How to Measure Countertops

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Installing new countertops is a great way to revamp your kitchen or bathroom, but first you need to measure the square footage of your old countertops. Fortunately, finding the square footage of countertops is super easy—you just need a tape measure, a calculator, and something to write with. This article will walk you through the whole process step-by-step, including how to make a convenient diagram of your countertops for contractors (if you don't need a diagram, skip down to method 2).

Things You Should Know

  • A full diagram of your kitchen layout will help you (or your installers) understand precisely where the countertops need to go.
  • When you measure countertops, add 3 ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) to the lengths for the overhang and round to the nearest 1 ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm).
  • Treat L-shaped countertops as a single piece and don’t include the sink in your calculations.
  • Account for the depth of your backsplash in your measurements if you need a gap and multiply the length (in inches) by 4 to find the square footage of the backsplash tiles.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Drawing a Rough Diagram of Your Layout

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  1. Prior to measuring your countertops, create a rough diagram of your kitchen or bathroom. The drawing provides a visual to potential contractors and serves as a convenient place to record your measurements. It does not need to be to scale. [1] Retrieve a piece of graph paper and a pencil. Draw a model of your space—sketch the walls and mark the doorways.
  2. The location of appliances, sinks, and fixtures must be added to your diagram.
    • If you are you keeping your current appliances and fixtures, roughly draw your existing appliances, sinks, and faucets on the diagram.
    • If you are you replacing your existing appliances or altering the layout of your space, sketch the location of your new appliances, sinks, and or faucets on the diagram.
    • It is also helpful to note the type of sink, refrigerator, stove, and range found in your space.
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  3. Sketch the layout of your cabinets on your diagram. Again, the dimensions do not need to be precise or to scale.
    • If you intend to keep your existing cabinetry, draw the current layout of your cabinets on your diagram.
    • If you intend to alter the layout of your space and or replace your cabinets, sketch the new cabinetry layout or use an online program to design your space.
  4. Countertops are highly customizable. The unique touches you select may alter your quote and therefore should be noted in your diagram.
    • Choose an edge type for your countertops: 3 ⁄ 8 inch (1.0 cm) rounded solid surface, eased stone, bevel stone, ogee stone, or bevel solid surface. [2]
    • Mark any sweeps, or rounded overhangs.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Measuring Your Existing Countertops

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  1. To measure the length of one section of countertops, run a measuring tape flush along the back edge of the section from one end to the other end. The beginning and end of a section is marked by a wall, edge of a cabinet, or an appliance. Add 3 ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) to the length, and round the measurement to the nearest 1 ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm). Record this measurement on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper. Repeat this process until you have measured the length of each section of your countertops.
    • Do not stop measuring when you reach a sink, but continue to measure beyond the sink until you reach the end of a cabinet, appliance, or a wall. [3]
    • If you have an L-shaped countertop, measure the long side first, followed by the short side from the back edge. Add the total measurements together to treat it like one countertop.
  2. Use a measuring tape to measure the width of each section of countertop. Run the measuring tape from the back of the countertop to its finished front edge. Round the measurement to the nearest 1 ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) and record this measurement on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper. Repeat this process until you have measured the width of each section of countertop.
    • If you have a backsplash, account for its dimensions in your final measurement.
  3. In order to receive an estimate from a contractor for your new countertops, you need to provide an approximate calculation of your existing countertops’ square footage.
    • Calculate the area (or square inches) of each section by multiplying the length times the width of each section (Length x Width = Area).
    • Calculate the total square inches by adding together the areas of each section.
    • Calculate the square footage by dividing the total square inches by 144 (Total Square Inches ➗ 144 = Total Square Footage). [4]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Measuring New Cabinets for Countertops

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  1. When measuring the length of one section of cabinets, run a measuring tape flush along the back edge of the section from one end to the other end. Add 3 ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) to the measurement, and round the measurement to the nearest 1 ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm). Record this measurement on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper. Repeat this process until you have measured the length of each section of your new cabinetry.
  2. When measuring the depth of your new cabinets, you must account for the overhang of the countertop. Run the measuring tape from the back of the cabinet to the front top edge of the cabinet. To account for the countertops’ overhang, add 1– 1 1 ⁄ 2  in (2.5–3.8 cm) to the measurement. Record this revised number on your diagram or a separate sheet of paper. Repeat this process until you have measured the width of each section of cabinets.
    • To account for the overhang of an island, you must add 3 inches to the length and 3 inches to the width.
  3. To receive an estimate from a contractor for the cost of your new countertops, you need to provide an approximate calculation of the countertops’ square footage.
    • Calculate the area (or square inches) of each section by multiplying the length times the width of each section (Length x Width = Area).
    • Calculate the total square inches by adding together the areas of each section.
    • Calculate the square footage by dividing the total square inches by 144 (Total Square Inches ➗ 144 = Total Square Footage). [5]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Measuring a Backsplash and Countertops with Angles

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  1. If you have or are planning to add a backsplash, account for its dimensions in your final measurement.
    • Measure the length of the backsplash for each section of countertop.
    • Add the lengths together.
    • Multiply the total length of the backsplash by 4 inches (the height of the backsplash).
    • Divide the product by 140 to calculate the total square footage of your backsplash.
    • Add this number to the total square footage of your countertops.
  2. Often countertops run along two perpendicular walls, forming an L-shape.
    • When measuring this layout, you must first verify that your corner is a 90° angle. Measure and mark 3 feet from the corner along one wall. Measure and mark 4 feet from the corner along the other wall. Measure the diagonal distance between the two points. If the distance is 5 feet, then your corner is square.
    • Divide the counter into two sections.
    • To determine the length of section A, measure from one end of the counter to the wall. To determine the width of section A, measure from the front edge of the counter to the wall.
    • To determine the length of section B, measure from the opposite end of the counter to the wall. Subtract the width of section A to get the length of section B. To determine the width of section B, measure from the front edge of the counter to the wall.
    • Calculate the area (or square inches) of each section by multiplying the length times the width of each section (Length x Width = Area).
    • Calculate the total square inches by adding together the areas of each section.
    • Calculate the square footage by dividing the total square inches by 144 (Total Square Inches ➗ 144 = Total Square Footage). [6]
  3. If your countertops are irregularly shaped, divide the countertop into square sections. These sections may overlap and or include negative or blank space. Once you have sectioned off the countertop into squares, measure the length and width of each section. For each section, multiply the length by the width.
    • Calculate the area (or square inches) of each section by multiplying the length times the width of each section (Length x Width = Area).
    • Calculate the total square inches by adding together the areas of each section.
    • Calculate the square footage by dividing the total square inches by 144 (Total Square Inches ➗ 144 = Total Square Footage). [7]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are porous or non-porous countertops better?
    Mitchell Newman
    Construction Professional
    Mitchell Newman is a Construction Professional based in Chicago, Illinois. He is the Principal at Habitar Design, an interior design firm that specializes in floor plans, kitchen and bath design, furniture layout, custom built-ins, custom and semi-custom cabinetry, staging, models, and facades. Habitar features a strong design-build capability, utilizing Mitchell’s sister company, Stratagem Construction. Mitchell is the General Contractor at Strategem, and has 20 years of experience in construction, interior design and real estate development. Mitchell’s two companies seamlessly combine interior design with construction, allowing him to design with synchony for the client. He received an M.D. from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
    Mitchell Newman
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    Non-porous is always better if you're worried about stains. Porous stone absorbs whatever spills into it, so it can be a lot harder to get stains out. So, things like limestone and marble are going to show something like a red wine stain because they're super porous.
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  • Question
    Do you need to seal countertops?
    Mitchell Newman
    Construction Professional
    Mitchell Newman is a Construction Professional based in Chicago, Illinois. He is the Principal at Habitar Design, an interior design firm that specializes in floor plans, kitchen and bath design, furniture layout, custom built-ins, custom and semi-custom cabinetry, staging, models, and facades. Habitar features a strong design-build capability, utilizing Mitchell’s sister company, Stratagem Construction. Mitchell is the General Contractor at Strategem, and has 20 years of experience in construction, interior design and real estate development. Mitchell’s two companies seamlessly combine interior design with construction, allowing him to design with synchony for the client. He received an M.D. from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
    Mitchell Newman
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    It depends on the material, but usually, yes. Something like marble absolutely needs to be sealed. Occasionally, manufacturers will ship counters out pre-sealed, but you do need to reseal them periodically.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Is quartz good for countertops?
    Mitchell Newman
    Construction Professional
    Mitchell Newman is a Construction Professional based in Chicago, Illinois. He is the Principal at Habitar Design, an interior design firm that specializes in floor plans, kitchen and bath design, furniture layout, custom built-ins, custom and semi-custom cabinetry, staging, models, and facades. Habitar features a strong design-build capability, utilizing Mitchell’s sister company, Stratagem Construction. Mitchell is the General Contractor at Strategem, and has 20 years of experience in construction, interior design and real estate development. Mitchell’s two companies seamlessly combine interior design with construction, allowing him to design with synchony for the client. He received an M.D. from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and a BS in Chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
    Mitchell Newman
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    Quartz is really one of the best options out there. It's not porous, it's very difficult to stain it, and it comes in a variety of styles and looks. Quartz is also super durable, which is something you really want in a countertop.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • If your existing countertops or new cabinetry contain odd angles, large overhangs, or non-straight edges, note these unique features on your diagram. [8]
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      • Measure everything twice to make sure they’re all precise.
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      • Make sure new cabinets are leveled and fastened in place before measuring for a countertop.
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      Warnings

      • Some stone countertops, such as granite, are cut from large slabs. The layout of your countertops may require multiple slabs. Therefore, the amount of material you need to purchase may exceed the total square footage required for the project.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Measuring tape
      • Graph Paper
      • Pencil
      • Calculator

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.expresscountertops.com/how-to-measure-countertops-md-va-dc
      2. ↑ http://www.homedepot.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOM/HomePage/Categories/Kitchen/Countertops/Docs/Countertop-Project-Estimation-Sheet.pdf
      3. ↑ http://www.expresscountertops.com/how-to-measure-countertops-md-va-dc
      4. ↑ http://www.homedepot.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOM/HomePage/Categories/Kitchen/Countertops/Docs/Countertop-Project-Estimation-Sheet.pdf
      5. ↑ http://www.homedepot.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOM/HomePage/Categories/Kitchen/Countertops/Docs/Countertop-Project-Estimation-Sheet.pdf
      6. ↑ http://www.homedepot.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOM/HomePage/Categories/Kitchen/Countertops/Docs/Countertop-Project-Estimation-Sheet.pdf
      7. ↑ http://www.homedepot.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOM/HomePage/Categories/Kitchen/Countertops/Docs/Countertop-Project-Estimation-Sheet.pdf
      8. ↑ http://www.expresscountertops.com/how-to-measure-countertops-md-va-dc

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To measure existing countertops, measure the length and the width in inches, then multiply those measurements to find the area in square inches. If your countertops have multiple sections, add the areas of each section together to calculate the total square inches. If you're measuring new cabinets for countertops, measure the length of the cabinets, then measure the width and add 1 1/2 inches to the width to account for the overhang of the countertop. Then, multiply the length and updated width together to find the area. For tips on measuring backsplash, read on!

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      • Anonymous

        Aug 23, 2017

        "I greatly appreciated the specific, yet easy-to-understand instructions. It's my first DIY countertop project!"
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