How To Measure A Kitchen Sink? (Follow These 5 Steps)

Thinking about a kitchen makeover, I came across many questions and uncertainties. Among them was how to measure my kitchen sink size accurately to replace it. Kitchen sinks do cost plenty of dollars and I didn’t want to have regrets later. So I did thorough research and here is the best way I found to accurately measure a kitchen sink.

How to measure a kitchen sink? Here are the steps for measuring a kitchen sink;

I have explained these steps in detail below. When you follow these five steps and measure, you will get the size and dimensions of your kitchen sink.

5 Steps To Measure A Kitchen Sink

With these steps, you can easily measure the more commonly used drop-in-sinks. But these steps can vary slightly depending on the type of sink. (I have explained in the next subheading where it varies when measuring an undermount kitchen sink.)

Step 1: Measure Length

To measure the sink length, stand in a position facing the sink like you would stand to wash the dishes. Place the end of your measuring tape (the steel end) on the left edge of the sink and measure to the right end (across).

Step 2: Measure Width

Standing in the same position, now place the end of the tape (the steel end) behind the sink (the side where the faucet is) and measure all the way to the edge of the front (where you would be standing).

Step 3: Measure Depth

Take a straight-edged ruler and lay it across the sink (like you would lay it on a table). Then take the end of the measuring tape and start measuring from the inner bottom of the sink basin. (This has to be done from the deepest point of the sink since some kitchen are shallow on the sides). Drag the measuring tape till it touches the straight-edged ruler laying on top of the sink, this connecting point would give you the depth of the sink basin.

Step 4: Measure Sink Lip

While standing in the same position as you did for length and width, place the measuring tape at the front end of the sink and measure all the way to the front end of the counter. This would often be no greater than 1 inch since the lip is the gap between the sink edge and the counter edge.

Step 5: Measure Sink Cutout Hole

This measurement has to be taken by carefully remove the existing sink and then take the measurement of the length (Left to right of the cutout as taken for the sink length) and width (Back to the front of the cutout as taken for sink width) of the cutout.

Although the above steps give a thorough understanding of how to measure a kitchen sink, as I mentioned earlier, the type of sink can influence these measurements relatively. So I managed to find out how it differs when measuring an undermount kitchen sink. I have explained it below.

How To Measure An Undermount Kitchen Sink?

Undermount sinks have special features compared to the other kitchen sink types and styles. Undermount sinks usually hang underneath the counter. This way no edges of the sink will be visible like in a normal sink link. (gap between the sink edge and the counter). In contrast, normal sinks have edges or lips attached or over the countertop.

Usually, for undermount sinks, the measurements are quite the same as explained above. However, because undermount sink edges are attached under the countertop and not above, it’s best to measure it after removing it from the countertop.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to replace a new undermount sink size within the existing cabinet size and/or countertop, you might have to measure the minimum size of the cabinet and/or countertop.

Measuring from the left exterior edge of the cabinet and/or countertop across to the right exterior edge will give the minimum cabinet size. Subtracting 3 to 4 inches from this minimum cabinet size will give the maximum length available to accommodate a new sink.

On the other hand, measure back to the front of the cabinet and/or countertop edge and minus 2-3 inches. This will give the maximum width available for the new sink. The subtraction prevents the sink from bulging out from its maximum capacity.

Undermount sinks don’t have an attached faucet to the sink itself. The faucet is attached separately over the counter. While the sink lies underneath the counter. Therefore,  leave adequate space behind the counter for installing the faucet.

Standard Kitchen Sink Measurements

The standard kitchen size measures 22 by 30 inches (length by width). But a kitchen sink size generally depends on the interior width of the sinks cabinet. This on average measures 36 to 42 inches high, 24 inches deep and 25-1/4 to 26 inches wide.

A 33 by 22 inch kitchen sink can comfortably fit in an average size cabinet. While the standard size 22-by-30 inches can also fit well within the dimensions of an average size cabinet. However, it is important to take the right measurement when making a decision.

For a more detailed explanation on this, please check out my post about standard kitchen sink sizes and dimensions.

Sink Size For A New Kitchen Counter And Cabinet

Sometimes you might be replacing the sink with the existing countertop. Or you might do a complete makeover of your kitchen sink space including countertops and cabinets with the existing sink. 

If you are buying a readymade new cabinet and counter you can find the sink size for it from the counter/cabinet manufacturer guide. The guide normally specifies the counter or cabinet size requirements for accommodating a new sink.

If you are getting a new counter and/or cabinet custom made, it will allow you the freedom to cut the counter hole or alter the cabinet base to accommodate any new sink size you prefer.

How To Measure A Bathroom Sink?

Measuring bathroom sinks require pretty much the same steps as normal kitchen sinks. However, the different bathroom sink styles available makes its measurement different from one another.

To measure a square bathroom sink attached to a bathroom vanity follow the same steps as measuring a kitchen sink.  But this can vary when it comes to styles such as oval and round sinks. Round and oval sinks measures diameters instead of length and width.

Similarly, Pedestal sinks frequently installed in bathrooms will require height measurement in addition to depth. As they are installed in walls instead of vanities.

RELATED QUESTIONS:

What are standard kitchen sink sizes?
The standard kitchen size is 22-by-30 inches (Length by Width). Whereas smaller, normal and large kitchen size measures 24,30 and 33/36 inches wide.

What is the standard kitchen sink height?
On average a kitchen sink with inset countertops and/or cabinet stands at about 36 inches high. However, this depends on personal preference and the height of the people at home.

How deep should a kitchen sink be?
The average depth of a kitchen sink basin should range between 8-10 inches. This provides a comfortable depth for all heights such as short, average or tall.

What’s the standard kitchen sink distance from wall?
On average a kitchen sink should be  2-4 inches away from the wall (Backsplash). This would comfortably allow moving the faucet and its handles. However, this depends on the base of the faucet, which can be wider and hence will need a longer distance.