How to measure for replacement kitchen doors
Seven steps to measuring your doors, drawer fronts and hinge holes so new doors fit first time. It takes about ten minutes for an average kitchen, and all you need is a tape measure, a pencil and paper.
Start measuringBuild your doorsCall 01242 226912- You need A tape measure, pencil and paper
- Time About 10 minutes for most kitchens
- Units Millimetres, height × width
- We check Every size before anything is made
Measuring your kitchen doors
- Measure the door, not the cabinet
Measure each door and drawer front itself, edge to edge, in millimetres. Doors are a few millimetres smaller than the cabinet so they open freely, so a 500mm cabinet usually has a 496mm or 497mm door.
- Height first, then width
Write every size as height × width, for example 715 × 496. Measure in two places and use the larger figure if they differ by a millimetre.
- Measure every door and drawer front
Even ones that look the same: older kitchens, corner units and appliance doors are often a few millimetres different. Number them on a sketch of the kitchen as you go.
- Note the hinge side and hinge positions
Open each door and note which side the hinges are on. Measure from the top and bottom edges of the door to the centre of each round hinge cup. Doors over 900mm high usually have three hinges, tall doors four or more.
- Check the hinge cups
Most UK kitchens use concealed hinges in a 35mm cup hole. Bella doors are drilled with the cup centre 22.5mm in from the door edge, which suits most hinges; if yours are different, tell us.
- Add drawer fronts, panels and plinths
Measure drawer fronts the same way, height × width. Note any end panels, plinth (kickboard) lengths and cornice you want in the same colour.
- Send us your list
Add your sizes to the door builder for an instant price, or send the list and a photo of your kitchen. We check every size before anything is made.
Hinge positions are measured from the top and bottom edges of the door to the centre of each hinge cup.
Common sizesSizes most UK kitchens use
If your doors measure one of these, they’re a standard size and cost less than a made to measure size in between.
| Where | Usual door height | Usual widths |
|---|---|---|
| Base units (720mm high) | 715mm | 296, 396, 446, 496, 596mm |
| Wall units (720mm high) | 715mm | 296, 396, 446, 496, 596mm |
| Tall wall units (900mm high) | 895mm | 296, 396, 496, 596mm |
| Pan drawers | 283mm or 355mm | 496, 596mm and wider |
| Top drawers | 140mm or 175mm | 396–996mm |
| IKEA METOD base units | 797mm | 397, 597mm |
Sizes vary by maker and age of kitchen, so always measure your own doors.
Common questionsMeasuring for new doors: questions
Anything else? Call 01242 226912 or visit the showroom, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
Ordering, delivery, sizes and fitting: all our answers →
Should I measure the door or the cabinet?The door. Doors are slightly smaller than the cabinet so they can open, and the gap varies from kitchen to kitchen. If a door is missing, measure the cabinet and take off 4mm from the width and 5mm from the height, then ask us to check.
What if my sizes are a millimetre or two out?That’s normal. Use the larger measurement. If you’re unsure, send us photos with the tape measure in shot and we’ll help.
How do I measure hinge positions?With the door open, measure from the top edge of the door to the centre of the top hinge cup, and from the bottom edge to the centre of the bottom one. Most are about 100mm in.
Do you drill the hinge holes?Yes, if you’d like. We drill 35mm hinge cups with the centre 22.5mm in from the edge, at the positions you give us. You can also order doors undrilled and drill them yourself.
Can I reuse my old hinges?Usually, yes, as long as they’re concealed hinges with a 35mm cup, which most UK and European kitchens use.
Can you measure for me?We can visit homes in Gloucestershire to measure up, or you can bring your sizes and photos to our Cheltenham showroom.
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