How to Measure for Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Measure for Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Accurate measurements are the foundation of any successful cabinet installation. Order cabinets that are too wide or too short and you're looking at costly returns, delays, and filler nightmares. Take the time to measure correctly before you order. Here's exactly how to do it.

Tools You'll Need

 

• Tape measure (25-foot, locking)
  
• Level (4-foot minimum)
  
• Pencil and graph paper (or use a kitchen design app)
  
• Stud finder
  

Step 1: Draw Your Kitchen Layout

Sketch a rough floor plan and elevation view of each wall. You don't need it to be perfectly to scale — you just need a visual reference for labeling all your measurements. Label each wall (Wall A, Wall B, etc.) and note doors, windows, and appliance locations.

Step 2: Measure Each Wall

Measure the total length of each wall from corner to corner at counter height (approximately 36 inches off the floor). Also measure at floor level — walls are not always perfectly plumb. Record the shorter measurement to avoid cabinets that won't fit.

 

• Measure each wall section separately (e.g., left of the window, right of the window)
  
• Measure the width of windows and doors, plus the height from the floor to the bottom of the window
  
• Measure from the floor to the ceiling in multiple spots — floors and ceilings are often not perfectly level
  

Step 3: Measure Appliance Spaces

Record exact rough opening dimensions for:

 

• Range/cooktop: Width and depth of the opening
  
• Refrigerator: Width, depth, and height, plus clearance needed for door swing
  
• Dishwasher: Standard is 24" wide, but measure your opening to confirm
  
• Range hood or microwave: Width and height from counter to bottom of upper cabinet
  
• Sink: Note location of window above sink if applicable
  

Step 4: Note Ceiling Height and Soffit Details

Standard upper cabinets are 12 inches deep and typically 30, 36, or 42 inches tall. Standard ceiling height is 8 feet. If you have higher ceilings, you may want taller upper cabinets or a crown molding stacked cabinet run.

If you have a soffit above where the upper cabinets will go, measure its depth and height carefully — it may limit your cabinet height options.

Step 5: Find Your High and Low Points

Use a long level and tape measure to find:

 

• Highest floor point: This is where base cabinets will sit. All other cabinets will be shimmed up to this height.
  
• Lowest ceiling point: Determines maximum upper cabinet height.
  

Standard Cabinet Heights Reference

 

• Base cabinet height (with legs/base): 34.5 inches (36" with countertop)
  
• Upper cabinet bottom height from floor: Typically 54 inches (18" above 36" countertop)
  
• Standard upper cabinet depths: 12 inches
  
• Standard base cabinet depth: 24 inches
  

Double-Check Everything

Measure every critical dimension at least twice. For cabinet orders, if your measurements are even slightly off, you'll face gaps or fit problems on the job site. When in doubt, round down slightly — small filler strips are easier to deal with than a cabinet that's too large.

Bring your measurements into West Yellow Knife and our team will help you plan your cabinet layout and confirm your order before anything ships.