How To Calculate Kitchen Cabinet Square Footage Size

How to Calculate Kitchen Cabinet Square Footage Size

Calculating the square footage of kitchen cabinets is essential for planning, budgeting, and designing an efficient kitchen. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you determine the size accurately:

1. Measure the Width and Height of Cabinets

Using a tape measure, determine the width of each cabinet in inches, including any decorative elements like moldings or handles. Measure from the left edge to the right edge of the cabinet. Then, measure the height of each cabinet from the top to the bottom of the cabinet box, again including any decorative elements.

2. Multiply Width by Height

For each cabinet, multiply the width by the height to calculate the area in square inches. For example, if a cabinet is 36 inches wide and 30 inches high, its area would be 36 x 30 = 1080 square inches.

3. Add the Areas of All Cabinets

To obtain the total square footage, add the areas of all the cabinets in the kitchen. Remember to include both upper and lower cabinets, as well as any specialty cabinets like pantries or wine racks.

4. Convert Square Inches to Square Feet

Since square footage is typically measured in square feet, you need to convert the total area from square inches to square feet. Divide the total area in square inches by 144 (the number of square inches in a square foot). For instance, if the total area is 21,600 square inches, the square footage would be 21,600 ÷ 144 = 150 square feet.

5. Adjust for Drawers and Doors

If your cabinets have drawers or doors that open outward, you may need to adjust the square footage slightly. Measure the height and width of the opening and calculate the area of each drawer or door. Deduct this area from the total square footage to account for the empty space.

6. Consider Overlapping Areas

When cabinets are placed side by side, there may be some overlapping areas. If the cabinets are not flush with each other, you can calculate the overlapping area by multiplying the overlap width by the height of the cabinets. Then, subtract this overlapping area from the total square footage.

By following these steps, you can accurately calculate the square footage of your kitchen cabinets. This information is crucial for planning the layout, estimating material costs, and determining the correct size of appliances and accessories for your kitchen.