How to a Measure for a Kitchen Sink in 3 Simple Steps

You’ll be up to your elbows in dishes in no time

Woman washing veggies in a stainless-steel kitchen sink
Photo: PeopleImages / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Woman washing veggies in a stainless-steel kitchen sink
Photo: PeopleImages / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Amy Freeman
Written by Amy Freeman
Contributing Writer
Updated Apr 3, 2024
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
30 minutes
COST
$0
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil or pen
  • Paper or notepad

If you're in the market for a new kitchen sink, you're likely wondering what size sink you can fit into your space. Knowing how to measure kitchen sink dimensions is an easy DIY project you can tackle in less than an hour. But there are a few details you need to know.

Prepping to Measure a Kitchen Sink

If you already have a sink in the space, you'll measure that—but first you need to determine what type of sink you already have. There are three main types of kitchen sinks:

  • Drop-in

  • Undermount

  • Apron or farmhouse

A drop-in sink is the standard style, where the lip of the sink rests on top of the counter. Undermount sinks are installed underneath the counter and have a concealed rim. Finally, farmhouse, or apron, sinks have a fully exposed front. They are often deeper than drop-in or undermount sinks.

Once you've identified the type of sink, turn off your water supply to the bathroom. Also, ensure the sink is clean and dry before measuring. You don't want to end up with a wet arm or accidentally put your elbow into a dirty bowl. 

If you don't yet have a sink in the counter space, no worries—you'll just have to measure the opening instead of an existing sink.

Read more

  1. Measure Width, Depth, and Length

    Man using measuring tape to measure kitchen sink depth
    Photo: tostphoto / Adobe Stock

    Measure the three dimensions of the sink or empty area where the sink will go: 

    • The length, from left to right

    • The depth, from the top of the sink to the interior bottom

    • The width, from the faucet to the front of the counter (if there is an existing sink)

    Write down each measurement as you go.

  2. Measure the Cabinet

    Carpenter measuring kitchen cabinet width
    Photo: Artem Zakharov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    The size of your existing sink doesn't necessarily dictate the size of your next sink. Your cabinet's overall size does, though. If your cabinet is too small, you may need to replace it along with your sink.

    The two cabinet measurements that matter are depth and width. While sink depth refers to the size of the bowl, you measure cabinet depth from the back of the cabinet, against the wall, to the front. 

    Measure the width of the cabinet from left to right.

    To get an accurate idea of the sink size your cabinet can support, subtract one inch from the depth measurement (so the sink isn't flush with the wall) and four inches from the width measurement. Write down these measurements.

  3. Measure the Cutout

    Measuring length of a kitchen sink cutout
    Photo: Alicia Fdez / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Disconnect the faucet, water lines, and drain attachments from the sink, then remove the entire sink from the cutout, if you already have a sink there.

    Next, measure the width and length of the cutout. If you're installing a drop-in sink, pay attention to the space on each side of the cutout, as you'll need room for the sink's lip. Write down these measurements.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Measuring a kitchen sink is a relatively simple DIY, but if you want to be absolutely sure the job is done well, you may want to hire a local sink installation company to do it for you. As an added benefit, a sink installer can help you choose the next sink for your kitchen and install it correctly for you, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

As kitchens come in a range of sizes, so do kitchen sinks. While the standard kitchen sink size is 22 inches by 30 inches, you can also find much smaller models, such as 25 inches long, and much larger, such as 39 inches long. 

To install a larger sink, you'll need to enlarge the size of the cutout. You'll likely need to replace the entire counter to install a smaller sink.

The cost of installing a new sink is about $430. How much you end up paying depends on a range of factors, though, including the type of sink you choose. Some sinks, particularly larger or custom models, cost far more than others.

Whether you hire a sink installation pro or do the job yourself also affects the final price tag. Putting in the sink on your own will cost less money, but you'll trade your time for that cash. There's also the risk of installing it incorrectly, which can end up costing more time and money in the long run.

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Learn more about our contributor
Amy Freeman
Written by Amy Freeman
Contributing Writer
Amy is a content writer specializing in home improvement and personal finance topics. She loves helping people tackle DIY projects that beautify their spaces. Her work can also be found on Money Crashers and Coldwell Banker where she combines home improvement and money saving tips.

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