You don't need to know anything about cabinets to measure for them. You need a tape measure, a pencil, paper and about 30 minutes. Send us the drawing and our designers turn it into a layout. Our measuring page has a short video and a printable guide.
What you need
- A tape measure. Not a laser or phone app: they're easy to misread on short distances.
- Graph paper or plain paper and a pencil
- Your phone, to photograph each wall
Step 1: Sketch the room from above
Draw the outline of the kitchen as if you were looking down from the ceiling. Mark every wall, window, door, opening and appliance. It doesn't have to be to scale.
Step 2: Measure each wall
Measure every wall from corner to corner, in inches, including fractions. Measure it twice: once about 36″ off the floor (counter height) and once higher up where the wall cabinets will go. Write both numbers down. Walls are rarely perfectly straight, and the difference matters.
Step 3: Measure windows and doors
- Distance from the nearest corner to the edge of the window or door trim
- Width of each window and door, including the trim
- Height from the floor to the bottom of each window (the sill), and to the top of its trim
Step 4: Measure the ceiling height
Measure from the floor to the ceiling in a few spots. Ceiling height decides how tall your wall cabinets and pantries can be. Also note any soffit or bulkhead (a boxed-in section at the top of the wall): its height from the floor and how far it sticks out.
Step 5: Note appliances and utilities
- Width, height and depth of the refrigerator, and the width of the range and dishwasher (or the models you plan to buy)
- Center of the sink drain and water lines, measured from the nearest corner
- Gas line, outlets, switches, vents and radiators
Step 6: Take photos and send it
Photograph each wall straight on, plus your sketch. Email them to info@kitchenandcabinetstore.com or text them to 508-419-4276. A designer will build your layout and quote from them, free.
Mistakes to avoid
- Rounding. Write 118⅜″, not "about 118." Fractions decide whether a cabinet fits.
- Measuring once. Measure at two heights and use the smaller number.
- Forgetting the trim. Window and door trim takes up space a cabinet can't use.
- Drawing the old layout when walls will move. If you're moving walls, draw the room as it will be after construction.
Filling a single gap instead of a whole kitchen?
See what cabinet fits a 9-inch gap and our guide to 12″ and 15″ pantry cabinets.
Get a straight answer for your space
Text a photo of the space and your measurements to 508-419-4276. One of our designers will tell you exactly which cabinet fits, free. Planning a whole kitchen? Start a free design and we'll draw it up in 3D.
Questions people ask
Should I use a laser measure or a tape measure for cabinets?
A tape measure. Write down fractions of an inch, and measure each wall at two heights.
What measurements do I need for new kitchen cabinets?
Each wall corner to corner, windows and doors (position, width with trim, sill height), ceiling height, soffits, appliance sizes, and the locations of the sink drain, water, gas, outlets and vents.
Will you check my measurements?
Yes. Send your sketch and photos, and a designer will build a free layout and quote from them.