Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful kitchen renovation. Taking the time to measure your space correctly will help prevent costly mistakes, ensure your cabinets fit properly, and make the design process much smoother.

What You’ll Need

Tape Measure	Pencil	Paper/Notebook	Ruler	Calculator	Phone for photos

Step 1: Draw a Basic Floor Plan

Start by sketching your kitchen as if you are looking down from the ceiling. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just needs to be the shape of the room.
On your kitchen sketch, mark down:

1. Every wall
2. Any windows
3. Any doors
4. Openings to other rooms
5. Columns or bulkheads
6. Any other permanent obstacles (such as a radiator, post, etc)

Step 2: Measure Each Wall

Measure every wall where cabinets will be installed. Then measure each wall at 3 different heights:

1. Floor Level
2. Countertop Height
3. Upper Cabinet Height

Walls are never perfectly straight, so measuring at 3 heights helps identify the true size.

Make sure you record:

1. The Overall Wall length
2. Any Corners

Step 3: Measure Ceiling Height

Measure from the finished floor to the ceiling in several different locations throughout the room.
Then also record:

1. Floor to Underside of Bulkheads
2. Floor to HVAC Vents
3. Any Sloped Ceilings

This information is especially important if you will be installing:

1. Tall Pantry Cabinets
2. Ceiling Height Cabinets
3. Crown Moulding

Step 4: Measure Windows

For every window in the space, make sure you record:

1. Width (outside trim to outside trim)
2. Height (outside trim to outside trim)
3. Distance from Floor to Window Sill
4. Distance from Floor to Top of Trim
5. Distance from the Nearest Wall

By measuring the outside trim, it provides the most accurate measurements for cabinet planning.

 

Step 5: Measure Doors

For every doorway in the space, make sure you record:

1. Door Width
2. Door Height
3. Distance from the Nearest Wall
4. Door Swing Direction (inward or outward)

Step 6: Locate Utilities & Fixtures

Mark the location of everything that could affect cabinet placement, such as:

1. Plumbing Lines
2. Water Shutoffs
3. Electrical Outlets
4. Light Switches
5. Gas Lines
6. HVAC Vents
7. Floor Vents

Then measure their distance from:

1. The Nearest Wall
2. The Finished Floor

Step 7: Measure Appliance Openings

Measure all existing appliances or planned appliance spaces, such as:

1. Refrigerator
2. Range or Cooktop
3. Dishwasher
4. Microwave
5. Wall Oven
6. Hood Fan

Record:

1. Width
2. Height
3. Depth

Remember to allow space for:

1. Door Swing
2. Ventilation
3. Side Panels
4. Filler Strips

Step 8: Measure Cabinet Areas 

Base Cabinets Measure: Total Wall Length Available Cabinet Depth Area Appliance Openings Corner Spaces Subtract the space required for appliances and necessary clearances.

Wall Cabinets Measure: Width of available wall space Height from Countertop to Ceiling Backsplash Height Distance from Ceiling (this is only if it will not be touching the ceiling)

Step 9: Check Cabinet Depth & Walkways

Be sure to confirm that there is enough room for cabinet depth while also maintaining comfortable walking space throughout the room.

Measure areas for:

1. Base Cabinets
2. Pantry Cabinets
3. Refrigerator Cabinets
4. Kitchen Islands
5. Island Overhangs

Step 10: Plan for Fillers & End Panels

Minimal kitchens have perfectly straight walls.

Identify areas where you’ll need:

1. Filler Strips (these are normally 1–3″)
2. Finished End Panels
3. Scribe Fillers
4. Decorative Trim Pieces

Step 11: Note Anything That Doesn’t Look Right

Carefully inspect the room for anything unusual, such as:

1. Uneven Floors
2. Bowed Walls
3. Crooked Corners
4. Bulkheads
5. Pipes
6. Exposed Ductwork
7. Electrical Panels
8. Outlets that may Interfere with Cabinets

Mark these clearly on your sketch and take photos if possible.

 

Step 12: Plan Your Kitchen Layout

Now that you have completed your measurements, begin planning the layout with details such as:

Common Areas: Cooking Zone Prep Area Sink Location Storage Pantry Space Traffic Flow

Choose the cabinet types you’ll need: Base Cabinets Wall Cabinets Pantry Cabinets Specialty Cabinets Drawer Banks

Also ensure there is good clearance around all: Appliances Doors Walkways Island

Step 13: Review Everything

Before ordering cabinets:

1. Double-check every Measurement
2. Confirm Window and Door Locations
3. Verify Appliance Dimensions
4. Review Utility Locations
5. Ensure all Measurements are Clearly Labeled (Even a difference of ¼ inch can affect Cabinet Installation)

Final Step: Create Your Finished Plan

Transfer your measurements onto graph paper or into a kitchen design program if you are able. Be sure to include:

1. Overall Room Dimensions
2. Wall Lengths
3. Window and Door Locations
4. Appliance Locations
5. Plumbing and Electrical
6. Cabinet Measurements
7. Notes about Fillers, Obstacles and Special Considerations

A clear and accurate plan will make the design and installation process much easier and help avoid unexpected issues during your renovation.

Tips from Bryan’s:

Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring Only Once
• Forgetting Fillers and Trim
• Ignoring Appliance Clearances
• Measuring to the Drywall Instead of Finished Surfaces
• Assuming Old Cabinets were Sized Correctly

Quick Measurement Checklist

• Measure Wall to Wall Width
• Measure Floor to Ceiling Height
• Check Appliance Openings
• Mark Fillers and End Panels
• Note Anything Uneven
• Save Photos of the Space

References: Please feel free to use these helpful links for more guidance!

https://www.homedepot.ca/content/dam/homedepot/pdf/static/how-to-measure-your-kitchen.pdf

https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/measure-and-prep-for-cabinets

https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/rooms/kitchen/how-to/how-to-plan-and-buy-your-kitchen-pub2242a879/

https://canadacabinetsonline.com/how-to-measure-your-space-for-perfect-cabinet-installation/