets or doing a full kitchen renovation, getting your measurements right before you order is the single most important step. The good news: measuring for ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets is straightforward when you follow a systematic approach.
Tools You'll Need
- Tape measure (25 ft recommended)
- Pencil and graph paper (or a free kitchen planning app)
- Level
- Notepad for recording measurements
Step 1: Sketch Your Kitchen Layout
Start with a rough sketch of your kitchen from a bird's-eye view. Mark the location of windows, doors, appliances, and any architectural features like soffits, columns, or sloped ceilings. You don't need to be an artist — a simple rectangle with labeled walls is enough to get started.
Step 2: Measure Each Wall
Measure the total length of each wall from corner to corner. Record the measurement at three heights — near the floor, at mid-wall, and near the ceiling — because walls are rarely perfectly straight. Use the smallest measurement for planning purposes to ensure your cabinets will fit.
Pro tip: Measure in inches, not feet and inches, to avoid conversion errors when ordering.
Step 3: Locate and Measure Obstacles
Note the exact position and size of every obstacle on each wall:
- Windows: Measure from the corner to the edge of the window trim, the width of the window (including trim), and the height from the floor to the bottom of the window sill and to the top of the window trim.
- Doors: Measure from the corner to the edge of the door frame and the width of the door opening.
- Outlets and switches: Note their positions so you can plan filler strips or notched panels if needed.
- Plumbing: Mark the location of your sink drain and supply lines.
- Appliances: Record the width, depth, and height of your refrigerator, range, and dishwasher using the manufacturer's spec sheet, not the opening.
Step 4: Determine Your Cabinet Heights
Base cabinets are typically 34½" tall (the countertop brings the finished height to 36"). Standard depth is 24".
Wall cabinets are typically mounted so the bottom is 54" from the floor (18" above the countertop). Standard heights are 12", 15", 18", 24", 30", 36", and 42". Taller wall cabinets (36"–42") are ideal if you want to reach the ceiling or install crown molding.
Tall/pantry cabinets are typically 84", 90", or 96" tall and 24" deep.
Step 5: Plan Your Cabinet Run
Working from your sketch, fill in the wall space with standard cabinet widths. RTA cabinets come in widths from 9" to 48" in 3" increments. Start with the largest cabinets (like a 36" sink base or a 30" wall cabinet over the range) and work outward, filling gaps with smaller cabinets or filler strips.
Remember: It's normal to have small gaps at the ends of a run. Filler strips bridge these gaps for a built-in look.
Step 6: Account for Appliance Openings
- Refrigerator: Leave the manufacturer's specified width plus ¼" on each side for clearance.
- Range/Cooktop: Standard opening is 30" or 36". Check local codes for required clearances from combustibles.
- Dishwasher: Standard opening is 24" wide.
Step 7: Double-Check Everything
Before placing your order, measure every wall twice. Have a second person verify your numbers. A small error on paper is easy to fix — a small error after delivery is expensive.
Ready to Order?
Once you have your measurements locked in, browse our collections to find the perfect style for your kitchen:
Need help planning your layout? Our team is here to help — contact us and we'll walk you through it.