What’s The Standard Dishwasher Dimensions? (Sizes Guide)

Dishwasher dimensions are standard, so they fit most kitchen designs unless you purchase a space-saver appliance designed for an apartment or an oversized model for a large kitchen. Still, there may be variations in the width, height, and depth of different styles and different brands. Cabinet space reserved for a dishwasher may have different dimensions and must be measured carefully. This article will describe the different dishwasher sizes and how to choose the right one for your kitchen space.

Standard Dishwasher Sizes

A standard dishwasher normally measures 24 inches wide, 35 inches high, and 24 inches deep, with adjustable feet for leveling and height adjustments. To fit properly, the spacing between the cabinets and countertop where the appliance will be installed should be larger than the unit to allow room for installation.

Some dishwashers may measure 23 2/8 inches wide, 34 inches high, and 23 5/8 inches deep, even though they are considered standard, allowing for a bit of extra space to make installation easier.

How Much Space Do You Need Around a Dishwasher?

With a standard dishwasher whose size matches the spacing between cabinets exactly, the risk is a difficult installation and possible damage to the appliance exterior or cabinets because of a tight fit.

Although recommendations favor the exact same cabinet opening width, height, and depth as the dimensions of the dishwasher, a small variation of 1/8th or ¼ of an inch all around is generally safe. It could avoid an opening being too small.

If there is too much space after installing the dishwasher, wood strips or molding can be installed to finish off the opening and help keep the dishwasher in place.

How to Measure a Dishwasher Opening?

Measure the opening in the cabinets for the dishwasher by determining its width, height, and depth. Keep a piece of paper and a pencil ready to jot down the measurements.

For the width, use a measuring tape and place the end against the left side of the cabinet wall about halfway down from the top, then stretch it to the right side and note the width.

For the height, set the end of the measuring tape directly on the floor, lined up with the edge of the countertop, and extend it to the inside of the top surface, noting the maximum height.

For the depth, extend the measuring tape against the back wall of the cabinet opening and allow the metal tape to snap tightly into place to hold it until you reach the outside edge of the surrounding cabinet.

Be sure the measuring tape does not sag when you extend it, as this can change the size and cause incorrect measurements. Also, some measuring tapes are not as accurate as others, having a different starting point from the actual end. Be sure to check that the markings on the tape are correct.

Check all measurements for the cabinet opening twice. This will avoid the wrong measurements. As many carpenters say, “Measure twice, cut once.” You may not be cutting out the cabinet space, but some wisdom helps ensure you measure properly.

Small Dishwasher Dimensions

Small dishwashers may be needed when cabinet space is not large enough for a standard appliance, such as installations in apartment-sized kitchens, tiny home kitchens, or older home kitchens that were not originally designed with one and are being retrofitted to add one.

These small space-saving size dishwashers match the height and depth of a standard model, being 35 inches high and 24 inches deep, but they measure 18 inches or 17 5/8 inches wide.

A small dishwasher can fit into spaces 18 inches wide or larger. For larger openings, a small appliance must be framed to hide the extra space. Small models do just as good a job cleaning and can fit almost as much as a standard appliance.

Oversized Dishwashers Measurements

Oversized dishwashers are available and typically found installed in modern residential homes that have large, restaurant-sized kitchens for homeowners who use their kitchen often or for large families.

These oversized dishwashers, as in smaller appliances, still have the same sizes as standard models with a 35-inch height and 24-inch depth, but they range from 30 inches wide to 42 inches wide. Cabinet spacing must be wide enough to accommodate these oversized appliances, so accurate measurements must be done before purchasing.

For more related information, visit one of our guides for stove sizes, washer and dryer dimensions, or refrigerator sizes.