How to Measure A Sofa (Interior Design Guide)

Welcome to our guide on how to measure a sofa for your interior design including how to easily tell if your sofa will fit.
The sofa is the anchor piece and has become a benchmark in home decoration. It is the most used piece of furniture and one of the most comfortable spots in the room – it is where you entertain guests, it is where your kids spends most of their time and if you have pets, it most likely to be a territorial area in itself.

The sofa also reflects your personal stylish impression and suggests a decorative style of the room as well as your home. Having a sofa not only in the living room, but in other rooms of your home aims to provide not only comfort and convenience; but also, functionality and practicality such as by offering extra storage space.

Once you have found the perfect design and sofa style, you need to consider and ensure that your chosen sofa will fit within your space, and that it is the same scale as your other furniture. There are measurements which are essential and need to be considered when getting sofa dimensions. In this article we will explain what dimensions you need and how to measure your sofa.

Proper Measuring Method for a Sofa

Measuring the Sofa Width

When you measure a sofa, determine the width from arm to arm since this is the widest part of the sofa. If in case, the armrest of your sofa has rolled arms, measure from the widest part of the arm to the other arm.

A standard size sofa has a width which usually measures 6 to 8 feet long and a standard loveseat usually measures 4 to 6 feet long. Read more about sofa arm styles here.

Measuring the Sofa Height

In getting the dimension for the height of the sofa, measure the highest point of the sofa’s backrest. For camel-back sofa, make sure you measure from the center of the backrest where it is the highest point to the floor.

Measuring the Sofa Depth

One of the most important measurements to take is the depth of the sofa. Measure from the outside or front edge of the seat all the way to the back. Measuring it from of the sides will be best. The standard size sofa has a depth of usually 32 to 40 inches while a loveseat sofa is 28 to 30 inches deep.

Measuring the Seat Width

In measuring the seat width of the sofa, take note that it is the distance between the armrests. So, you need to get the measurement of one side to the other side of the seating space. For armless sofa, the seat width corresponds with the length of the sofa.

Measuring the Seat Height

In getting the dimension for the seat height of the sofa, measure from floor up to the top edge of the seat cushion.

Measuring the Seat Depth

In order to get the seat depth of the sofa, measure from front edge of the seat cushion up to the point where the back cushion starts.

How to Measure Sectional Sofa

There are three different size types of sectional sofas you can choose from to find the perfect fit for your space.

• The small two-piece sectional sofa which are usually L-shaped and has a combination of two sofas or a loveseat and chaise. A sectional sofa with a chaise lounge has an average length of 195 to 215 inches and has an average depth of 37 to 40 inches.

• The mid-sized three-piece sectional sofa which are usually U-shaped and has a combination of a sofa, loveseat and chaise lounge. The average length of a three-seater sectional sofa is 78 to 88 inches with an average total depth of 70 inches.

• The large sectional sofa which are usually four-piece / five-piece and six-piece seat. A five-piece seat sectional sofa with equal sides has an average dimension of 95 by 95 inches.

In measuring a sectional sofa with wedge’s length, measure the distance between the left-most back leg together with the right-most back leg. In measuring the depth, start from the front facing edge to the backside of the sectional.

How to Know If a Sofa/Sectional Will Fit?

In order to make sure that your sofa or sectional seat will fit, you also need to measure the dimension of your living space by noting down the height, length and width of the room where you want your sofa or sectional to be placed.

Consider the measurements of all passages such as front door, hallways and stairways. If your sofa or sectional will be placed in front of a window, measure the window height from floor making sure that your sofa is not higher than your windowsill.

How to Measure a Sofa Cover

When you want to update and cover an outdated upholstery pattern or simply want to protect your sofa, the easiest way is to put a slip over or sofa cover. We will give you a few tips to help you measure and make sure that your sofa cover will fit perfectly.

Measure the Cover Length

To determine the longest length of the sofa cover, measure your sofa from the outside of one arm to the outside of the other arm.

Measure the Seat Cushion

Measure the length from one side of the sofa to the other making sure that you measure at the widest part. Just below the sofa armrest, measure the cushion depth.

Measure the Width of the Sofa

Measure the outside edge and depth, starting by measuring at the front and outside edge of one sofa arm; continuing to the back corner and around the backrest of the sofa. Complete your measurement by measuring at the front and outer edge of the opposite sofa arm.

Measure the Cushion Height

In order to determine the height of the sofa cushion, get the height measurements of the cushion seat, by measuring from the floor to the top of the seat cushion.

Measure the Full Sofa Height

Measure the sofa from floor to the top back edge. Some sofas can vary in height depending on where you measure. Make sure you are measuring to the highest point from the floor.

For more related design ideas check out our gallery of the types of sofa fabrics.