How to Measure Cabinet Hinges: A Complete Guide
When replacing or installing a cabinet hinge, it’s important to learn how to measure a cabinet hinge. This ability comes in handy when choosing the right cabinet hinge for your project as well. Measuring a cabinet hinge is actually a pretty straight-forward and easy process. You just need some handy tools and the right direction.
This blog is intended to take you through the process of measuring cabinet hinges, step by step. Read on to learn how to measure cabinet hinges easily!
Measure Traditional Cabinet Hinges By Length/Width
Traditional hinges are the ones commonly used with framed cabinets. These hinges normally feature two leaves, a pin, and some knuckles.
Traditional hinges are easy to measure as all you have to do is measure the length and width of your existing cabinet hinges. Here is the short version:
Step 1: Remove the Hinge
Take a Philips screwdriver and remove the screws from the middle hinge attached to the door. If the hinge sticks to the door due to paint build-up, use a utility knife to scrape off the paint from the edges of the hinge. Then use a flat-head screwdriver to release the hinge from the door.
Step 2: Measure the Hinge Width
Once the hinge is removed, lay it on a flat surface with both sides lying flat so the hinge is fully open. Now measure the length of the hinge from one side across to the other side using a tape measure. This is the width of the hinge.
Step 3: Measure the Height of the Hinge
Just like you measured the width, now its time to repeat the process for measuring the height of the hinge. Use your tape measure and record the length of the hinge from one end to the other lengthwise. Common hinge heights include 3 1/2, 4, 4 1/2, 5, and 6 inches.
Step 4: Measure the Hinge Corner Radius
If your hinge isn’t square in shape, you’ll have to measure the corner radius of the hinge to make sure you choose the right sized hinge. To measure the corner radius, rest the straightedge along the top of the hinge. Make sure the straightedge is not rested on the head of the hinge pin. Now measure the distance from the beginning of the curve to where the corner of the hinge would be if the hinge were square. The hinge corner radius is either 1/4 or 5/8 inch.
Check out this video on how to measure cabinet hinges with the length/width method.
Measure European Cabinet Hinges With the Cabinet Overlay
European cabinet hinges are used with both framed and frameless cabinets. The Euro-style cabinet hinges feature two mounting plates along with adjustment screws.
European hinges can be a little tricky to measure since they are usually not flat but have curves and grooves. However, you can use the cabinet overlay method to measure these hinges. Here is how to do that.
Step 1: Close the Door
An overlay is basically the amount of overlap a door does on the cabinet frame. Cabinet doors can have a full or partial overlay. You can measure the overlay of the door to figure out the size of the cabinet hinge needed. To do this, first, close the door of the cabinet.
Step 2: Mark the Hinge Side of the Door
With the cabinet door closed, mark the hinge side of the door vertically. You can use masking tape to do this or simply make a line with a pencil. Either way, you won’t end up leaving any marks on your cabinet once you’re done. If you’re using tape, make sure it sticks firmly to the door. Mark the hinge side of the door just above the lower hinge.
Step 3: Measure the Door Overlay
Once you’re done marking the hinge side of the door, open the door. You will see that part of the tape (or pencil mark) is now visible inside as well. Take a tape measure and determine the width of the overlay from the end of the tape to the inside edge of the frame. Generally, cabinet doors have an overlay of 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 in (0.64 to 3.81 cm) but some may be different.
Step 4: Measure the Lip for Partial Inset Doors
Partial inset doors are ones where the door overlaps the cabinet frame. If you have a partial inset door than you need to measure the lip for getting the right size of hinge. To do this, take a ruler and measure from the edge of the door to the inner edge of the cabinet.
Step 5: Determine the Hinge Size
An overlay is basically the amount of overlap a door does on the cabinet frame. Cabinet doors can have a full or partial overlay. You can measure the overlay of the door to figure out the size of the cabinet hinge needed. To do this, first, close the door of the cabinet.
- Determine the hinge width by using a tape measure.
- Determine the width of the mounting plate (comes with the hinge packaging) by measuring the total length from one side of the plate to the opposite end.
- Add the hinge width and the width of the mounting plate to get the overlay size.
- Match the overlay size of the hinge to the overlay size of the cabinet door.
Here is a video on how to measure the cabinet overlay:
Conclusion
When buying cabinet hinges online, make sure you pay attention to the dimensions. This is especially true when buying European-style hinges. Make sure to ask for assistance if you can’t find the hinge you are looking for. Contact us today to know more about cabinet hinges.
RMGHardware is a professional cabinet hinge manufacturer who works closely with various well-known furniture brands, check out our blogs for tips and tricks around furniture hardware! Or contact us if you need help with sourcing hinges.