Whether you're planning a full kitchen remodel or just trying to understand the scope of a project before calling a cabinet company, knowing how to measure your kitchen for new cabinets is a useful skill. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process the way our designers do it.
One important note: even if you measure your own kitchen, a professional will re-measure before ordering. Cabinets are built to precise specifications, and a half-inch error can cause real problems. This guide is for planning purposes — not a substitute for a professional measurement.
Start with a rough sketch of your kitchen from above — a bird's-eye view. Mark every wall, window, door, and fixed element (stove, refrigerator, sink location). You don't need to be precise yet. This is just your reference map.
Label each wall (Wall A, Wall B, etc.) so you can reference them consistently as you take measurements.
Measure each wall from corner to corner at counter height (approximately 36 inches from the floor). Write down the measurement in inches, not feet and inches — it's easier to work with a single number.
Measure each wall twice and use the smaller number. Walls are rarely perfectly straight, and you want your cabinets to fit in the tightest spot.
For each window, measure: the distance from the corner to the edge of the window casing, the width of the window including casing, and the height of the window sill from the floor. This determines where upper cabinets can go and how tall they can be.
For each door, measure the width of the door opening and the distance from the nearest corner. Doors affect base cabinet runs and traffic flow.
Measure ceiling height in multiple spots — corners often differ from the center of the room. Standard ceiling height is 96 inches (8 feet), but older Northeast Ohio homes frequently have 9-foot or even 10-foot ceilings, which opens up options for taller upper cabinets.
Mark the location of electrical outlets, switches, HVAC vents, and plumbing. These affect cabinet placement and may require modifications. Note whether your stove is gas or electric — gas requires specific clearances.
Measure the width, depth, and height of your existing appliance spaces: refrigerator opening, range opening, and dishwasher opening. Standard sizes exist, but older kitchens often have non-standard openings that need to be accounted for in the cabinet design.
If this sounds like a lot — it is. Professional kitchen measurement takes training and experience. At Bear Cabinetry, we offer free in-home measurement and 3D design as part of every consultation. Our designers have measured thousands of Northeast Ohio kitchens and know exactly what to look for.
Schedule your free consultation and let us handle the measuring. You focus on what you want your kitchen to look like. We serve all of Northeast Ohio — including homeowners in South Euclid. Learn more about our kitchen cabinet services.
Free custom design consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Bear Cabinetry has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1977.
Free custom design consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Bear Cabinetry has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1977.