Don’t let a cabinet repair or remodel become unhinged—here’s how to measure accurately
Accurately measuring your cabinet hinges prevents misalignment and damage.
You can measure hinges by measuring the cabinet overlay or the hinge itself.
Consider hinge overlay, hinge mounting plate connection, and carcass and door thickness when choosing the right hinges.
Whether you're upgrading your cabinetry or replacing a broken hinge, learning how to measure cabinet hinges accurately is important. The task can seem deceptively simple, but many factors play into it, such as the type of hinge, the overlay, and the mounting plate connection. All that considered, it’s fairly simple once you know what to look for. Let’s break down how to measure your cabinet hinges.
Despite serving the same basic purpose, many different types of cabinet hinges come in various sizes. Likewise, cabinets also come in different styles that need different types of hinges to close properly.
Ill-fitting hinges can cause cabinet doors to be misaligned, which is not only unsightly but can also put undue stress on the cabinet, potentially damaging the door, frame, or the hinges themselves over time. That’s why it’s essential to measure and align cabinet hinges correctly the first time.
Replacing kitchen cabinet hinges can be a daunting task due to the many factors involved in finding the right replacement. Here are the main things to consider.
A cabinet hinge overlay refers to how much the cabinet door covers the cabinet’s frame—also known as the carcass—when it's closed. This measurement affects the way the door aligns with the cabinet carcass. Cabinet hinge overlays typically come in three main types: Full overlay, half or partial overlay, and inset overlay.
In full overlays, sometimes referred to as ¾-inch overlays, the door entirely covers the cabinet carcass end when it’s in the closed position. Half or partial overlays, which are typically ⅜ to ½ inches, feature two doors that are fitted on either side of a single cabinet carcass. In an inset overlay, the cabinet door is set flush with the face frame of the cabinet, creating a clean and seamless appearance.
You should also consider whether your hinge plates are clip-on or slide-on when determining how to measure cabinet hinges. Clip-on hinges securely clip onto the mounting plate when attaching them to the cupboard side, with no screws necessary. Slide-on hinges slide onto the mounting plate and need to be screwed into position to stay put.
It’s also important to consider the thickness of both the door and the cabinet carcass, as this determines the size of the mounting plate needed. Typically, mounting plates are 15/16mm or 18/19mm, but various other sizes and types are available.
To measure cabinet hinges, you’ll need a ruler or tape measure, a pencil, and paper. You’ll be able to determine which hinges you need by either measuring the cabinet overlay or the hinges themselves. Below is a breakdown of the steps involved for each of these methods.
Cabinet hinges have many moving parts to measure, so you’ll need to measure and write down multiple numbers. Here’s what to do:
Start by removing the cabinet hinges, using a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws securing each hinge to the door.
Take down the hinges you intend to measure and place them on a flat surface. Typically, all hinges on a door are the same size, so you’ll only need to reference one of them.
Hinges consist of two sides, or leaves, separated by a vertical pin in the middle; fully open the hinge by laying both leaves flat.
Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the outer edges of the leaves at their widest point, ensuring you measure over the central pin.
Measure the width of each leaf on the hinge, which is the distance from the central pin to the outer edge of the leaf.
If the hinge leaves are two different sizes, measure both sides.
Measure the height by holding a tape measure parallel to the pin to determine its height.
If your leaves are different sizes, measure the height of each individual leaf and make a note of which measurement corresponds to the door side and the cabinet side of the hinge (on uneven hinges, the cabinet-side leaf is often larger and will have the greater length and width to keep the hinge stable when you open and close the door).
Here are the basic steps to measure cabinet hinges using the overlay:
Close the cabinet door to measure the door overlay, which is how much the door overlaps the cabinet frame.
Apply masking tape vertically to the hinged side of the closed cabinet door—this will prevent marks on your cabinets and help keep your measurements accurate.
Open the door and locate the edge of the tape protruding from beneath it, closest to the hinge side.
To measure the overlay, use a tape measure or ruler from this tape edge to the inner edge of the cabinet frame.
For partial inset doors, which partially overlap the cabinet frame, use a ruler to measure from the door's edge to the inner edge of the cabinet.
Choose a new hinge with the same overlay size to ensure a good fit. Many hinges have the overlay measurement printed on them; if not, use the width of the mounting plate and add it to the hinge width to match the overlay size.
Keep these helpful tips in mind when measuring and preparing to swap your cabinet hinges.
Be mindful of the weight of your cabinet doors when choosing hinges—heavier doors may require sturdier hinges to support them properly.
Before securing the new hinge in place, test the fit by attaching it to the cabinet and ensuring the door opens and closes smoothly.
For a uniform look, consider replacing all hinges in a set, even if only one is damaged.
Consider investing in the cost of replacing your cabinet hardware if you can’t find hinges that match.
Open and close the cabinet door multiple times to confirm that it operates smoothly and aligns properly.
Periodically check and tighten the hinge screws to prevent any loosening over time.
While learning how to measure cabinet hinges for a quick replacement is fairly DIY-friendly, taking on a total cabinet remodel can feel overwhelming. From choosing the right hinges to knowing where to place cabinet hardware, it’s easy to get lost in the details.
To help you minimize headaches and achieve stunning cabinetry results, consider hiring a local cabinet installation contractor to help you with your project. That way, you can rely on them to select the right size and type of cabinet hinges for your task.
If your cabinet doors could use more than a hinge replacement, cabinet refacing could be a cost-effective alternative to a total remodel. Cabinet refacing typically costs between $4,500 and $11,000 and involves removing the cabinet doors and replacing them with new ones. This pricepoint provides a completely fresh look for a much lower cost than replacing the cabinets altogether.
There are several ways to tell that your cabinet hinges have reached the end of their lifespan. For instance, you might notice your cabinet door wobbling as you open it, or that the door doesn’t seem level anymore. Squeaking noises and sticking can also point to bad hinges. In most cases, hinges can’t be repaired, so it’s best to plan out your replacement once you’ve noticed one or more of these signs.
To put your cabinet doors back on the hinges, first align the door with the hinge plates on the cabinet frame. Carefully slide the hinge pins on the door into the hinge cups on the frame, making sure they fit securely. Then, gently push the door into place until it’s flush with the cabinet frame. Finally, close the door to ensure it functions correctly and adjust the hinges if necessary.
