DeerValley Blog

How to Accurately Measure Your Kitchen Sink

Jan 30, 2024

Whether you're embarking on a kitchen renovation or simply looking to replace your old sink, understanding how to measure your kitchen sink properly is essential. This guide will walk you through the meticulous steps involved in determining your project scope, measuring your current sink, assessing available space, and gauging sink and cabinet depths.

What You Will Need:
To ensure precision in your measurements, gather the following tools:

Pencil
Paper
Tape measure
Level

Step 1: Determine Your Project Scope
Begin by establishing the nature of your project. Are you replacing your existing sink with the same installation type, or are you opting for a new style? This decision will significantly influence the measuring process.
If you're maintaining the same installation type, simply measure the length, width, and depth of your current sink and choose a replacement with identical dimensions. However, if you're exploring a new installation type, proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Measure Your Current Sink
Accurately measure the length, width, and depth of your countertop's existing cutout and your old sink. For drop-in sinks, venture into the cabinet beneath to measure the opening from below, as measured from above might not accurately depict the countertop opening. Ensure your replacement sink aligns with these measurements, and if opting for a deeper sink, refer to step 4.
Step 3: Measure the Available Width and Length
Determine the usable surface space on your countertop by measuring from the front edge to the wall, factoring in the thickness of any backsplash. This measurement dictates the maximum width of your new sink. To facilitate a DIY-friendly approach, measure the base of your kitchen faucet and allocate that space for faucet holes and the rim of a drop-in sink (if chosen).

Ensure your cabinet can accommodate the new sink by measuring the interior length, subtracting three to four inches for sink-mounting hardware.

Step 4: Measure Sink Depth and Cabinet Depth
Place a level or straightedge across the top of your sink, measuring from the deepest part to the point where the tape and straightedge meet. Note that an undermount sink will be slightly deeper than labeled due to the countertop's presence. When desiring a deeper sink, check for clearance under your cabinet, considering structural elements and immovable objects. For farmhouse sinks, measure the distance between the top of your counter and the cabinet doors beneath to determine maximum depth.