How to Measure a Range for Your Kitchen

Knowing how much space you will need for delivery will help you avoid purchasing a range or stove that's too large to fit into and navigate through your home.

• Map out the best path from where your new appliance will be unloaded to the spot where it will be installed. A longer route with the fewest obstructions is preferable to a shortcut that's hard to maneuver.
• Measure any exterior entrances or interior doorways from jamb to jamb in the delivery path. If any doors need to be removed to bring your range into or through your home, determine who is responsible for removing them.
• Measure the width and height of hallways along the path. If possible, avoid stairs and tight turns.

Tip: Prevent property damage and make the job easier by relocating any furniture, decor or area rugs that are along the delivery path.

Common range or oven styles include slide-in, drop-in, freestanding, extra-wide commercial or compact styles. There is no true “standard” range size. Many ranges are about 30 inches in width, 27 to 29 inches in depth and 36 to 36.5 inches in height. When it comes to height, ranges are designed to fit flush with your countertops and cabinets. However, different brands and styles and can still vary. Keep in mind that depth dimensions can also vary depending on the type of range and the length of its door handles.

Tip: Always consult the manufacturer’s specific measurements before buying a range or stove.

The first range dimension to record is the height of your new range. Measure from the floor to the top of your cabinet or the cooktop. Floors can warp, so take three measurements:

• Measure from the floor to the top of the cabinet on the right side.
• Measure from the floor to the top of the cabinet on the left side.
• Measure in the middle from the floor to the top of the cabinet.

Use the lowest height number. Most ranges have adjustable legs, so you can level the appliance for best performance.

Tip: Knowing how to measure a range starts with a precise tool. Choose a contractor’s tape measure.

You will take two measurements to determine the width of the space available for your new range. Measure left to right:

• Place your measuring tape or ruler across the bottom of the installation space or current stove.
• Write down the measurement.
• Using your measuring tape the same way, measure the width at the top of the opening.
• Write this measurement down.
• If the two measurements do not match, use the lower one for width. You can fill in any gaps with cabinet trim.

Tip: Add about 1/4-inch to your width measurement. This will help your new range fit well and slide in easily.

• Place one end of your measuring tape or ruler on the back wall of the installation space.
• Write this measurement down.

Measure to the front of the cabinet only. (Don’t be concerned about knobs or handles at this point).

Energy efficient and space-saving, compact ranges are designed for small kitchens or apartment homes. Although they maximize your kitchen’s space, the standard oven size is based on how many burners it has. Compact standard range sizes are:

• Width: 20 to 24 inches
• Depth: 25 to 27 inches (closed)
• Height: 35 to 41 inches (without back control panels)

Tip: Compact freestanding ranges can have a depth of 15 to 20 inches.

Slide-in ranges or drop-in stoves give a built-in, custom look to your kitchen. They have unfinished sides and are made to fit seamlessly into cabinet or island spaces. Most of these types of ranges have the following dimensions:

• Width: 30 to 60 inches
• Depth: 25 to 27 inches (closed door)
• Height: 36 to 40 inches (without back control panel)

Easy to install, freestanding ranges are very popular. Since they can sit outside of existing cabinetry, these types of ranges can be placed anywhere. A freestanding range is also a good choice if you plan to move and want to take your stove. Standard freestanding range sizes are:

• Width: 30 to 48 inches
• Depth: 25 to 30 inches (closed door)
• Height: 36 to 48 inches

Tip: Depending on the range you choose, the back control panel may add up to 12 inches to its height.

Double oven ranges have twice the cooking space. They can save you time since you can cook multiple dishes at once. The standard oven size for a double oven depends on the combined cubic feet of each oven. The smaller oven usually has a capacity of 2.5 to 3.5 cubic feet, while the lower, larger oven's capacity is 4.5 to 5 cubic feet. Double oven ranges have standard dimensions of:

• Width: 30 to 60 inches
• Depth: 28 to 30 inches
• Height: 36 to 41 inches

Home chefs choose commercial home ranges for quick, precise cooking. Perfect for gourmet meals or complicated recipes, most commercial ranges use gas. They often have a standard stove size within these ranges:

• Width: 30 to 60 inches
• Depth: 25 to 27 inches
• Height: 36 to 41 inches

Tip: Single-oven commercial stoves are around 30 to 36 inches wide. Double-oven commercial ranges are around 48 to 60 inches wide.

Make installation easier by measuring the size of the area around your range. Always leave enough clearance around your stove or range to prevent heat. Another important range dimension you should factor in is how much space your oven door will need when open. Allow enough room to open the door fully and remove or insert items. Above are some general guidelines. Consult the manufacturer for specific recommendations.