How to Measure a Kitchen Sink for Replacement

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Find your sink’s dimensions with tips from a home improvement pro
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When you’re installing a new kitchen sink, taking accurate measurements is a crucial part of the process. In addition to measuring the length, width, and depth of the sink itself , it’s also important to measure the cutout in your countertop and the cabinets themselves. For this article, we interviewed DIY home improvement specialist Mike Katona to teach you how to measure a kitchen sink. We’ll also provide common sizes for different types of sinks for quick and easy reference.

How do you measure a kitchen sink?

DIY home improvement specialist Mike Katona says to use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of your sink, including the top lip if it has one. Then, place a ruler or level on top of the sink and measure from the bottom of the level to the bottom of the sink to find the depth.

Section 1 of 4:

Measuring the Existing Sink

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  1. “There are 3 common types of kitchen sinks,” says Katona. “A top-mount, undermount, and apron (AKA farmhouse style) sink.” [1] The type of sink you have will determine which measurements you need to take to install a new one . Here’s what you need to know about each:
    • Drop-in/top-mount: These sinks have a rim that rests on top of the counter’s surface.
    • Undermount: Undermount sinks are installed below the countertop. The countertop covers the rim of the sink, and no part of the sink rests on top of the counter.
    • Apron/farmhouse: Farmhouse sinks have an exposed front and a deep basin, which is not covered by cabinets.

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Mike Katona is a DIY home improvement specialist and the co-founder of ShabbyChicHouse. He specializes in building new homes, home design, and decor.

  2. Katona says the first thing to do is measure your sink’s length. [2] Press a tape measure against the sink's left bottom edge, slightly higher than where the sink's basin begins to curve. Extend your tape measure and record the length to this same point on the sink's bottom right edge above the curve.
    • Before you begin measuring, make sure the sink is clean and clear of all dishes. Empty out the base cabinet to make sure you have a clean area to work with when you clean that space.
    • If you have a top-mount (drop-in) sink, measure the sink’s lip. Do this when calculating both the sink’s length and width, says Katona. Simply start and end your measurements on the lip on either side of the sink. [3]
    • Be sure to write down each measurement you take so you don’t forget them when shopping for a new sink!
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  3. Katona then says to measure your sink’s width. [4] Place a tape measure against the back bottom edge of the sink, above the curve, and measure the distance to the front bottom edge above the curve.
    • Remember to start and end at the sink’s lip if you have a drop-in sink.
  4. Next, Katona says, “Measure the depth of the sink by placing a ruler or level on top of the sink and then measuring from the bottom of the ruler/level to the bottom of the sink.” [5]
    • If you buy a new sink with a deeper basin, it may extend too low to drain as well as it should.
    • If you have an undermount sink, be sure to measure the height from sink to countertop.
    • If you have a farmhouse sink, also measure the depth from the top edge to the bottom edge of the exposed front in case those measurements differ.
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Section 2 of 4:

Measuring the Countertop Hole

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  1. To measure the sink cutout, you’ll first have to remove your existing sink . Shut off the water valves that lead to the sink, disconnect the water lines, and remove the faucet. Disconnect the drain attachments, then have a friend help you lift out the sink. You’ll work under the sink while your friend works above you. [6]
    • Sinks are heavy, so don’t attempt to do this by yourself.
    • Be careful not to damage your countertop as you work.
  2. Press the end of a tape measure to the right edge of the hole and measure the length to the left edge. Then measure the hole's width from front to back. Take these measurements with you when you buy a new sink. [7]
    • Pay attention to your corner ratio, as well, making sure the corner radius and the lip of your new sink are not smaller. This way, you’ll make sure your new sink covers any gaps.
    • For an undermount sink, make sure the cutout matches the new sink’s interior measurements exactly. [8]
    • For a drop-in sink, keep in mind how much overlap you’ll need between the lip and the counter. It’s okay if the basin of your new sink measures a bit smaller than the hole.
    • A sink’s dimensions should be printed on the box it comes in. If you can’t find the sink’s dimensions, ask a worker for help.
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Section 3 of 4:

Measuring the Cabinets

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  1. When installing a new sink, it’s also important to measure your cabinet space to determine what size you can install. First, determine your cabinet’s depth by placing a tape measure along the bottom of the cabinet and measuring from the back to the front edge. Then, find the width by measuring from the left edge to the right edge. [9]
    • The most common size for standard sink base cabinets is typically 24 in (61 cm) from back to front.
  2. Your sink will need to have smaller measurements than your cabinet. To determine what size to buy, subtract approximately 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) from your cabinet’s total width and its total depth. This will give you your sink’s width. [10]
    • If you have a drop-in sink, measure the interior width of the sink top at the widest spot and then subtract the same 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm).
    • If you have a farmhouse sink, measure the height of the exposed front of your old sink. This will be the maximum depth of your new sink.
    • If you’re installing a farmhouse sink for the first time, remove the false cabinet doors for installation. Measure from the top of the counter to the top edge of the cabinet door. Subtract at least 1 in (2.5 cm) from this measurement for buffer space. This will be the maximum depth of your new sink.
  3. Most sinks come with a template that you can lay on the countertop and trace with a pencil. This eliminates the need to do much extra measuring. If your new sink didn’t come with a template, make your own by tracing the outline of your new sink on the countertop. [11]
    • To make your own template, place your sink upside down on the counter, leaving 1.5 in (3.8 cm) between the back of the sink and your backsplash. Trace an outline of the sink with a pencil or marker, then take the sink off the counter and put it on the floor, safely out of your way.
      • Remember to measure the lip if you have a top-mount sink. Subtract .125 in (0.32 cm) from the width of the sink lip you measured, then mark this measurement inside the outline you've drawn on your counter.
    • Use your finished template as a guide when you cut the countertop to make a hole for your new sink. [12]
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Section 4 of 4:

Common Kitchen Sink Sizes

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  1. They have a standard depth of 7–10 in (18–25 cm). However, it’s possible to find sinks smaller than 30 in (76 cm) wide or larger than 36 in (91 cm) wide, which is why it’s important to double-check your measurements before installing a new sink. [13] Here are some other common measurements for different sink types:
    • Single bowl sinks: 22–33 in (56–84 cm) wide
    • Double bowl sinks: 30–48 in (76–122 cm) wide
    • Farmhouse/apron sinks: 30–40 in (76–102 cm) wide
    • Top-mount sinks: 15–48 in (38–122 cm) wide
    • Undermount sinks: 24–36 in (61–91 cm) inches wide (or larger)

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      References

      1. ↑ Mike Katona. DIY Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Mike Katona. DIY Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Mike Katona. DIY Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Mike Katona. DIY Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ Mike Katona. DIY Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/install-kitchen-sink/
      7. ↑ https://www.deslaurier.com/en-us/learning-centre/how-to-choose-your-kitchen-sink-size
      8. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21019123/all-about-farmhouse-sinks
      9. ↑ https://sinkwithfaucet.com/how-to-measure-undermount-sink-sizes-correctly/
      1. ↑ https://housing.com/news/what-is-the-perfect-kitchen-sink-size/
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/install-kitchen-sink/
      3. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21016523/how-to-install-a-kitchen-sink
      4. ↑ https://homewaresinsider.com/kitchen-sink-dimensions/

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