How to Measure Your Kitchen for New Cabinets

Sep 24, 2025 CabinetsLike

Introduction

When planning a kitchen remodel, accurate measurements are the first step to success. Measuring your kitchen ensures your RTA cabinets, white shaker cabinets, or frameless cabinets from Like Cabinets fit perfectly, optimize storage, and keep you within budget. This guide breaks the process into clear steps so you can order confidently.

White shaker kitchen cabinets with marble countertop in a bright modern kitchen — perfect example for measuring space for new cabinets.

Gather the Right Tools

Before measuring, prepare tools like a steel tape measure, graph paper, and a level. For RTA kitchen cabinets, precision down to 1/8 inch matters. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), improper measurements are the top cause of costly remodel delays (NKBA).

Dark shaker kitchen cabinets with marble backsplash and pendant lights — illustrating how accurate cabinet measurements ensure seamless installation.

Measure Overall Kitchen Dimensions

Start by measuring wall-to-wall dimensions, ceiling height, and floor space. Record every measurement twice to confirm accuracy. If you’re considering tall pantry cabinets or a 36-inch base cabinet, knowing ceiling height is critical.

Natural wood kitchen cabinets with farmhouse sink in a modern layout — showing the importance of measuring wall and base cabinet spaces.

Locate Doors, Windows, and Openings

Mark the exact size and placement of doors, windows, and hallways. Shaker cabinets or slim shaker cabinets require clearance for doors and drawers to open fully. Always measure trim and molding since they reduce usable wall space.

Two-tone kitchen cabinets in navy blue and white shaker style — a practical design to highlight why cabinet measurement matters.

Note Appliances and Utilities

Cabinet placement depends on appliances. Record the width, depth, and height of ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and sinks. For example, when planning around a white shaker sink base cabinet, measure plumbing and water lines. Refer to Home Depot’s measurement standards for common appliances (source).

Light gray shaker RTA cabinets in a compact laundry kitchen space — demonstrating how proper cabinet measurement maximizes storage.

Measure Wall Angles and Corners

Not all kitchens are square. Use a level or digital angle finder to confirm corners. If you plan to install a blind corner cabinet or corner cabinet organizer, even a small deviation can affect alignment.

Black shaker cabinets with marble countertops in a contemporary kitchen — showing precision in cabinet measurement for symmetry.

Create a Scaled Drawing

Transfer all numbers onto graph paper or software. Label walls, openings, and appliance zones. Adding cabinet sizes, like 24-inch bathroom vanity or base drawer cabinets, helps visualize storage solutions.

Double-Check Vertical Clearances

Measure from floor to ceiling and note soffits, beams, or sloped ceilings. For tall shaker cabinets or frameless upper cabinets, vertical clearance ensures proper fit. NKBA recommends leaving at least 18 inches between countertop and wall cabinets (NKBA).

Account for Workflow and Layout

A well-measured kitchen supports the “work triangle” between sink, stove, and refrigerator. Adding RTA cabinets in the right dimensions maintains flow while enhancing storage. Explore layout tips from Houzz to avoid overcrowding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

● Ignoring molding and trim around windows.

● Forgetting plumbing or electrical clearances.

● Measuring once instead of twice.

Mistakes can delay your budget kitchen remodel and increase costs.

Final Step: Share Measurements with Professionals

After documenting, share your plan with your contractor or the Like Cabinets team. Their specialists will match your dimensions to the right products, including white shaker cabinets, slim shaker cabinets, and frameless RTA cabinets for maximum savings.