Sofas and Sectionals Measuring Guide

Before you purchase any new furniture, you need to make sure that it’s a good fit for both your lifestyle and living space. When it comes to choosing a new sofa or sectional, most shoppers are more concerned with comfort and style. Although those attributes are obviously important, how a sofa fits into a space is even more crucial. To ensure that your new purchase is a success, we’ve created a simple method to help you accurately measure for a new sofa.

How to Measure for a Sofa

Choosing the right size sofa is a key factor in the overall feel and function of your living room. Ideally, a sofa should complement both the space and the scale of the other furniture in the room. There are also other things to consider, like is there enough clearance around the sofa and is it blocking any walking paths or windows. No matter what type of sofa you choose, you want to make sure it’s a good fit. So, before you make that new purchase, take a moment to read our tips and instructions on how to measure for a sofa.

Examine the Room

To determine the sofa size that a room can comfortably accommodate, you’ll need to get a good idea of how much space you're working with. Use a measuring tape to find the approximate length and width of the room. Decorating guidelines dictate that a sofa should be approximately 2/3 the size of the room. Spacious rooms can accommodate large sofas with deep seating. But if space is limited, consider purchasing a low-profile sofa or small loveseat that won’t overpower the room.

Decide on Placement

Once you’re done examining the room, decide exactly where you’d like to place your sofa. Ensure that the sofa will not block any doors, windows or natural pathways through the room, and that there is at least 30” of walking space around the sofa. If you plan on placing a coffee table in front of the sofa, be sure that there is a minimum of 18” between the two pieces of furniture so food and drinks can be easily reached.

Create an Outline

To better envision how your new sofa will look in the space, you’ll need to create an outline. With the sofa's overall dimensions in mind, use masking tape to make a rectangular outline of the sofa on the floor. If you don’t have a specific sofa in mind, then use the masking tape to make a rectangle on the floor that seems appropriate for the space. Then measure the rectangle and use those dimensions as a guide when shopping for a new sofa.

How to Measure for Sectional Sofas

Much like standard sofas, measuring for a sectional sofa concentrates on the overall length and overall width. For sectionals, you can use the same “Measuring Instructions” listed above. However, determining those measurements can be slightly different than that of a standard sofa, so be sure to read the suggestions below before getting started.

Overall Width

Like standard sofas, the overall width of a sectional is measured along the back of the sofa, from the outer edge of the left corner to the outer edge of the right corner. Be sure that this measurement includes all of the components that make up the back main section of the sofa.

Overall Length

The overall length of a sectional is measured from the very back of the sofa to the front edge of the component that extends out into the room the farthest—typically the side with the chaise or L-shape attachment, etc. If you intend to pair your sectional sofa with a coffee table, you should calculate the interior dimensions of the sectional to ensure a good fit.

Secondary Measurements

When it comes to furniture, secondary measurements are primarily for comfort and preference, not placement. However, these measurements are still very important when choosing a new sofa. For instance, seat depth is a crucial measurement for people with long legs, just like arm height may be important if you prefer to lean on the arms of your sofa. For people who enjoy relaxing in a reclined position, a sofa with a low back and casual design may be the perfect choice. Whatever your personal needs may be, keep them in mind while shopping.

Overall Height

The overall height of a sofa is measured from the floor to the highest point of the sofa back. This measurement will give you an idea of where it will hit when placed against a wall or under a window ledge, or if it will coordinate well with the other furniture in the room. It will also give you an indication of whether it offers enough back support, or if you will be able to comfortably rest your head back while watching TV.

Overall Depth

The overall depth of a sofa is measured from the front edge of the seat to the very back of the sofa. This will give you an idea of how far out into the room it will extend, and whether the sofa can accommodate people of a particular height or leg length. Deep sofas offer more space for throw pillows and blankets, and they also allow you to comfortably curl up or stretch-out and sleep. Shallow sofas take up less space, which leaves more room for foot traffic and other furniture pieces.

Seat Height

The seat height of a sofa is measured from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. Seat height is an important factor in both comfort and function. You want to ensure that people of varying heights and physical abilities can easily sit down and rise up from the sofa. An undesirable seat height can leave shorter people feeling like their feet are dangling, and taller people like they are crouching down when seated.

Seat Depth

The inner seat depth of a sofa is measured from the front edge of the seat to the back cushion. This particular measurement lets you know exactly how much sitting and lounging area is available. For people who are tall or have long legs, a sofa with deeper seating is ideal. Extra deep seating also allows more room for people to curl up together or sleep side by side. Shallow seating offers better back support by keeping your back straight and your feet flat on the floor.

Prepare for Delivery

To ensure a smooth delivery, determine the pathway that will be used to bring the sofa into your home and to the exact room in which it will be placed.

Measure all door frames, entryways, hallways and staircases in that pathway to make sure they can accommodate the sofa. In some cases, the feet or legs of the sofa can be removed to make delivery a little easier.

Remove any baby or pet gates, as well as miscellaneous items that may get underfoot. Many animals are frightened by strangers and unexpected activity, so be sure to safely secure your pets in a crate or spare room.

If you live in a building with an elevator, measure both the elevator door and the interior of the elevator.

Remember to thoroughly inspect the sofa before the delivery personnel leave.