How to Measure for Cabinet Doors

Measuring Instructions Contents

1. Measuring Instruction for Overlay Cabinet Doors & Drawer Fronts
2. Measuring Instructions for Inset Cabinet Doors & Drawer Fronts

The Difference Between Inset, Full Overlay, and Partial Overlay Cabinet Doors

Measuring Instructions for Overlay Cabinet Doors & Drawer Fronts

What is a cabinet door overlay? 

The overlay is the distance that door goes past the opening. For a single door, the door’s width and height will be the width or height of your opening plus twice the overlay.

Width/Height = opening + (overlay x 2)

For split doors, 2 doors on 1 opening, the overlay is only on the edges facing the frame. The doors are separated by the center reveal which is typically 1/8". To calculate your door width take the opening plus twice the overlay, subtract .1/8“ (for the reveal), and divide by 2. The height is the same as with a single door.

width = (opening + (overlay x 2) - 1/8")/2
height = opening + (overlay x 2)

Step 1: Determine Your Cabinet Door Type

Decide whether you need Partial Overlay or Full Overlay cabinet doors.

Partial Overlay (Using 1/2" Overlay)

• Appearance: Leaves about 1" of the face frame exposed around doors and drawers.
• Hinge Needed: 1/2" concealed overlay hinge.

Full Overlay (Using 1-1/4" Overlay)

• Appearance: Leaves about 1/4" of the face frame exposed.
• Hinge Needed: 1-1/4" concealed overlay hinge.

Option 1: Measuring Cabinet Openings

If measuring based on cabinet openings:

Step 1: Measure the Cabinet Opening

• Width: Measure from the left and right inside edges of the cabinet opening.
• Height: Measure from the top and bottom inside edges of the cabinet opening.
• Precision: Measure to the nearest 1/16".

Step 2: Calculate Door Size with Overlay

• For Partial Overlay (1/2"):
  • Add 1" to both width and height (1/2" overlay on each side).
    
    
• For Full Overlay (1-1/4"):
  • Add 2-1/2" to both width and height (1-1/4" overlay on each side).

Partial Overlay (1/2") Example Calculations for Single Door

• Cabinet Opening: 15" wide x 27" high.
• Door Width: 15" + (1/2" x 2) = 16".
• Door Height: 27" + (1/2" x 2) = 28".

Partial Overlay (1/2") Example Calculations for Split Doors

• Cabinet Opening: 30" wide x 27" high.
• Door Widths: (30" + (1/2" x 2) - 1/8") / 2 = 15-7/16"
• Door Heights: 27" + (1/2" x 2) = 28".

Full Overlay (1-1/4") Example Calculations for Single Door

• Cabinet Opening: 12" wide x 24" high.
• Door Width: 12" + (1-1/4" x 2) = 14-1/2".
• Door Height: 24" + (1-1/4" x 2) = 26-1/2".

Full Overlay (1-1/4") Example Calculations for Split Doors

• Cabinet Opening: 30" wide x 24" high.
• Door Widths: (30" + (1-1/4" x 2) - 1/8") / 2 = 16-3/16"
• Door Heights: 24" + (1-1/4" x 2) = 26-1/2".

Option 2: Measuring Existing Doors or Drawer Fronts

If replacing existing doors and using the same size hinges:

1. Open the Door or Drawer Front.

2. Measure from the Backside:

   • Width: Measure edge to edge.
   • Height: Measure edge to edge.
   • Precision: Measure to the nearest 1/16".

Note: Accurate measurements ensure proper alignment with existing cabinets and hinges.

How to Measure the Overlay on Existing Doors

If unsure of your current overlay:

1. Close the Door

2. Place Masking Tape:

   Align tape vertically on the face frame along the edge of the closed door.

3. Measure the Overlay:

   • Open the door.
   • Measure from the inside edge of the tape to the edge of the cabinet opening.
   • This measurement is your overlay.

Additional Tips

• Customize Overlay: Adjust calculations if you prefer a different overlay size.
• Applicable to Drawer Fronts: Use the same instructions for measuring drawer fronts.
• Precision Matters: Always measure to the nearest 1/16".
• Double-Check Measurements: Ensure all measurements are accurate for a perfect fit.

Measuring Instructions for Inset Cabinet Doors & Drawer Fronts

Inset cabinet doors are designed to sit flush within the cabinet frame opening. To ensure a proper fit with adequate clearance, follow these direct instructions:

Steps to Measure for Inset Cabinet Doors

1. Measure the Cabinet Opening:

   • Width: Measure the inside width of the cabinet opening from the left inside edge to the right inside edge.
   • Height: Measure the inside height from the top inside edge to the bottom inside edge.

2. Subtract for Clearance Gap:

   • Width: Subtract 1/4" from the total width measurement (1/8" for each side).
   • Height: Subtract 1/4" from the total height measurement (1/8" for each side).
     
     

   This allows for a 1/8" gap on all sides of the door for proper clearance and operation.

Inset Cabinet Door Example

• Cabinet Opening Measurement:

  • Width: 16"
  • Height: 34"

• Calculation:

  • Door Width: 16" (opening width) − (1/8" x 2) = 15 3/4"
  • Door Height: 34" (opening height) − (1/8" x 2) = 33 3/4"

• Result:

  • Inset Cabinet Door Size: 15-3/4" Width x 33-3/4" Height