HOW TO MEASURE A DISHWASHER: STANDARD DISHWASHER SIZES
If you are thinking about replacing your dishwasher with a new model, it’s important to have an appliance that fits right into your chosen installation space. Incorrect dishwasher rough opening measurements can result in an appliance that doesn’t fit properly within your kitchen layout.
Accurate dishwasher measurements are especially important for older or customized homes with uncommon dimensions, so it’s recommended to know the exact amount of space you have to work with during installation. Learn about standard dishwasher openings so you come home with the right fit.
WHAT IS A STANDARD DISHWASHER ROUGH OPENING?
Most openings are 24'' wide, 34-36'' high and 24'' deep, which fits standard dishwasher dimensions of approximately the same size.
If your desired dishwasher and current opening dimensions aren’t matching up, consider the following:
Standard dishwasher widths and heights should be slightly smaller than opening dimensions but are often rounded up when listed in product specifications.
Dishwasher depths are usually listed with the depth of the door included, which will make the complete depth slightly larger than the opening depth.
Most dishwashers come with adjustable feet if you need to add height.
Dishwashers designed for small or large spaces are usually the same height and depth as a standard dishwasher with a smaller or larger width.
ROUGH OPENING FOR OVERSIZED DISHWASHERS
Oversized dishwashers are useful for washing large batches of dishes at once. Most oversized dishwashers are 30-42 inches wide. The height and depth of oversized models are the same as standard dishwasher rough opening measurements: 34-36 inches and 24 inches respectively.
HOW DO I MEASURE A DISHWASHER ROUGH OPENING?
Accurate rough opening measurements help ensure a smooth dishwasher installation. Follow this step-by-step guide for tips on properly measuring a dishwasher rough opening so you can get the right fit for your unique space.
To get started measuring the rough opening for your dishwasher, there are just a few simple tools you need to ensure the most accurate measurements for a seamless installation.
TOOLS
- Measuring tape
- Level
1. MEASURE THE WIDTH OF THE DISHWASHER OPENING
Use a measuring tape to measure from cabinet to cabinet. Be extra thorough by measuring the distance between the inside edges at both the top and bottom of the cabinet to make sure the measurements are consistent, and keep in mind that it’s better to leave a little breathing room on each side than have it be too tight of a fit.
2. MEASURE THE HEIGHT OF THE DISHWASHER
Measure from the floor to the lowest point of the countertop. Consider measuring the height of the opening on both sides of the dishwasher to get the most accurate result.
3. MEASURE DISHWASHER OPENING DEPTH
Measure from the back of the opening to the very front edge of the cabinets. This will give you an idea of how far you’ll be able to slide your dishwasher back into the opening.
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DISHWASHER MEASUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS & TIPS
Mismeasuring for a dishwasher can lead to an unwelcome surprise on installation day, but the tips below may help you avoid unexpected obstacles and get the right fit the first time. From unique corner installation requirements to how flooring can impact installation, read on for more measurement tips.
LEAVE SUFFICIENT SPACE BETWEEN THE DISHWASHER AND CABINETS
Another important measurement to consider when installing your dishwasher is how much space to leave between the dishwasher and a cabinet. Leave 2 inches of space between the dishwasher and cabinet to ensure both the cabinet door and the dishwasher door can swing open without catching on each other.
ENSURE THE DISHWASHER DOOR HAS ROOM TO OPEN
Keep in mind the dishwasher door will extend past the cabinets. Make sure there is at least 27 inches of open space in front of the dishwasher for loading and unloading.
CORNER LOCATIONS NEED MORE CLEARANCE
Corner locations need at least 2 inches of space between the side of the dishwasher door (when open) and the wall or cabinet.
ADD TRIM PIECES TO FRAME A DISHWASHER OPENING
Once a measured space is available, install the dishwasher according to your owner's manual. If the unit comes with them, add trim pieces to frame the sides. Once all of the components have been connected, the dishwasher should be situated into the space using countertop brackets.
FLOORING MAY AFFECT OPENING DIMENSIONS
Keep in mind that kitchen flooring may not have been installed under the dishwasher and could add more height to your opening. On the other hand, if your kitchen has two layers of flooring, you may have less height than a standard dishwasher opening.
THE MOTOR SHOULD NEVER TOUCH THE FLOOR
Check for any obstructions that would cause the dishwasher motor to touch the floor of the opening, such as carpeting or loose, uneven tile. Find out where the motor is located in this guide to dishwasher parts.
MAKE SURE THE DISHWASHER IS LEVEL
Water may not drain properly if the dishwasher isn’t level. If the floor at the front of the opening is not level with the floor at the back of the opening, you can likely adjust the front legs or place shims underneath them.
CONSIDER ELECTRICAL OUTLET PLACEMENT
Check where your dishwasher’s electrical outlet is located. If it’s directly behind the appliance, it could limit how far the dishwasher can slide into place and should be factored into measurements. Most built-in models are wired through an adjacent cabinet or wall, so this usually isn’t an issue, but may be worth confirming.
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