How to Measure a Dishwasher

You may be thinking about replacing your old dishwasher or buying a new model. Either way, you need to carefully plan out your delivery and installation path. This ensures that your new dishwasher will be delivered and installed when you want it, without any issues.

To plot the best delivery path to your kitchen for installation, you must begin at your home's entrance. You may need to start earlier, as your home could have an elevator or other issues. Here are some tips for smooth deliveries and installations:

• Measure doors to ensure the dishwasher will fit through. Consider removing doors from their hinges if possible.
• Make allowances for any equipment, such as a dolly.
• Remove furniture, rugs and anything that will block the delivery.
• Plan around any tight spaces, like narrow hallways or low ceilings.

The Home Depot's Appliance Delivery & Installation page is your go-to resource. A comprehensive guide, it helps you better understand the measurements and requirements needed for your space. Plus, The Home Depot provides valuable tips for streamlined, fast appliance preparation and scheduling. You can then enjoy your new dishwasher that much sooner.

Manufacturers base the standard measurements for built-in dishwashers on the size of the cabinet opening. Most standard dishwashers will fit a cabinet opening that is 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 35 inches high. Some manufacturers offer dishwashers in multiple widths, and there can be slight variations in the depth and height. Measuring before you buy lets you feel confident that your new appliance will fit.

In addition to standard dishwasher sizes, there are specialty options, including:

• Oversize dishwashers: Also called large-capacity, these dishwashers hold bigger loads and take up more space. They are usually still 24 inches deep by 35 inches high, but their widths are more than 24 inches.
• Compact dishwashers: Also called small-space and space-saving, these dishwashers have a smaller footprint. Like standard built-ins, they’re usually 24 inches deep by 35 inches high, but are narrower at around 18 inches wide.
• Portable dishwashers: These dishwashers don’t fit into cabinetry. Instead, they roll into place on wheels and connect to your faucet with a hose. Although sizes vary, most are 24 inches wide by 27 inches deep by 37 inches high.

Tip: When shopping online, review the specifications area for specific dimensions of a dishwasher. In stores, check signage or ask a sales associate. When you know how to measure for a dishwasher, you can can compare and make the best selection for your home.

The height of the space can vary depending on whether the room is level. To get an accurate measure of the cabinet opening height for your new dishwasher, take three measurements. The first measurement will be on the inside left of the opening. Using a tape measure, start at the floor and measure to the bottom of the counter over the space. Write this measurement down. Repeat the process for the middle of the cabinet opening and the right side of the cabinet.

Tip: Most dishwashers have adjustable legs to bring the appliance level with countertops.

Using a tape or ruler, measure from left to right, inside edge to inside edge, of the cabinet opening. Take the width measurement at the top and at the bottom of the cabinet to take into account any variations. Write down the measurements. Use the smaller measurement for your width.

Keep in mind, one of the most flexible dishwasher dimensions is the width. If you’ve decided to go with a space-saving or oversized dishwasher, measure the space accordingly.

Tip: If installing near a wall, allow about a 2-inch gap between the wall and the new dishwasher door.

When measuring a dishwasher’s depth, remember that the closed appliance door will still extend past the cabinets. Hold the tape against the back wall inside the cabinet opening. Extend it until you reach the front of the cabinet. Write down the measurement.

Don't forget to install your new dishwasher with enough room to open the door and unload. Most brands recommend a minimum of 21 inches to 27 inches between the edge of the open door and the facing cabinet.

The depth, when open, gives you a feel for how much space there will be to walk around the appliance while loading or unloading. To prevent bumps and simplify the process, you need enough clearance or space around the door.

Measure the distance between the front of the cabinet opening and the opposite cabinet or wall. Check the measurement again and then write it down.

As you shop for dishwashers, look at the manufacturer’s recommendations for door clearance. Most will tell you to leave 21 to 27 inches between the edge of the door and the open cabinet.

Here's how to figure out if you have enough room for the appliance.

• First, subtract the depth of the closed dishwasher from the depth of the appliance with the door open 90 degrees. You’ll find both measurements in the specifications for dishwashers. The difference between the numbers tells you how deep the door is.
• Once you know the depth of the door, subtract the number from the distance measurement you took in this step. The dishwasher will fit if the number is equal to or greater than the manufacturer’s recommended clearance.

Countertop dishwashers are compact, self-contained appliances. They rest on your counter, rather than fitting into a cutout in the cabinetry. As a result, they’re a great way to add a dishwasher if you don’t have space for a built-in.

If you plan to buy a countertop dishwasher, size is still important to consider. Measure the width and depth of your countertop twice and record the measurement. Then, use the tape measure to find out how much space there is between the top of the counter and the bottom of your upper wall cabinets. Check this measurement twice.

Compare these measurements to the widths, depths and heights of available countertop dishwashers.

When shopping for a portable dishwasher, consider where you intend to store the appliance. If you have a cutout in your cabinetry for one, measure the width, depth and height, as you did above.

Plan to keep your dishwasher somewhere else? Measure the area, so you can choose a model that will fit. Also, consider how wide the pathway is between the storage area and the sink. Ensure that the dishwasher you select can travel the path without bumping into anything.

Lastly, double-check that there will be enough clearance around the dishwasher at your sink, both when open and closed. To do this, follow the instructions in step five.