Before you start: Gather a 25-foot tape measure, pencil, paper, and a straight edge. Record all measurements in inches — do not round. Measure twice, record once.
Step 1: Record Ceiling Heights & Wall Lengths
- Draw a rough outline of your kitchen layout on paper (bird’s-eye view)
- Record the ceiling height — measure from the floor to the ceiling or base of the soffit
- Start in one corner of your project area and measure to the adjacent wall
- Continue around the room until all necessary walls have been measured
- Note any soffits, bulkheads, or ceiling variations with their dimensions
Pro Tip: If your ceiling height varies, record the shortest measurement. This determines your maximum cabinet height.
Step 2: Measure Windows & Doors
- Include all window trim as part of the measurements for windows
- Measure and record each window’s width, height, and distance from the floor
- Add window locations to your outline — start at the corner of the wall and measure to the outside edge of the trim
- Measure all doorways — record width, height, and distance from the nearest corner
- Note which direction doors swing (into or out of the kitchen)
Pro Tip: Windows and doors determine where wall cabinets can go. Accurate placement prevents ordering errors.
Step 3: Measure Appliances
- Measure or research the width, height, and depth of your sink and all appliances
- Add the sink location to your outline — measure from the corner of the sink wall to the center of the sink
- Note the location of your dishwasher in relation to your sink (left or right)
- Measure from the corner of the range wall to the edge of your range
- Measure from the corner of the refrigerator wall to the edge of your refrigerator
Pro Tip: If you’re replacing appliances, measure the new appliance dimensions — not the old ones. Cabinet sizing depends on what’s going in, not what’s coming out.
Step 4: Note Electrical, Plumbing & Obstructions
- Mark the location of all electrical outlets on your outline
- Mark the location of light switches
- Note the position of your main water supply and drain lines
- Identify any pipes, vents, or ductwork that may affect cabinet placement
- Note the location of your gas line if you have a gas range
Pro Tip: Outlets and plumbing don’t move easily. Knowing their exact position helps us design around them without costly modifications.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
⚠ Rounding measurements
Always record exact measurements in inches. Even ¼ inch can cause cabinets to not fit.
⚠ Forgetting ceiling height
Ceiling height determines whether you can use 30" or 36" wall cabinets.
⚠ Measuring old appliances
If upgrading appliances, use the new dimensions for cabinet sizing.
⚠ Ignoring trim & molding
Measure to the outside edge of all trim, not the glass or door frame.
⚠ Not noting obstructions
Pipes, vents, outlets, and switches all affect cabinet placement.
⚠ Measuring only once
Always measure twice. One wrong number can delay your entire project.
Measurement Checklist
- Ceiling height (floor to ceiling/soffit)
- All wall lengths
- Window widths, heights, and floor distances
- Window distances from nearest corners
- Door widths, heights, and swing direction
- Door distances from nearest corners
- Sink location (corner to center)
- All appliance dimensions (W x H x D)
- Appliance locations from nearest corners
- Electrical outlet locations
- Light switch locations
- Plumbing, gas lines, vents, ductwork
Your Kitchen Sketch
Draw your kitchen layout below (bird’s-eye view). Label all walls, windows, doors, appliances, and obstructions with measurements.
Draw your kitchen layout here