Measuring guide
Measuring Is Easier Than You Think
All you need is a tape measure and about ten minutes. No maths, we promise: write the numbers down and our size guide does the sums for you.
What you need
Three things, and one is optional.
A tape measure
A metal one is best because it stays straight. Use the side marked cm (centimetres).
Somewhere to write
Your phone notes or a piece of paper. Write each number down the moment you read it.
A helping hand
Optional, but a friend holding the other end makes long measurements easy and straight.
No tape measure? Hold a long piece of string from end to end, pinch the string where it ends, then measure the string against a ruler, in parts if you need to.
Learn the three words
Think of any piece as a box. Its size is just three numbers. Tap each one.
Width: Side to side: from the left end to the right end, as you face the piece.
On our product pages sizes read in this order: width x depth x height, in centimetres.
What to measure
Follow the path the piece will take: the space it goes in, then everything it passes on the way.
The space
Where the piece will stand.
- Stand facing the wall where the piece will go.
- Measure the free wall from one side to the other, between whatever is in the way (a door, a window, another piece).
- Now measure from that wall straight out into the room, to the nearest furniture or wall. This is how far the piece can stick out.
- Write down both numbers: the free wall, then how far out.
Watch out for
- Measuring the whole wall when a radiator, socket or window is in the way.
- Forgetting you need room to walk past: leave about 75 cm in front of the piece.
Convert and check
No calculator needed: type your numbers and we do the rest.
Measured in feet?
Type what you measured and we will turn it into centimetres.
Will it get through my door?
Copy the size from the product page, then your door. We try every way the piece can be carried.
The piece
Your door
Add the depth and height of the piece and your door to see the answer.
Your measuring checklist
Tick things off as you go. We keep your ticks on this device, so you can finish later.
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The golden rules
Measure twice
It takes a minute and saves a headache. If the two numbers differ, measure a third time.
Write it down straight away
Numbers are easy to mix up. Note each one with what it is, for example "door 82 cm wide".
Always take the smallest
A door, a stair or a lift is only as wide as its narrowest point.
Leave a little room
Aim for at least 5 cm to spare. Less than that is possible, but tight.
Feet and inches are fine
Measured in feet? Use the converter on this page, or tell us and we will convert it for you.