How to Measure for a New Kitchen Sink

Find the general location of the sink.

Make sure that the sink is placed in a location that allows for good work flow in the kitchen. Make sure the sink sits above a cabinet and is not divided by two cabinets. Many kitchen sink designs have a wider cabinet especially designed for the sink base. Check your cabinet plan for a sink base.

Place paper on the countertop in the sink location.

The paper size needs to equal the depth your counter top by the width of the sink plus two inches. Carefully align the paper directly over the sink base. Attach the paper to the countertop with the masking tape. Make sure the paper is flat and taped tightly to the countertop. You will also need to apply masking tape to the front edge of the countertop to protect it during the measuring process.

Find the center of the sink.

Draw diagonal lines on the paper from each corner to the opposite corner of the sink base diagonally; the diagonal lines cross each other and form an X. Next, lay the framing square along the front edge of the counter and line it up with the center of the X and draw a straight line perpendicular from the front of the countertop to the rear of the countertop. This is the center line of the sink location.

Note: This X almost never lines up with the drain of the sink. You only use the marked X to find your sink’s position on the countertop.

Position the sink near the front edge of the countertop.

If you already have your new sink, place it upside down on the paper. Slide the sink toward the front edge of the counter. If there is space, leave some room — about 3/4 inch — between the front edge of the counter and the edge of the sink. If you do not have the actual sink yet, check with the manufacturer or retailer for the availability of a paper template to serve the same purpose. Adjust the position of the sink on the countertop so that it is perfectly straight. Use the framing square, lined up along the front of the countertop, to help you make this adjustment.

Mark sink position.

Trace an outline of the sink’s edge with your pencil. Hold the sink tightly to the countertop so it does not move while you make your pencil marks.

Measure sink location.

Carefully remove the sink from the countertop and paper without moving the paper. Measure the sink location with the tape measure, especially the center line; be sure to measure to the immovable locations, such as the nearby walls. Use the framing square and straight edge to assist, if needed. Write down these measurements. These are the measurements that you will use to locate the correct placement of your new kitchen sink.