Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Granite for Countertops

Measuring granite for countertops is a critical step in any kitchen or bathroom renovation. Accurate measurements ensure you order the right amount of granite, reduce waste, and achieve a seamless, professional finish. At Granite Marble Measurement Sheet by RMI Marmo Granito, we understand the challenges homeowners face when measuring granite. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you measure like a pro, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or preparing for a professional installation. Follow these seven steps, leverage our tools, and transform your space with stunning granite countertops.

Step 1: Plan and Sketch the Layout

A well-planned layout is the foundation of accurate measurements. Before measuring, take time to visualize your countertop design and create a detailed sketch.

• Create a Top-Down Sketch: Use graph paper or plain paper to draw a bird’s-eye view of your countertop area. Include all sections, such as straight runs, L-shaped corners, islands, or peninsulas. Mark the locations of sinks, cooktops, dishwashers, and other fixtures. Your sketch doesn’t need to be to scale, but it should capture the overall shape and key elements.

• Note Cabinets and Overhangs: Granite countertops typically extend beyond the edge of cabinets to create an overhang. The standard overhang is 1 to 1.5 inches for countertops along walls and up to 12 inches for island seating areas. Mark these overhangs on your sketch to ensure they’re included in your measurements.

• Include Appliances: Note where appliances like stoves or refrigerators will sit, as they may affect countertop dimensions. For example, a slide-in range may require precise cutouts.

• RMI Marmo Granito’s Tools: Simplify this step with RMI Marmo Granito’s measurement sheet or mobile app. Our digital tools let you upload sketches, record measurements, and share them with fabricators, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Example: For a U-shaped kitchen, sketch three sections: one along the sink wall (96 inches), one along the stove wall (72 inches), and a connecting section (48 inches). Mark a 1.5-inch overhang on all exposed edges.

Step 2: Measure Length and Width

With your sketch in hand, measure the physical dimensions of each countertop section. Granite is typically measured in inches and later converted to square feet for ordering.

• Use a Tape Measure: A high-quality, retractable tape measure (at least 25 feet long) is essential for accuracy. Measure the length (end-to-end) and width (front-to-back) of each section in inches. For example, a countertop along a sink wall might be 96 inches long and 26 inches wide (including a 1.5-inch overhang).

• Measure Twice: To avoid errors, take each measurement at least twice. If the numbers differ, measure a third time to confirm. Small discrepancies can lead to significant issues during fabrication.

• Include Overhangs: Add the overhang to your width measurement. For a 24-inch-deep cabinet with a 1.5-inch overhang, measure 25.5 inches. For islands, include larger overhangs if applicable (e.g., 36 inches for seating).

• Account for Edges: If you plan to use a decorative edge (e.g., bullnose, ogee), note that it doesn’t significantly affect measurements but may influence slab selection for thickness.

• Pro Tip: For countertops longer than a standard slab (e.g., 105 inches), plan for seams. RMI Marmo Granito offers gangsaw slabs (up to 10’ x 6’) to minimize seams in large designs.

Example: A straight countertop measures 96 inches long and 25.5 inches wide. Record both dimensions clearly on your sketch.

Step 3: Handle Complex Shapes

Many kitchens feature non-rectangular countertops, such as L-shaped corners, curved islands, or angled peninsulas. These require careful measurement to ensure accuracy.

• Divide into Rectangles: Break complex shapes into smaller rectangular or square sections. For an L-shaped countertop, treat each leg as a separate rectangle. For example, one leg might be 60 inches x 25.5 inches, and the other 48 inches x 25.5 inches.

• Measure Curves: For curved or rounded edges, measure from the flat end (where the countertop meets the wall) to the farthest point of the curve. Treat the curved area as a rectangle for initial measurements. For example, a curved island might be 48 inches wide at its widest point and 72 inches long. Note that fabricators will refine curves during templating.

• Record Separately: Write down each section’s measurements on your sketch to avoid confusion. Label them clearly (e.g., “Section A: Sink Counter,” “Section B: Island”).

• Use a Level: Ensure your measurements are taken on a level surface, as uneven cabinets can skew results. A bubble level can help confirm this.

• RMI Marmo Granito’s Expertise: For intricate designs, our team can assist with digital templating to capture complex shapes accurately.

Example: An L-shaped countertop has one section (60" x 25.5") and another (48" x 25.5"). A curved island measures 72" x 48" at its widest points.

Step 4: Measure Backsplashes

If your design includes a granite backsplash, measure it separately to calculate its area.

• Standard Backsplash Height: Most backsplashes are 4 inches tall, though some designs use 6 inches or full-height slabs. Measure the length of the countertop that requires a backsplash and multiply by the desired height. For example, a 96-inch-long countertop with a 4-inch backsplash is 96 x 4 = 384 square inches.

• Convert to Square Feet: Divide the backsplash area by 144 to get square feet (384 ÷ 144 = 2.67 square feet). Add this to your countertop total when ordering.

• Custom Heights: For taller backsplashes, adjust the calculation. A 6-inch backsplash for the same countertop would be 96 x 6 = 576 square inches (4 square feet).

• Note Gaps: If the backsplash doesn’t run the full length (e.g., interrupted by a window), measure only the covered sections.

Example: A 96-inch countertop with a 4-inch backsplash requires 2.67 square feet of granite.

Step 5: Mark Cutouts for Sinks and Cooktops

Cutouts for sinks, cooktops, or other fixtures are handled by fabricators, but you must provide accurate placement details.

• Don’t Subtract Cutout Areas: A common mistake is subtracting the sink’s area from the total measurement. Fabricators cut the sink hole from the full slab, so measure the entire countertop area as if the sink isn’t there.

• Mark Centerlines: Measure and mark the centerline of each cutout relative to the countertop’s edges. For example, a sink might be centered 13 inches from the front edge and 48 inches from the left edge. Record these distances on your sketch.

• Provide Cutout Specs: Check the installation manual for your sink or cooktop to confirm exact cutout dimensions. If unavailable, consult your fabricator or RMI Marmo Granito for guidance.

• Note Fixture Types: Specify whether the sink is undermount, top-mount, or flush-mount, as this affects the cutout.

Example: A sink’s centerline is 13 inches from the front edge and 48 inches from the left edge. Record these coordinates without altering the total countertop area.

Step 6: Convert to Square Footage

Granite is priced and ordered by square foot, so convert your measurements accordingly.

• Formula: For each section, multiply length by width (in inches) and divide by 144 to get square feet. For example, a 96" x 25.5" countertop is (96 x 25.5) ÷ 144 = 17 square feet.

• Sum Sections: If you have multiple sections (e.g., countertop, island, backsplash), calculate each separately and add them together. For example, a countertop (17 sq ft) plus a backsplash (2.67 sq ft) equals 19.67 square feet.

• Round Up: Fabricators often recommend ordering 5-10% extra granite to account for cuts and waste. For 19.67 square feet, order at least 21 square feet.

• RMI Marmo Granito’s Calculator: Use our online square footage calculator to streamline this step and ensure accuracy.

Example: A kitchen with two countertop sections (17 sq ft and 12 sq ft) and a backsplash (2.67 sq ft) totals 31.67 square feet. Order 33 square feet to account for waste.

Step 7: Verify Measurements

Before submitting your measurements to a fabricator, verify them to avoid costly errors.

• Cross-Check Your Sketch: Review your sketch and measurements to ensure all sections, overhangs, and cutouts are accounted for. Compare measurements against cabinet dimensions for consistency.

• Measure Again: If possible, re-measure the entire area to confirm accuracy. Even small errors (e.g., 1 inch) can lead to ill-fitting countertops.

• Consider Professional Templating: For complex layouts or high-value projects, professional templating ensures precision. RMI Marmo Granito offers on-site templating services to guarantee a perfect fit.

• Consult Fabricators: Share your measurements with your fabricator to confirm slab requirements, seam placement, and cutout feasibility. Our team at RMI Marmo Granito can guide you through this process.

By following these steps, you’ll have accurate measurements ready for your granite countertop project. Whether you’re tackling a DIY installation or working with professionals, Granite Marble Measurement Sheet by RMI Marmo Granito is here to support you. Download our measurement app, explore our premium granite slabs, or contact us for a free consultation to bring your vision to life.