Rooms
Measure the room’s length and width at the longest points. Record ceiling height and note baseboards, vents, radiators, fireplaces and built-ins.
A practical homeowner resource
Will It Fit?
Measure before you buy, move or discover that the sofa is three inches too wide for the doorway.
Use this free homeowner guide to measure rooms, furniture, doorways, appliances, rugs and curtains correctly.
Measure twice. Avoid the return lineup.
Practical tool
Will It Fit? Calculator
Compare your furniture with the tightest part of its delivery route.
Enter measurements in:
Furniture
Access route
Add the item and route measurements to check.
This calculator provides general guidance only. Furniture shape, corners, staircases, railings, trim and turning space can affect whether an item will fit.
How to Measure Your Home
Doorways
Measure the usable opening, not just the door frame. Open the door fully and account for hinges, handles, trim and removable doors.
Hallways and Corners
Measure the narrowest point. Include ceiling height and the space available to rotate furniture around corners.
Staircases
Measure stair width, ceiling clearance, landings, railings and the tightest turn. Do not assume an item that fits through the door will fit upstairs.
Elevators
Measure the elevator door, interior width, height and depth. Confirm building rules and elevator-booking requirements.
Furniture
Record width, height and depth. Measure diagonally when an item may need to be tilted. Check whether legs, doors, cushions or other parts can be removed.
Furniture Spacing Cheat Sheet
Sofa to coffee table
Approximately 14–18 inches
Main walking paths
Approximately 30–36 inches
Dining chair clearance
Approximately 36 inches from the table
Comfortable kitchen walkway
Approximately 36 inches
Kitchen work aisle
Approximately 42–48 inches
Bedside clearance
Approximately 24–30 inches where space permits
Artwork centre height
Approximately 57–60 inches from the floor
Furniture near a radiator or heat source
Follow the manufacturer’s clearance requirements
These are general design guidelines. The right spacing depends on the room, household and accessibility needs.
Your rug should anchor the room—not look stranded in it.
Living room
For a small arrangement, the front legs of seating should sit on the rug. In a large arrangement, all main furniture can sit fully on the rug. Avoid a small rug floating in the middle without touching the furniture.
Dining room
The rug should extend approximately 24–30 inches beyond the table so chairs remain on it when pulled out.
Bedroom
For a queen or king bed, choose either a full rug under the bed or a two-thirds placement extending beyond the sides and foot.
Hang Them High. Hang Them Wide.
- 1Measure the full width of the window.
- 2Position the curtain rod approximately 4–6 inches above the window frame when space allows.
- 3Extend the rod approximately 4–8 inches beyond each side of the window.
- 4Choose curtain panels with a combined width approximately 1.5–2 times the rod width for fullness.
- 5Measure from the rod to the desired finishing point.
- 6Curtains can finish just above the floor, touch the floor or slightly puddle, depending on the style.
Appliance Measurement Guide
Do not purchase an appliance based only on the cabinet opening. Measure the delivery route and required clearances too.
RefrigeratorRangeDishwasherWasher and dryer
- Width, height and depth of the available space
- Doorways and the complete delivery route
- Door swing and handles
- Ventilation clearances
- Electrical outlet location
- Water, gas and drain connections
- Flooring and trim
- Manufacturer installation requirements
Save My Home Measurements
Add rooms as you go, then print, download, or email yourself a clean summary. Your email is used only to send the summary; it is not added to a marketing list unless you opt in.
Room 1
Measurement summary
Room 1: Untitled Size: — × — in; ceiling — Door: — × — in; Window: — × — in Furniture/appliances: — Notes: —
Moving-Day Measurement Checklist
Measuring Because You’re Moving?
Finding the right home is about more than bedrooms and square footage. It is about whether your furniture fits, your routines work and the space feels right for the way you live. I help buyers, sellers and relocating families make confident moves throughout Edmonton and the surrounding communities.
Camille Elliott, REALTOR®
eXp Realty
Know Someone Who Is Measuring Everything?
Send them this page before they buy the sofa that almost fits.
Questions, answered
How do I know whether a sofa will fit through a doorway?
Measure the sofa’s width, height and depth, then compare the smallest dimension with the usable doorway opening. Also measure hallways, tight turns, stair clearance and any elevator it must pass through.
Should I measure furniture with or without the legs?
Measure it as it will travel. If legs can be removed, record both measurements and make sure every removable part is safely stored for reassembly.
How much space should I leave around a dining table?
Plan for approximately 36 inches from the table edge to surrounding walls or furniture so chairs can be pulled out comfortably.
How do I measure for a new refrigerator?
Measure the cabinet opening and the refrigerator, including hinges, handles, door swing, ventilation and the complete delivery path from the entrance.
What measurements should I take before moving?
Measure exterior and interior doors, the narrowest hallway, tight corners, stairs, railings, elevator dimensions, furniture and appliance openings.
How high should curtain rods be installed?
When space allows, position the rod approximately 4–6 inches above the window frame and extend it 4–8 inches past each side.
What rug size should I choose?
Choose a rug large enough to connect the furniture. In living rooms, at least the front legs of major seating should rest on it; dining rugs need about 24–30 inches beyond the table.