When it’s time to order new drawer slides, measuring can feel confusing. Manufacturer diagrams have a lot of numbers, tables for deductions, and arrows that seem to go every which way. Figuring out how to measure for drawer slides can be tricky, but with a tape measure and a look at your cabinet and drawer, it quickly makes sense.
We’ll walk you through the steps so you can measure cabinet drawer slides before installation with confidence.
You won’t need a lot of tools, but make sure to have the following handy:
Manufacturers have slightly different drawer slide designs, but measuring for the slides will be very similar regardless of what you choose. Note that these instructions are for replacing drawer slides. If you’re installing drawers in a space for the first time, skip to step 5.
How you remove the drawer depends on the type of drawer slides you have:
Remove the drawer slides from the drawer and from inside the cabinet, and set them aside.
Measure from the front of the drawer box to the back of the drawer box, using the outside dimensions of the drawer box, not inside. You’ll use this measurement to determine the drawer slide length. Don’t include the drawer front.
Width and height measurements are needed if you’re measuring for dovetail drawers or building your own drawers. There should be enough clearance on each side and at the top so the drawer can slide smoothly. Refer to the table in step 5 for clearance.
The drawer box thickness is the thickness of the drawer material. You need to know this measurement before you install undermount drawer slides. Undermount slides will be specified for up to ¾” or up to ⅝” thick material, which provides enough clearance on each side for the drawer to slide in and out.
Measuring the cabinet opening is especially important if you're building your own drawers or changing the slide style because you need to account for clearance. If you’re replacing existing drawer slides and will be using the exact same drawer size and slide configuration as before, this is less important because the drawers should already have the right amount of clearance.
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Undermount Slides |
Sidemount Slides |
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Drawer width |
Deduct ⅝” off the cabinet opening for ½” drawers Deduct ⅜” off the cabinet opening for ⅝” drawers |
Deduct 1-1/16” off the cabinet opening |
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Drawer height |
Deduct a minimum of 13/16” off the rough opening height |
Deduct ½” minimum off the rough opening height |
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Drawer depth (length) |
Drawer depth range is 9" to 30" in increments of 3". Requires at least ½” space between the drawer and back of the cabinet. |
Drawer depth range is 10” to 30” in increments of 2" (even-numbered). Requires at least ⅜” space between the drawer and back of the cabinet |
Here’s a recap of how to measure for each slide type.
Drawer slides for frameless cabinets have a setback measurement, which means how far back the slide is installed from the front of the cabinet box. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate setback based on the style and manufacturer.
Standard drawer slide length ranges from 9” to 30”. Standard kitchen cabinets typically use 21” undermount slides and 22” side-mount slides. However, custom cabinetry will often have a wider range of depths utilized throughout the kitchen. Undermount slides can go from 9” to 30”, while sidemounts can range from 10” to 30”. Even though 21” depth is the most common depth, you should always measure your drawer boxes to make sure you have the appropriate size when replacing drawer slides. Always round your measurement down, so the drawer can slide smoothly without getting hung up on the cabinet.
For undermount slides, you’ll also need to choose the type of clip you want. Undermount slide clips are typically adjustable with some allowing for 2-way, 4-way, or 6-way adjustments. The more adjustable they are, the more flexibility they’ll offer for drawer adjustments. You can also choose from heavy-duty and narrow clips, so you get the right amount of support or space for your drawers.
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Clip Type |
Adjustment Direction |
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2-way |
Height |
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4-way |
Height and Lateral |
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6-way |
Height, Lateral, and Depth |
Choosing drawer slides can be as easy as determining the type of slide you currently have. If you’re replacing your existing slides, then you can go with the same type for easy replacement. If you want to switch the type of slide, then that’s where you’ll need to check for clearance to confirm everything will fit.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when you measure for and install drawer slides:
Measuring for drawer slides can seem intimidating, but when you actually get started, it’s easier than it seems. When you’re ready to order your cabinet drawer slides, Eagle Woodworking offers a variety of slides from respected manufacturers to keep your project on track and your drawers sliding smoothly.
Whether you’re a contractor, a cabinet maker, or a do-it-yourselfer, we can help you design and build your dream dovetail drawers. We work with a network of contractors to meet their needs for dovetail drawers and the necessary hardware to install them. Our premium craftsmanship, fast lead times, and AWI premium-grade quality products mean that you can be confident in our products and our service.
Now that you’ve measured your slides, read our article on how to install drawer slides for the next steps.
To find out what size drawer slides you need, measure the length of the drawer box to start. For undermount drawer slides, you’ll also need to know the drawer box side thickness, so you can buy the correct slides.
Standard clearance for side-mount slides is ¼” on each side for ½” total clearance.
The amount of space you need to leave for drawer slides depends on the type of drawer slide you’re using. Side-mount slides need at least ½” of clearance (¼” on each side). Undermount slides need less side clearance and the amount depends on the side thickness. Drawers that have a ½” thickness need ⅝” width clearance, and drawers that have a ⅝” thickness need ⅜” width clearance. Undermount drawer slides need at least ¼” clearance at the top of the drawer.
The drawer member of a drawer slide should be the same length as the drawer. The cabinet member will be slightly longer.
No, soft-close slides are measured the same way as standard-close slides.
Even if you know the depth of your cabinet, you still need to measure the depth of your drawers because the clearance between the drawer and cabinet can vary. For a 24” cabinet with 1” of clearance in the back, you would need a 22” side-mount slide and a 21” undermount slide.