How to measure your kitchen for cabinets

Measure walls & openings

1. Measure the full wall from corner to corner at 36 inches above the floor.
2. Starting at the same corner, measure to the outside edge of the window or door trim.
3. Measure the opening from outside trim edge to outside trim edge, then from the far trim edge to the next corner.
4. Add those three sections. They should equal your full wall measurement. Repeat above the window and note any differences.

Include every wall, doorway and pass-through. Sketch door swing direction and note anything that projects into the room.

Measure heights

1. Measure from the finished floor to the window sill.
2. Measure from that sill to the top of the window, then from that same top point to the ceiling. Keep your reference points consistent.
3. Measure floor to ceiling separately. Floor-to-sill + window height + top-to-ceiling = full room height.
4. Record the outside trim height too. Check ceiling height in several places and mark soffits, beams, slopes and other obstructions.

Note planned flooring changes so your designer can account for the finished floor level.

Map utilities & obstructions

Sketch a top view of the room. Mark water supplies, drain and gas lines, outlets (including 220/240-volt appliance outlets), switches, lights, hood exhaust and heating vents. Include telephone or cable connections if present.

For each utility, measure from your labeled corner to its center and from the floor to its center. Record vent dimensions, pipes, radiators, columns and other projections.

Photograph each wall and label the photos to match your sketch. Record utility locations as they are; have qualified tradespeople assess any planned relocation.

Record appliances & fixtures

List what you are keeping and what you are replacing: refrigerator, range, cooktop, hood, wall oven, microwave, dishwasher, sink, disposal, compactor or freezer.

Write down width × depth × height, model number and location. Facing each appliance, note whether its hinge is on the left or right, and allow for handles and open doors.

For new appliances, use the manufacturer’s installation specifications for cutouts, ventilation and clearances. Appliance size alone does not tell you the opening it needs.