Step-by-Step Guide: How to Measure and Plan the Perfect Kitchen Layout

Accurately measuring your existing kitchen space is the crucial first step when remodeling or designing a new layout. Precise dimensional data informs smart design decisions that transform the kitchen into an efficient, inviting environment tailored to your needs.

Follow our step-by-step guide to methodically measure your kitchen and document key details.

We walk you through best practices for using the right tools to capture room dimensions, openings, ceiling heights, traffic flows, storage capacity, and appliance requirements.

Equipped with comprehensive measurements and an understanding of how you use the kitchen, you can create accurate floor plans to bring your dream design to life.

Whether you DIY or work with professionals, our tips help set clear expectations when installing cabinets, appliances, lighting, and other elements in a functional new layout.

Execute your vision with confidence by first measuring correctly.

Preparing to Measure Your Kitchen Space

Whether you’re remodeling your existing kitchen or designing a new one from scratch, taking accurate measurements is a crucial first step.

With precise dimensions in hand, you can create a floor plan to optimize your culinary space. This will allow you to make informed decisions about layout, storage solutions, appliances, and other key elements.

Rushing into kitchen cabinet installation or purchase without planning can result in costly mistakes. Follow these simple steps to measure and design your dream kitchen.

Gather the Right Tools

Before taking measurements, assemble the necessary equipment. Helpful items include:

• Measuring tape. Choose a metal tape measure that extends to 25 feet. This allows you to take even long diagonal measurements in large kitchens.
• Pencil and paper. Note measurements as you take them to create your floor plan.
• Laser level. This projects horizontal and vertical reference lines, ensuring measurements are straight and accurate.
• Calculator. Quickly calculate overall room square footage and dimensions between walls/fixtures.
• Camera. Photograph the empty space from multiple angles to refer to later.
• Step stool/ladder. To reach ceiling heights and high walls.
• Square tool. Some have carved notches to double check 90° corners.

How to Measure Your Kitchen Step-by-Step

Start by creating a rough sketch of the kitchen space. Don’t stress about detail or accuracy at this point. The goal is to gauge existing conditions and get your creative juices flowing with initial layout ideas.

Clearly mark locations of:

• Walls, openings, and door swings
• Windows (with planned changes)
• Plumbing fixtures like sinks and supply lines
• Electrical outlets and switches
• Appliances that will remain
• HVAC registers, returns, or radiators

This sketch provides a helpful reference point as you measure and visualize finished concepts.

Measure Floor Dimensions

With your sketch in hand, carefully measure between fixed walls, corners, openings, and existing fixtures. Note height, length, and depth. Be sure measurements are taken horizontally, not diagonally.

Key elements to capture:

• Overall room size
• Alcoves or bump outs
• Ceiling height
• Doors and windows – size and exact location
• Room openings
• Distance to plumbing stub outs
• Appliance spaces with electrical
• Dead space behind doors that swing out
• Any obstructions like pipes or ductwork

For irregular spaces, divide into smaller rectangles to calculate total square footage.

Check Vertical Clearances

Wall mounted cabinets and overhead vent hoods require adequate height. Gauge this by measuring from floor to ceiling. Deduct for soffits, pipes, or beams that protrude.

Verify at least:

• 18 inches of clearance above countertop for wall cabinets
• 30-36 inches for hood installation over cooktop or range
• 84 inches minimum between floor and ceiling for tall pantry unit

For island and peninsula cabinet height, a good standard is 36-42 inches above floor. This provides ample clearance for seated diners.

Inspect All Openings

Carefully measure width, height, and location of all windows, doors, and entryways. Note which direction doors swing. Frame opening measurements from inside trim to inside trim. Indicate sill height and apron depth for windows.

Consider code minimums and furniture movement for openings:

• 32-36 inches wide for hall doorway
• 60 inches wide for appliance delivery
• 15 inches counter depth on each side of a window

Mark ceiling lights, vents, returns and any soffits that protrude into the space. Capture depth and height.

Map Appliance Footprints

Include accurate dimensions for all appliances that will remain or be purchased. This ensures adequate space planning.

For existing appliances, open doors fully to measure:

• Width across the unit front
• Depth with doors extended
• Height to top of control panel

For new appliances, obtain manufacturer specs including minimum cabinet openings.

Remember to allow clearance for:

• Refrigerator and flanking cabinets
• Full oven door down-swing
• Pantry or tall cabinet alongside refrigerator

Document Existing Cabinets

Finally, record measurements for existing cabinetry you plan to work around or incorporate:

• Cabinet opening width
• Depth from wall to cabinet front
• Height range for base/wall units
• Dimensions and location of knobs and pulls

Using Measurements to Design Your Dream Kitchen

With accurate room dimensions and appliance requirements in hand, you can now create a detailed kitchen floor plan. Sketch multiple layout concepts and collaborate with a kitchen designer if desired.

Consider these elements as you arrange cabinets and equipment:

• Functional work triangles – Allow efficient movement between main work zones: refrigerator, oven, and sink.
• Traffic flow – Ensure doorways and high traffic areas remain open.
• Storage needs – Incorporate sufficient cabinet, pantry, and utility space.
• Natural light – Bring light into food prep areas and highlight special architectural elements.
• Easy access – Provide clear walkways and reach to frequently used cabinets/appliances.

Experiment with different layouts using cutouts scaled to size. This allows refinement before finalizing design plans. With an efficient, beautiful design ready for the taking, you’ll be eager to dive into your kitchen transformation!

FAQs

How do I plan a new kitchen layout?

Start by thoroughly measuring the existing space as outlined above. Compile appliance requirements and storage needs. Sketch multiple layout options using this data and evaluate against work triangles, traffic flow, natural light, etc. Refine the best concept, finalize dimensions, and create your new kitchen plan.

How do you draw a kitchen layout plan?

Use graph paper or kitchen design software to draw plans accurately to scale your kitchen layout. Show room shape with exact appliance and fixture locations. Include all openings, plumbing lines, electrical outlets, and cabinet openings. Indicate traffic lanes with arrows showing sink-fridge-oven work triangle.

What measurements do I need for a new kitchen?

Essential kitchen measurements include room size, ceiling heights, all openings, exact fixture/plumbing stub out locations, appliance dimensions, cabinet depths, and any special spatial considerations like soffits or protruding HVAC. Unique layout constraints should also be measured.

With comprehensive measurements, technical drawings, and a bit of creativity, you’re ready to transform the heart of your home. Enjoy the journey from blank slate to beautiful bespoke kitchen!