Furniture is measured in width, depth and height, usually in inches in the US and Canada, and listed in that order (W x D x H). Width is side to side, depth is front to back, and height is from the floor to the highest point. Chairs, sofas and tables add a few extra measurements, such as seat height and arm height.
Good measurements stop most furniture mistakes: the sofa that blocks a doorway, the table that crowds the room, the replacement leg that is half an inch too short. The terms are simple once you know which direction each one describes.
The measurements you will see on a product page
| Measurement | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Side to side, at the widest point | Decides whether it fits the wall space or doorway. |
| Depth | Front to back, including anything that sticks out | Decides how far it reaches into the room. |
| Height | Floor to the highest point | Matters under windows, shelves and sloped ceilings. |
| Seat height | Floor to the top of the seat cushion | Comfort for chairs and sofas. |
| Arm height | Floor to the top of the arm | Fit with tables and desks. |
| Clearance | Floor to the underside of the piece | Space for storage, vacuums and legs. |
You may also see length used for width, especially on long pieces like sofas and tables. Check the product diagram if it is not clear which side is meant.
Typical heights to compare against
| Piece | Common height |
|---|---|
| Dining table | 28 to 30 inches |
| Desk | 28 to 30 inches |
| Counter height table | about 36 inches |
| Bar height table | 40 to 42 inches |
| Coffee table | 16 to 18 inches |
| Dining chair seat | 17 to 19 inches |
These are common ranges, not rules, so always confirm against the exact piece you are buying.
How to measure furniture step by step
- Use a rigid tape measure and keep it straight.
- Measure width at the widest point, including arms and any trim.
- Measure depth from the back to the furthest front point. Handles and knobs add depth, so measure with them on.
- Measure height from the floor to the top. For tables, also measure the underside if you need knee space.
- Write the numbers as W x D x H and note the units.
- Measure the space and the delivery path as well, and leave about 36 inches for main walkways and at least 24 inches for tight ones.
Measuring for replacement parts
If you are repairing furniture, measure the part, not the whole piece. For a new leg, measure the old leg from the floor to the underside of the top and check the thread size or fixing plate. Browse Table and Furniture Legs for sizes, and the Screws, Bolts and Fasteners collection if you need matching hardware. For drawers and cabinets, new handles, knobs and pulls are sized by the distance between the screw holes, so measure centre to centre.
Frequently asked questions
Is width the same as depth?
No. Width is side to side and depth is front to back. A sofa listed as 84 x 36 x 34 inches is 84 inches wide, 36 inches deep and 34 inches tall.
In what order should furniture be measured?
Any order works for measuring, but dimensions are normally written as width, depth, height.
How do I measure a coffee table?
Measure the width of the longest side, the depth of the shorter side and the height from the floor to the tabletop. Add the clearance underneath if you want to store baskets or ottomans there.
How do I measure a sofa?
Measure the overall width including the arms, the overall depth, and the height to the top of the back. Also note the seat height and the diagonal depth if it has to go through a tight doorway.
The short version
Furniture is measured as width, depth and height, with extras like seat height and clearance for chairs and tables. Measure the piece, the room and the route in, and write everything down as W x D x H before you buy.
