How Do I Measure for Kitchen Cabinets: Expert Guide

You want to get new kitchen cabinets, but you’re not sure how to measure for them the right way. You’re not alone. Many people mess this up and end up wasting time and money. I’ve been there too. But don’t worry — I’ll help you get it right. To measure kitchen cabinets correctly, you need to use a tape measure, write down every inch of your kitchen walls, floors, and appliances. In this article, you’ll learn the easiest way to measure your kitchen for cabinets, step-by-step, even if you’re doing it for the first time.

Start by Measuring the Wall Space

Before you even think about buying new cabinets, you need to measure the walls where the cabinets will go. This first part is super important because everything else depends on it. The wall space helps you know how much room you have for cabinets, and it stops you from getting cabinets that are too big or too small.

To start, grab a good tape measure, a pencil, and a piece of paper or notebook. You can also use graph paper if you have some, but it’s okay if you don’t.

Stand in your kitchen and look at the wall where you want to put cabinets. You’ll measure from one corner of the wall to the other side. This is called the total wall length. Use your tape measure and write down the number. Do this for every wall where cabinets might go.

If you have windows or doors, you need to measure them too. Measure the width of the window or door, and how far it is from the nearest corner. This helps you know how much wall space is free to use.

Also, check how tall your ceiling is. Some cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, and others stop a little short. Knowing the ceiling height helps you pick the right cabinet size.

Be sure to measure everything twice. Mistakes happen, and double-checking your numbers saves you trouble later. Don’t guess — even half an inch can make a big difference when fitting cabinets.

Now make a simple drawing of your kitchen layout on paper. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Just show where the walls are and write down your measurements next to them. Mark where the windows, doors, and any vents or outlets are.

This wall layout will be your main guide when you go to look for cabinets. Cabinet makers or stores will use this to help you choose the best fit.

• Measure the full length of each wall where cabinets will go
• Note the position and size of windows and doors
• Check the height of your ceiling
• Sketch a layout with measurements
• Double-check all numbers

Add Appliance and Fixture Measurements

Once your walls are measured, the next part is checking your appliances and fixtures. This is just as important because your cabinets need to fit around things like your stove, fridge, and sink.

Start by measuring your fridge. Get the width, height, and depth. Make sure to also check how far the door sticks out when it opens. Some fridges need more space to open fully, and your cabinets must not block that space.

Next, measure your oven or stove. Again, measure the width, height, and depth. If your oven is part of a range with a hood above, measure the hood too. Write it all down on your kitchen sketch.

Now go to your sink. Measure how wide and deep it is. If it’s under a window, make sure to note the height between the sink and the window, especially if you want to install upper cabinets around there.

You should also check where your dishwasher goes. Write down its width, height, and how far it pulls out when open.

If you have a microwave or a built-in oven, measure them the same way.

Don’t forget about space around appliances. Every appliance needs a little breathing room — you can’t have cabinets too close or tight against them. A little extra space (1 to 2 inches) can help make everything work better.

If you’re planning to keep your appliances in the same spot, great. But if you plan to move them, make a note of the new positions. This will affect your cabinet layout.

Once all measurements are done, mark the spot of every appliance on your kitchen drawing. Add the numbers so you’ll know where everything goes.

• Measure your fridge, stove, sink, and dishwasher
• Check the space needed for appliance doors to open
• Add width, height, and depth for each item
• Leave a bit of space around every appliance
• Mark the appliance spots on your sketch

Note the Electrical and Plumbing Spots

After walls and appliances, now it’s time to measure and mark where your plumbing and electrical lines are. These things can’t be moved easily, and they’ll help decide where your cabinets can or can’t go.

Look under your sink to find your plumbing pipes. Use your tape measure to see how far they are from the wall corner or the nearest edge. Write down the height from the floor to where the pipes come out. Add this to your drawing.

Now check where your electrical outlets and switches are. Measure how high they are from the floor, and how far they are from the nearest wall corner. Mark these on your drawing. If you have outlets on your backsplash or above your counter, note those too.

Check where your vent hood plugs in, and mark that spot. Some kitchen appliances need special outlets, like 220V plugs for ovens. Make sure you include all of that.

You should also find and measure where any gas lines are, if you have them. This is important for stoves or ovens that use gas.

Also, mark where any ceiling lights or under-cabinet lights are. This will help if you want lighting built into your cabinets.

Doing all this will help you or your installer avoid placing a cabinet where it might block pipes, outlets, or wires.

• Find and measure plumbing under the sink
• Measure the height and distance of outlets and switches
• Mark all wires, plugs, and vent locations
• Check for gas lines and light wiring
• Add every detail to your kitchen drawing

Decide Cabinet Types and Sizes You Want

Now that you know your kitchen’s layout, it’s time to think about the kind of cabinets you want. There are different types and sizes, so picking the right ones is key.

There are base cabinets, which go on the floor. They usually hold the sink, drawers, or shelves. These are often 24 inches deep and 34.5 inches tall.

Then you have wall cabinets, which hang above the counters. They are usually 12 inches deep but can be different in height like 30, 36, or 42 inches depending on your ceiling.

Next are tall cabinets or pantry cabinets. These can go from floor to ceiling and are good for storage.

Start by thinking about your needs. Do you need more drawers for utensils? Do you want open shelves? Do you need space for a trash bin or cleaning supplies?

Use your kitchen drawing to plan where each type of cabinet will go. For example, put the sink base cabinet where the sink pipes are. Place a tall pantry cabinet where there’s more vertical space.

Use your wall space wisely. If your kitchen is small, you might want taller wall cabinets to get more storage.

Also, think about cabinet doors. Do you want swing doors, sliding doors, or no doors at all? Make sure there’s enough room for the doors to open without hitting anything.

Choose your cabinet width too. They usually come in sizes like 9, 12, 15, up to 36 inches. Try to fit them in a way that fills the space evenly without odd gaps.

• Choose base, wall, and tall cabinet types
• Pick cabinet depth and height based on space
• Think about your daily storage needs
• Plan doors that open easily without hitting anything
• Use standard cabinet widths to fill space evenly

Measure for Corner and Filler Space

Corners are tricky when it comes to kitchen cabinets. You can’t just stick a regular cabinet in a corner and hope it works. You need to measure the space carefully and plan for corner cabinets or fillers.

Start by checking where two walls meet to make a corner. Measure the space from both sides of the corner out to the room. Make sure you know how much space is usable.

Corner cabinets are usually diagonal or have a lazy Susan inside. These need more room to fit, so your measurements must be exact.

You may also need filler strips. These are small pieces that go between a cabinet and the wall or another cabinet. They help everything line up nicely, especially if walls are not perfectly straight.

Measure and mark where you want to place corner cabinets. Make sure there’s enough room for drawers or doors to open. If two cabinets meet in a corner, leave at least 2 inches of space so the doors don’t hit each other.

Also check if the floor or wall is uneven in that area. Use a level to make sure. If it’s not straight, you may need to adjust or use filler to make it fit.

If you skip this step, you might end up with cabinets that don’t open right or don’t fit at all.

• Measure space on both sides of the corner
• Choose diagonal or lazy Susan cabinets for corners
• Plan for 1-2 inch filler strips
• Make sure doors and drawers can open fully
• Use a level to check for uneven floors or walls

Double Check and Create a Final Layout

You’ve got all the pieces now — wall sizes, appliance spots, plumbing, electrical, and cabinet types. It’s time to put everything together and create a final layout.

This is your full kitchen plan. Go back to your drawing and mark exactly where each cabinet will go. Use the real sizes you picked earlier. Place base cabinets first, then wall cabinets, and finally tall ones.

Make sure everything fits right. Check if any cabinet is too close to an appliance, window, or outlet. Make changes if needed.

Also, double check your total measurements. Make sure the total width of your cabinets doesn’t go over your wall length. If it does, adjust with smaller cabinet sizes or use fillers.

Add notes to your drawing — write the cabinet size and type (like 30-inch base cabinet or 42-inch wall cabinet).

It might help to use a kitchen layout tool online or ask for help from a cabinet store. Many offer free design help if you bring your drawing.

Once you’re happy with the layout, you can use it to order cabinets or show it to your installer. It’s your complete plan, and it’ll make the job way easier and faster.

• Place cabinets in final spots on your drawing
• Match cabinet sizes to the real wall space
• Check for gaps or overlaps
• Add notes about cabinet types and sizes
• Use your layout to order or install cabinets

Final Thoughts

Measuring your kitchen for cabinets may sound hard, but it’s really not. When you break it down into steps, it becomes simple. You just need your tape measure, some paper, and time to be careful. Getting it right will save you money and stress later. Now that you know how to do it, you can feel confident starting your cabinet project. A good plan leads to a great kitchen. Always take your time, double check everything, and enjoy the process of making your kitchen better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to measure cabinets without removing the old ones?

Yes, it is okay to measure your kitchen even if the old cabinets are still in place. In fact, many people do it this way. You can still get very accurate measurements by focusing on the wall size, window positions, and appliance spots. Just use your tape measure to get the distance from wall to wall and note where things are placed. It’s a good idea to also measure around the cabinets and write notes about how deep or high they are. This helps you plan better for your new cabinets.

Can I use a phone app to measure my kitchen?

Yes, you can use a phone app to help with kitchen measurements. There are many free and paid apps that use your camera to give you size readings. But remember, these apps are not always 100% correct. It’s best to double-check all measurements with a real tape measure. The app can help you get a rough idea or make a quick layout, but final numbers should be measured by hand to avoid mistakes when buying or cutting cabinets.

Do I need a professional to help with cabinet measuring?

No, you don’t always need a professional. Many people do this on their own and get great results. If you follow a step-by-step guide like this one, take your time, and double-check everything, you’ll be fine. However, if your kitchen has tricky corners, strange angles, or uneven walls, getting help from a pro might be a good idea. Some cabinet stores offer free measuring help or design services, so you don’t have to do everything by yourself.

Is it important to measure floor level for cabinets?

Yes, it is very important. If your kitchen floor is not level, your base cabinets might not sit straight, which can make your counters tilt or drawers open unevenly. Use a long level tool to check your floor. If you find high or low spots, you may need to adjust the cabinet base or use shims when installing. Knowing your floor level in advance helps avoid big problems during setup and keeps everything looking nice and working right.

Can I reuse my old cabinet layout?

Yes, you can reuse your old cabinet layout if you like how it works. If everything fits well and you have enough storage, keeping the same layout can save time and money. You’ll already know where plumbing, outlets, and appliances go. Just make sure to take fresh measurements before ordering new cabinets. If you want to improve your kitchen, now is also a good chance to make small changes like adding more drawers or shelves.

Do I need to measure the ceiling for cabinets?

Yes, you should always measure your ceiling height when planning kitchen cabinets. Some upper cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, and others stop below it. If you don’t know the ceiling height, your cabinets might end up too tall or too short. Also, measuring the ceiling helps when picking tall pantry cabinets. It gives you a full picture of how your kitchen will look and makes sure everything fits just right from top to bottom.

Can cabinets be installed over outlets?

Cabinets should not cover outlets. That’s why measuring and marking them is so important. You need to plan your cabinet layout so all outlets stay accessible. If an outlet is in the way, you may need to move it before installing the cabinet. Always work with a licensed electrician if you need to move electrical parts. Keeping your outlets clear helps you follow safety rules and keeps your kitchen easy to use.

Do I need to measure both inches and centimeters?

No, you don’t need to measure in both. It’s better to stick with one unit — usually inches if you are in the U.S. Just make sure you use the same unit all the way through your planning. Mixing inches and centimeters can lead to confusion or wrong sizes. Most cabinet makers and installers in the U.S. work with inches. If your tape measure shows both, just use the inches side to keep it simple.