How to Measure for Cooking Appliances

A range -- also known as a stove -- is the full standalone appliance that includes the oven, as well as the cooktop. Gas or electric ranges are available and they come as three types: freestanding, slide-in or drop-in. You'll need to capture the correct stove dimensions in order to fit the new appliance into your existing opening. Here's how to measure this kitchen appliance correctly. 

1. First, remove the existing range to accurately measure the opening. 
   
2. You'll need to measure the width. How wide is a stove? The most common stove width is 30 inches. Other popular widths include 36 inches and 48 inches. Measure from one cabinet edge to the other in the front. Repeat the process in the back because the measurement can vary. If there's a difference, use the smaller number. A 30-inch opening can accommodate a 30-inch stove because the stove measurements are actually 29 3/8 inches.
3. Next, you'll measure the height. Measure from the top of the countertops to the floor. Your floor can be uneven, so you'll need to take the same measurement in the front of the cutout and the back. Most ranges come with adjustable legs to account for an uneven floor, ensuring the range remains level. 
   
4. Finally, measure the depth. Measure from the back wall to the front of the cabinet. The range door will extend 1-2 inches out beyond the cabinet. This is typical. Depending on the type, some ranges require space between the range and the back of the wall. You'll need to take this number into account when measuring.
   

A cooktop or stovetop can either be built into a counter or a kitchen island and it's used for frying, boiling or sauteing foods. There are four cooktop types including gas, electric, induction or ceramic. The most common cooktop sizes are 30-, 36- and 48-inches wide. 
To prepare for the new cooktop installation, you'll need to take a few measurements. 

1. First, you'll need to measure the width. Extend a tape measure from the left edge of the existing cooktop to the right edge. 
2. Next, you'll measure the depth from the back edge of the cooktop to the front edge. 
3. Now you'll need to remove the existing cooktop and take measurements of the cutout itself. The cutout is typically smaller than the cooktop because the cooktop will slightly overlap the countertop opening. Measure the width and depth of the cutout and record these numbers.

Wall ovens come as single ovens, double ovens or a wall oven and microwave combination. They're available in gas or electric models and the average width of a wall oven can be 24-, 27- or 30-inches. If you're measuring an existing space, then you'll need to measure the oven, as well as the cutout. 

Measure the existing wall oven. 

1. Measure the widest part of the oven from the left edge to the right edge. 
2. Next, measure the height from the top to the bottom of the wall oven. 
3. Finally, measure the depth of the wall oven from the back to the front. 

Measure the cutout. 

1. First, you'll need to remove the wall oven to measure the existing cutout. Wall ovens can be heavy, so you may need someone to help you. 
2. Next, determine the width by measuring the inside opening from left to right. Sizing can vary, so measure the width at the top of the opening and at the bottom. If the measurements differ, use the smaller number. 
3. Measure the height of the opening from the top to the bottom. 
4. Finally, measure the depth of the opening from the back wall to the front.

Microwaves are a quick and easy way to heat up food. Microwave sizes are measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves are one cubic foot or smaller. Medium microwaves are 1.1 - 1.5 cubic feet. Large microwaves are 1.5 cubic feet or larger. 

Microwaves be placed on a countertop, installed over a range or built into the wall. Countertop and over-the-range models can be measured the same way. 

1. First, measure the width from the left edge to the right edge of the microwave. 
2. Next, measure the height from the top of the microwave to the bottom. On over-the-range microwaves, allow at least 66 inches from the floor to the cabinet base for easy access. 
3. Lastly, measure the depth from the back of the microwave to the front. 

To select the best microwave for your kitchen, check out our buying guide.

Range hoods remove grease, smoke and strong food odors in your kitchen. If you're replacing a range hood, it's important to note the mounting type, shape and size. You'll want the replacement to be as wide as your cooktop or range, but preferably a few inches wider on each side. 

1. Measure your range hood from the left edge to the right edge at the widest part of the hood. Most range hoods are 30 or 36-inches wide. 
2. Measure the height from the top of the chimney flute to the bottom of the range hood. With electric cooktops, a hood should be installed 20 - 24 inches away from cooktop. With a gas cooktop, allow 24-30 inches between the bottom of the range hood and the cooktop. But you should always use the manufacturer's guidelines on your particular model for proper mounting height.