Master Kitchen Cabinet Measurement in 5 Simple Steps

Installing new kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look and functionality of your kitchen. But in order to end up with a kitchen layout that maximizes both storage and beauty, accurate measurements are essential.

Taking the time to carefully measure your kitchen now will ensure your new cabinets fit perfectly. No more struggling with cabinets that don’t line up right or discovering your appliance doesn’t slide into place under the countertop.

Follow these 5 simple steps to master the art of kitchen cabinet measurement.

Step 1: Measure Overall Kitchen Dimensions

The first step is to measure the overall length and width of each wall where cabinets will be installed. This gives you the basic boundary dimensions to work within.

• Use a steel tape measure for maximum accuracy.
• For each wall cabinet run, measure across the entire length, recording the longest length across.
• For corners and non-straight walls, take multiple measurements, marking them on your floor plan.

Be sure to also mark down the locations of all doors, windows, and major appliances on your kitchen floor plan sketch. Having these elements mapped out will make planning cabinet layout and sizing much easier down the road.

Creating a floor plan

A basic floor plan sketch is essential for kitchen cabinet planning and measurement. Here’s how to create one:

• Using graph paper, sketch out the basic shape of your kitchen including all walls and openings.
• Mark locations of windows, doors, and appliances.
• Record key measurements for reference.
• Use your sketch when measuring to record details like soffits or uneven walls.

A well-labeled floor plan helps you visualize the final kitchen layout as you measure. Be as detailed as possible at this stage.

Step 2: Measure Wall Height

Now that you have the basic dimensions of your kitchen mapped out, the next key measurement is wall height.

Wall height impacts standard cabinet sizes and installation height. If you have especially high or uneven ceilings, this can also impact your kitchen layout options.

What to look for when measuring height:

• Use a tape measure or laser measure extended from floor to ceiling.
• Record height at corners, middle of wall runs, and anywhere a significant change occurs.
• Note architectural details like soffits, ceiling beams and odd angles that affect cabinet fit.
• Specify areas with limited height that can only fit shorter wall cabinets.

Mark all wall height measurements directly onto your floor plan sketch. This allows you to accurately plan kitchen layout and select appropriate cabinet sizes later on.

Step 3: Determine Cabinet Height

Using your wall height measurements, you can now determine the optimum height for installing both wall and base cabinets.

Standard measurements to consider:

• Base cabinets are typically 34 1/2″ high.
• Standard wall cabinets range from 30-36″ high.
• There should be an 18″ clearance between countertop and wall cabinets.
• Wall cabinets can go up to 48″ high with especially high ceilings.

It’s important to account for proper countertop overhang into the room when calculating wall cabinet height.

The standard guideline is:

• Countertop Depth – 3″ (1 1/2″ overhang on front and back) = Wall Cabinet Height

So for a standard 25″ deep countertop, ideal wall cabinet installation height would be 25″ – 3″ = 22″ above the countertop.

What to watch out for:

• Wall cabinet height may be restricted by soffits or ceiling beams.
• Windows, vents, plumbing or electric can also dictate how low you can go.
• For extra storage with high ceilings, consider floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets.

Step 4: Understand Cabinet Depths

The next key measurement is cabinet depth. Kitchen cabinets come in a range of standard widths measured in inches.

Common kitchen cabinet depths:

• 12″ wide = narrow filler cabinets.
• Most base cabinets = 24″ deep.
• Standard wall cabinets = 12-18″ deep.

When measuring your existing kitchen, note current cabinet depth. 12-18″ is typical. Custom or specialty cabinets may go deeper, around 24″.

Consider your kitchen’s size and layout when planning cabinet depths:

• Smaller kitchens = shallower 12-15″ cabinets maximize room.
• Larger kitchens = deeper 18-24″ cabinets maximize storage.
• Peninsula layouts = deeper cabinet depth on open end.

Mixing depths across different cabinet types helps strike storage and spatial balance. Just ensure upper and lower cabinets align–a 24″ base cabinet aligned with an 18″ wall cabinet will cause issues.

How to calculate existing depth:

• Open cabinet and set tape measure diagonally corner to corner.
• That measurement = cabinet depth.

Step 5: Measure for Specialty Storage

For a fully customized kitchen, also measure for any specialty storage cabinets or architectural details.

Specialty cabinet types to measure for:

• Appliance Garages: Measure exterior dimensions of appliances like stand mixers and blenders that you’d like housed.
• Pantry cabinets: Take interior measurements of existing pantries or closets you plan to replace with cabinetry.
• Filler cabinets: Note narrow gaps between other cabinetry or walls ideal for filler cabinets.
• Angled cabinets: Trace unusual angles, slants or arches on walls where specially designed cabinets may fit.

Pay special attention to built-in appliances.

• For refrigerators, ovens or dishwashers, carefully measure cutout width, height and depth needed.
• Measure port locations on cooktops or range hoods.

Record all specialty cabinet measurements directly onto your floor plan for easy reference later.

Getting kitchen cabinet measurements right takes a careful, methodical approach. But accurately measuring overall room dimensions, wall heights, cabinet depths, and specialty storage needs is essential to a cabinets that fit your space perfectly.

Following these 5 key measurement steps removes all the guesswork from buying and installing kitchen cabinets. Now you can confidently design a layout that makes the most of every inch while looking beautiful.

Just be sure to measure twice for accuracy! Those extra minutes now means you’ll avoid expensive cabinet reorder fees or installation issues down the road.