A stainless steel KitchenAid microwave surrounded by cabinets

Tips and Tricks

Microwave Sizes Guide: Find The Perfect Fit

Microwaves are kitchen conveniences that come in various designs to suit your kitchen style and cooking needs. Microwaves are available in a variety of sizes and capacities, including countertop, over-the-range, and built-in. Knowing how much space you have available can help you get the right fit the first time when you remodel, replace, or upgrade your kitchen. Read below to learn more about microwave dimensions and sizes.

WHAT ARE STANDARD MICROWAVE SIZES?

Standard countertop microwaves are most commonly found in the following sizes:

  • Typical capacities range from 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet.
  • Typically, the width ranges from 21 to 24 inches.
A standard KitchenAid microwave A standard KitchenAid microwave

Microwaves are measured according to their exterior dimensions, height, depth and capacities. The interior capacity, measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.), is sometimes listed in the product name. Exterior microwave width, height and depth vary greatly from compact and low-profile models to standard models. However, once you've decided on a type, microwave dimensions don't usually change much between models.

COUNTERTOP MICROWAVE DIMENSIONS

A countertop microwave can be placed nearly anywhere in your kitchen or installed in cabinetry with a trim kit for extra flexibility and ease of access.

A countertop microwave from KitchenAid A countertop microwave from KitchenAid
  • Between 1.5 and 2.2 cubic feet are typical capacities.
  • Typically, the width ranges from 21 to 24 inches.
  • Height is usually around 13 inches.
  • Closed-door depths range roughly from 16 to 20 inches. Open-door depths range roughly from 27 to 39 inches.

COMPACT MICROWAVE DIMENSIONS

  • A typical capacity is around 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet.
  • Widths can range from 15 to 18 inches.
  • Typically, heights range from 10 to 12 inches.
  • The door should be measured when it is closed and open since it needs to be able to swing fully open. Closed-door depths range from roughly 12 to 16 inches. Open-door depths range from roughly 27 to 39 inches.

OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE DIMENSIONS

Over-the-range microwaves have become a popular choice in kitchens today. In addition to offering outstanding cooking performance, they also function as a hood vent that captures smoke, grease, and odours from the cooking surface below.

A stainless steel KitchenAid over-the-range microwave A stainless steel KitchenAid over-the-range microwave
  • A typical capacity ranges from 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet.
  • Generally, the width will be roughly 30 inches to match the standard width of the range below and the standard built-in microwave cabinet cutout width where the appliance will be installed. There are also some compact models measuring around 24 inches wide.
  • Heights are usually around 17 inches.
  • Closed door depths range from 15 to 17 inches. Open-door depths range from 40 to 50 inches. Because over-the-range microwaves all have similar widths, the open door depths will also be similar.

LOW-PROFILE MICROWAVE HOOD DIMENSIONS

A KitchenAid low-profile microwave A KitchenAid low-profile microwave

A low-profile microwave is designed to save you space above your cooking surface without compromising the space inside for items you usually put in a microwave.

  • Capacity is around 1.1 cubic feet of space, a little smaller than a standard over-the-range microwave, but still large enough to fit regular-sized dishes.
  • Width is the same as a standard over-the-range microwave, roughly 30 inches to match the width of the oven below.
  • Depths will be around 18 inches closed and 48 inches open.
  • Height, at a little over 10 inches, is shorter than a standard over-the-range microwave height to give cooks more room to create on the stove.

BUILT-IN MICROWAVE DIMENSIONS

A KitchenAid low-profile microwave A KitchenAid low-profile microwave

Built-in microwave ovens blend into preexisting cabinetry, freeing up valuable space and adding a clean look to the kitchen. They feature drop-down drawers that allow them to open like a standard oven.

  • Capacity can range from 1.0 to 2.2 cubic feet, with most landing between 1.2 to 1.6 cubic feet.
  • Widths are consistent with average cabinet widths, usually 24, 27 or 30 inches.
  • Height typically ranges from 17 to 22 inches.
  • Depths range from roughly 20 to 25 inches with the door closed and 30 to 35 inches with the door open. Built-in microwaves can be installed in a cabinet or under the counter. Learn how to install a built-in microwave with our comprehensive guide.

HOW TO MEASURE OVER-THE-RANGE AND BUILT-IN MICROWAVE DIMENSIONS

Woman using a built-in microwave Woman using a built-in microwave

STEP 1: TAKE OUT YOUR CURRENT MICROWAVE

You should remove the microwave if it's still inside the cutout or cabinet so you can measure the space.

STEP 2: MEASURE THE WIDTH OF THE CUTOUT

From cabinet to cabinet, measure the width of the cutout with a measuring tape. 30 inches is the standard width for cutouts.

STEP 3: MEASURE THE MICROWAVE CUTOUT DEPTH

Excluding the door, measure the depth of the cutout from the wall to the front of the cabinet. A typical cabinet will have a depth of 24 inches.

STEP 4: MEASURE THE MICROWAVE CUTOUT HEIGHT

Identify the cutout height by measuring from the top of the cabinet to the bottom. If you’re installing an over-the-range microwave, it’s okay for it to drop below the cabinets as long as you leave 30 inches from the bottom of the microwave to the top of the stove.