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How to measure up for a new kitchen

A modern kitchen features light wood cabinetry, a large island with a white benchtop, creating a clean and stylish space.

Overview

Planning a kitchen renovation starts with one essential task - accurate kitchen measurements. Whether you're doing it all yourself or working with a kitchen specialist, taking the time to properly measure your space will make the entire process smoother and help avoid costly mistakes. Here’s how to measure up your kitchen step by step.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Start by sketching out your kitchen layout

Begin with a simple top-down sketch of your kitchen, including all four walls. If you have access to a printer, using a planning grid will help keep your drawing neat and to scale. Mark the position of key features like doors, windows, power points and plumbing connections. These elements will influence where your kitchen cabinetry and appliances can go, so the more accurate the sketch, the better.
A person is sketching a simple kitchen floor plan on paper.

2Draw each wall from a straight-on view

Next, draw a straight-on view of each individual wall. Don’t worry about your existing cabinets, you're measuring the actual wall space. This gives you a clean, empty canvas to work from when designing your new kitchen layout. Be sure to label each wall clearly so you can easily refer back to your drawings later.
A kitchen wall with service points provides a clear starting point—ideal for sketching wall layouts without cabinet clutter.

3Use simple symbols for consistency

To keep your sketches clear, use standard symbols to represent common features. For example, use 'W' for windows, 'D' or 'SD' for doors, 'PP' for power points, and 'LS' for light switches. Marking these details now will make the design phase easier and ensure nothing important gets overlooked.
A person marks a kitchen sketch with symbols like “SD” , “PP”to clearly show important features like doors, windows, and power points.

4Measure the full length of each wall

With your tape measure, record the full length of each wall from corner to corner. Even if a wall doesn’t currently have any fixtures or cabinets, you’ll need to know the total space available. Measure the width of each door and window, and note the distance from their edges to the nearest wall corner. Always measure from the outer edge of frames for the most accurate results.
A wall under construction shows key features, highlighting the need for precise edge-to-edge measurements.

5Mark any fixed features

Identify any fixed elements like nib walls, structural posts or support beams. These can affect where cabinets and appliances can be placed. If you have an existing splashback, the thickness won’t affect your base cabinet layout, but it might influence the depth of your benchtop or the placement of features like a sink or cooktop cut-out. It's worth recording them now.
A person points to appliance specifications and dimensions, aiding precise kitchen planning.

6Measure floor-to-ceiling heights in multiple spots

Older homes often have ceilings that vary slightly in height, so take several floor-to-ceiling measurements around the room. If there are bulkheads in place, make a note of them. In many cases, these can be removed during a renovation, unless they’re concealing important infrastructure like upstairs pipework. Your new kitchen design doesn’t need to match the old ceiling height, so don’t feel locked into the existing dimensions.
A kitchen wall under construction shows visible electrical and plumbing points, ready for new fittings.

7Use standard kitchen dimensions as a guide

As a general rule of thumb, benchtops are usually around 900mm high, with overhead cabinets installed about 600mm above that. These aren’t fixed measurements, but they’re good starting points when sketching out your new design. Keeping these proportions in mind will help your space stay functional and ergonomic.
A person uses kitchen design software to plan cabinet and appliance layout for a functional, ergonomic kitchen.

8Check windows, doors and wall squareness

Measure from the floor to both the top and bottom of each window and door. If possible, also take a few diagonal measurements across the space or measure 600mm out from each wall to check if corners are square. Uneven walls can affect cabinet fitment, so noting this early in the process can help you plan ahead for any adjustments.
A newly constructed kitchen space features tiled floors, unfinished walls with plumbing and electrical points, a window, and large sliding glass doors opening to a garden view.

9Mark out your services

Include the location of all plumbing, power and gas services in your drawing. Mark the water inlet and waste pipe positions - whether they’re floor-based (FWP) or wall-based (WWP). Use 'G' for gas points and 'PP' for power points, particularly for appliances like ovens, cooktops and fridges. Knowing where these services are located will help you determine where your appliances and sink can be positioned.
A person is marking services like plumbing, power points, windows, and sliding doors in a hand-drawn kitchen floor plan for accurate layout planning.

10Measure your appliances

If you’re planning to keep your existing appliances, be sure to measure them and keep the manufacturer’s specifications handy. These measurements will help you allow enough room for each unit in your new layout. If you’re buying new appliances, plan your space around their dimensions and make sure you allow the correct clearances as recommended by the manufacturer.

Once you’ve gathered all your measurements, use them to create a digital version of your kitchen in the Kaboodle 3D Planner. This online tool allows you to test different cabinet sizes, layouts and storage options before you make any purchases. It’s a great way to visualise your space and find the best fit for your needs.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.