Learn how to measure your sofa before buying to avoid $300-500 in return fees and weeks of delay. Get the 4 critical measurements, including diagonal depth, plus a free printable checklist.
Quick Answer: Before buying a sofa, measure four dimensions: width (arm to arm), height (floor to top), depth (front to back), and diagonal depth (corner to corner). Compare these to your doorways, hallways, and stairs. The diagonal depth is the most critical measurement because it determines if your sofa can angle through tight spaces.
Nothing ruins the excitement of buying a new sofa quite like watching delivery workers struggle to get it through your front door. Even worse? Being charged $300-500 in return fees and waiting another 4-8 weeks for a replacement while you sit on folding chairs.
Before you click “buy now” on that perfect sofa, take 15 minutes to measure. This simple step can save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of headaches.
Why Measuring Your Sofa and Space Matters
Quick Answer: Failed furniture deliveries cost $200-500 in return shipping, 10-25% restocking fees, and 4-8 week replacement waits. Approximately 15% of furniture purchases result in delivery problems. Measuring takes 15 minutes and prevents these costly issues.
The True Cost of a Failed Delivery
When your sofa doesn’t fit, you face more than embarrassment. Here’s what failed deliveries actually cost:
| Cost Type | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return Shipping | $200-500 | Not covered by “free shipping” offers |
| Restocking Fee | 10-25% of price | $200-500 on a $2,000 sofa |
| Replacement Wait | 4-8 weeks | Longer during busy seasons |
| Professional Moving Help | $250-950 | If you decide to keep it anyway |
How Are Sofas Measured?
Quick Answer: Sofas are measured in four dimensions: width (arm to arm), height (floor to top), depth (front to back), and diagonal depth (corner to corner). These measurements determine if the sofa fits in your room and through doorways.
Understanding how sofas and couches are measured is the first step to avoiding delivery disasters. Furniture manufacturers follow standard measurement practices that you need to know before shopping.
The 4 Critical Sofa Measurements You Need
To determine if your sofa will fit through doorways and hallways, you need four key dimensions.
1. Width (Arm to Arm)
Measure from the outer edge of one arm to the outer edge of the other arm. This is the widest part of the sofa and determines the overall sofa size.
Standard measurements:
- Loveseat: 56-72 inches
- 3-seat sofa: 73-87 inches
- 4-seat sofa: 88-100+ inches
2. Height (Floor to Top)
Measure from the floor to the highest point of the back or the top of the back cushion.
Important: For camelback sofas, measure from the center of the back where it’s highest.
Standard measurements:
- Low-profile sofas: 28-32 inches
- Standard sofas: 32-36 inches
- High-back sofas: 36-40 inches
3. Depth (Front to Back)
Measure from the front edge of the seat to the very back of the sofa frame. This is your sofa depth measurement. Measure from the side for best accuracy.
Standard sofa depth:
- Shallow sofas: 31-34 inches
- Standard sofas: 34-40 inches (most common)
- Deep sofas: 40+ inches
The depth of a couch affects both comfort and how much floor space it occupies.
4. What Is Diagonal Depth on a Sofa?
This is the measurement most people forget, yet it’s the most critical for delivery success.
Diagonal depth definition: The measurement from the top back corner of the sofa to the bottom front corner, along a diagonal line. This is sometimes called the “diagonal measurement” or “sofa diagonal.”
How to measure diagonal depth: Use a tape measure or string from the highest point of the sofa back to the lowest front corner.
Why diagonal depth matters: Delivery teams angle sofas through doorways by tilting and rotating them. The diagonal depth of a sofa helps estimate if this will work. Professional movers know multiple techniques to navigate tight spaces.
Simple Check: If your sofa’s diagonal depth is less than your door’s height, it will usually fit when angled. If measurements are close, professional delivery teams have specialized techniques. Pay attention to how they bring it in – you’ll need those same angles if you ever move it out.
How to Measure Your Space
Quick Answer: Measure the width and height of every doorway, hallway, and stairway the sofa must pass through. Measure inside the door frame, not the door itself. Account for obstacles like light fixtures and railings.
Tools You’ll Need
- 25-foot metal tape measure (more accurate than cloth)
- Notepad or phone to record measurements
- Helper to hold the other end of the tape
- Camera to photograph tight spots
How to Measure Doorways for Furniture
What to measure:
- Width of the door opening (inside the frame, not the door itself)
- Height of the door opening
- Depth of the door frame
- Clearance space once inside for maneuvering
- Which way the door swings (in or out)
💡 Standard Door Sizes: Most modern homes have 32-36 inch wide doorways. Older homes and apartments may have narrower openings (28-30 inches).
Important: Door handles and hinges reduce clearance by 2-3 inches. Measure the actual clear space available.
Measure Hallways
What to measure:
- Width at the narrowest point
- Height (ceiling clearance)
- Length of the hallway
- Any turns or corners
- Obstacles like light fixtures, thermostats, or wall decorations
How to Measure If Furniture Will Fit Up Stairs
What to measure:
- Width between railings at the narrowest point
- Height from each step to the ceiling
- Depth of each step
- Landing dimensions (critical for turns)
- Railing height (you may need to lift the sofa over it)
⚠️ Stairway Challenge: Stairs are the biggest delivery obstacle. Spiral staircases and stairs with tight turns are especially difficult. Ideally, you’ll have at least 3 inches of clearance beyond furniture dimensions for safe stairway navigation.
Measure Elevators (If Applicable)
What to measure:
- Interior height, width, and depth
- Door opening dimensions
- Space for both the sofa AND delivery person
- Weight capacity (check building specs)
Don’t forget: Reserve the elevator with building management for delivery day.
Measure Your Final Room
What to measure:
- Length and width of the room
- Ceiling height
- Distance from wall to nearest door, window, or furniture
- Walking space (minimum 30 inches recommended)
Free Printable Measurement Checklist
Download Your Free PDF Checklist
Print this checklist and bring it with you while measuring. It includes spaces for all critical measurements.
Download Checklist PDF
Furniture Delivery Measurement Checklist
Sofa Measurements:
- ☐ Width (arm to arm): _____ inches
- ☐ Height (floor to top): _____ inches
- ☐ Depth (front to back): _____ inches
- ☐ Diagonal depth (corner to corner): _____ inches
- ☐ Box/shipping dimensions: _____ x _____ x _____
Entryway/Front Door:
- ☐ Door opening width: _____ inches
- ☐ Door opening height: _____ inches
- ☐ Door frame depth: _____ inches
- ☐ Door swing direction: In / Out
- ☐ Clearance space inside: _____ inches
Hallways:
- ☐ Width (narrowest point): _____ inches
- ☐ Height (ceiling): _____ inches
- ☐ Number of turns: _____
- ☐ Obstacles noted: Yes / No
Stairways (if applicable):
- ☐ Width between railings: _____ inches
- ☐ Ceiling clearance (lowest point): _____ inches
- ☐ Landing dimensions: _____ x _____ inches
- ☐ Railing height: _____ inches
Elevator (if applicable):
- ☐ Interior width: _____ inches
- ☐ Interior height: _____ inches
- ☐ Interior depth: _____ inches
- ☐ Door width: _____ inches
Final Room:
- ☐ Room length: _____ inches
- ☐ Room width: _____ inches
- ☐ Wall space for sofa: _____ inches
- ☐ Walking clearance verified: Yes / No
💡 Pro Tip: Take photos of tight spots and tricky angles. Share these with your furniture retailer or delivery team for professional advice.
Will It Fit? Quick Comparison Guide
Quick Answer: Your sofa will generally fit if its width and depth are smaller than your doorway dimensions, and its diagonal depth is less than your door height. Professional movers can often work with measurements that seem borderline.
| Sofa Dimension | Should Be Less Than | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Door width OR door height | Sofa can go through horizontally or be stood on end |
| Height | Door height, hallway height, ceiling | Clearance when carrying horizontally |
| Depth | Door width | Sofa must clear the opening |
| Diagonal Depth | Door height (general rule) | Allows angling through at a tilt |
Will My Sofa Fit Through My Door? Real Examples
Scenario 1: Should Fit Easily
- Doorway: 36 inches wide x 80 inches tall
- Standard 3-seat sofa: 84″W x 35″H x 38″D x 60″ diagonal
- Result: ✅ Should fit – diagonal (60″) is less than door height (80″)
Scenario 2: What Size Sofa Will Fit Through a 32 Inch Door?
- Doorway: 32 inches wide x 80 inches tall
- Medium sofa: 76″W x 33″H x 35″D x 55″ diagonal
- Result: ✅ Should work with careful angling – diagonal is well under door height
Scenario 3: May Need Professional Help
- Doorway: 30 inches wide x 78 inches tall
- Large sectional: 95″W x 38″H x 40″D x 72″ diagonal
- Result: ⚠️ Diagonal (72″) is close to door height (78″) – consider modular options or professional delivery
Important Note: These are general guidelines. Professional furniture movers know multiple techniques to navigate tight spaces by testing different angles and rotations. If your measurements are borderline, don’t give up – experienced delivery teams can often make it work.
Best Sofas for Narrow Doorways
Quick Answer: Look for modular sectionals, sofas with removable legs or arms, apartment-sized furniture (under 80″ wide), or brands that specialize in easy-assembly designs.
If you have narrow doorways or tight spaces, consider these furniture options:
Couches that fit through small doorways:
- Modular sectionals: Come in separate pieces that assemble inside
- Sofas with removable legs: Reduces height for easier angling
- Sofas with detachable arms: Narrows the width significantly
- Apartment-sized sofas: Typically 72-80 inches wide (vs. 84-90″)
- Low-profile designs: Lower backs make diagonal depth smaller
Recommended brands for narrow doorways:
Brands like Article and Nathan James specialize in apartment-friendly furniture designed for urban living with narrow entryways. Look for product descriptions mentioning “easy assembly,” “modular,” or “apartment-friendly.”
5 Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
1. Measuring the Door Instead of the Opening
The mistake: Measuring the door itself instead of the actual opening space.
Why it matters: Door handles, hinges, and molding reduce usable space by 2-3 inches.
Do this instead: Measure the clear space inside the door frame with the door fully open.
2. Forgetting Diagonal Depth
The mistake: Only measuring width, height, and depth.
Why it matters: Most sofas must be tilted to fit through doorways. Without diagonal measurement, you can’t estimate this.
Do this instead: Always measure corner-to-corner diagonally. This is your most important measurement for delivery.
3. Ignoring Packaging Dimensions
The mistake: Only measuring the assembled sofa dimensions.
Why it matters: Many sofas ship in boxes larger than the assembled piece.
Do this instead: Check product pages for “shipping dimensions” or “box dimensions” in addition to assembled measurements.
4. Only Measuring the Destination Room
The mistake: Only measuring the final room, not the entire path.
See also
Why it matters: Your sofa might fit perfectly in your living room but get stuck in the hallway or stairwell.
Do this instead: Walk the entire delivery path and measure every tight spot, turn, and obstacle.
5. Using a Cloth Tape Measure
The mistake: Using a flexible fabric measuring tape instead of a metal one.
Why it matters: Fabric tape can stretch and sag, giving measurements that could be off by several inches.
Do this instead: Use a 25-foot metal tape measure for accuracy.
What If Your Sofa Won’t Fit?
Quick Answer: If measurements are tight, you can remove doors temporarily, choose sofas with removable legs or arms, opt for modular furniture that assembles inside, or hire professional white-glove delivery services that specialize in difficult installations.
Solutions for Tight Fits
Temporary modifications:
- Remove doors from hinges (gains 2-3 inches)
- Take off door handles
- Clear hallway decorations and light fixtures
- Move other furniture temporarily
Professional delivery options:
- White-glove delivery service with specialized tools and techniques
- Window hoisting for upper floors (typically $200-500 extra)
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly services
Furniture designed for tight spaces:
- Sofas with removable legs or arms
- Modular sectionals that assemble inside your home
- Apartment-sized furniture designed for narrow doorways
Choosing the Right Sofa Size for Your Room
Quick Answer: A sofa should be about two-thirds the length of the wall it sits against. Leave at least 30 inches of walking space around the sofa and 18-24 inches between the sofa and coffee table.
Beyond delivery logistics, you want a sofa that looks and feels right in your space.
How to See If Furniture Will Fit in a Room
Room size guidelines:
- Small rooms (10×12 ft): Loveseat or 2-seater (56-70 inches)
- Medium rooms (12×15 ft): Standard 3-seater (73-87 inches)
- Large rooms (15×20 ft+): Large sofa or sectional (88+ inches)
Walking Space Requirements
Always leave at least 30 inches of clearance around the sofa for comfortable movement. Between the sofa and coffee table, maintain 18-24 inches minimum.
Learn more about furniture placement and room flow in our home makeover guides.
Common Questions About Measuring Sofas for Delivery
What is the most important measurement for sofa delivery?
The diagonal depth is the most critical measurement people often forget. Measured from the top back corner to the bottom front corner, this dimension helps estimate if your sofa can angle through doorways when tilted. Professional delivery teams use this measurement along with other techniques to navigate tight spaces.
How do you measure a sofa to fit through a door?
Measure your sofa’s width, height, depth, and diagonal depth. Then measure your doorway’s width and height (inside the frame). As a guideline, if the sofa’s diagonal depth is less than the door’s height, it will usually fit when angled. Professional movers can often work with borderline measurements using specialized techniques.
Will my sofa fit through my door calculator?
While there are calculators available online, they can’t account for all variables like door swing, obstacles, or professional moving techniques. The most reliable method is to measure carefully using our checklist and consult with your delivery team if measurements are close.
What should I do if my measurements are borderline?
If measurements are within 1-2 inches of your doorway dimensions, you have several options: remove the door from hinges (gains 2-3 inches), look for sofas with removable legs or arms, hire professional delivery services with specialized equipment, or choose modular furniture that assembles inside your home.
Should I measure the assembled sofa or the shipping box?
Measure both. Many sofas ship in boxes larger than the assembled piece. Check product pages for “shipping dimensions” or “box dimensions” in addition to assembled measurements. The box must fit through doorways during delivery.
Can professional delivery teams get oversized sofas through tight spaces?
Professional delivery teams have specialized techniques and can often navigate tight spaces by testing multiple angles and rotations. However, there are physical limits. If measurements are very tight or if you have complex spaces like spiral staircases, discuss your specific situation with the delivery team before purchase.
How do you measure couch dimensions?
Measure four dimensions: width (arm to arm, the widest point), height (floor to highest point of back), depth (front edge to back of frame), and diagonal depth (top back corner to bottom front corner). Use a metal tape measure and record all measurements in inches.
How are couches measured for delivery?
Couches are measured the same way as sofas: width (arm to arm), height (floor to top), depth (front to back), and diagonal depth (corner to corner). These measurements determine both room fit and delivery feasibility through doorways and tight spaces.
Are sectional sofas easier to fit through doors than regular sofas?
Modular sectionals that come in separate pieces often fit through tight spaces better because you’re moving smaller components. However, L-shaped sectionals delivered as one piece can be harder to maneuver due to their shape. Always check if your sectional separates into pieces for delivery.
What if I already bought a sofa and it doesn’t fit?
Contact the retailer immediately. Most furniture stores charge restocking fees (10-25%) and return shipping ($200-500). Before returning, consider professional furniture movers who specialize in difficult deliveries, or ask if the sofa can be partially disassembled. Some retailers offer exchange programs.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Sofa?
Taking 15 minutes to measure before you buy can save you $300-500 in fees and weeks of frustration.
Key takeaways:
- Measure all four dimensions: width, height, depth, and diagonal depth
- Measure every doorway, hallway, and stairway along the delivery path
- Use a metal tape measure for accuracy
- Check both assembled and shipping box dimensions
- Professional delivery teams can often work with borderline measurements
- When in doubt, choose modular furniture or apartment-friendly designs
Ready to start shopping? Now that you know how to measure, check out our furniture reviews and home design guides for inspiration.
Looking for more home tips? Explore our guest room makeover and master bedroom makeover guides for furniture placement and styling ideas.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general furniture measurement advice for typical residential situations. Individual circumstances vary based on furniture design, home architecture, and delivery methods. Measurements are approximations. Professional delivery teams have specialized techniques that may work with measurements that seem borderline. Always verify specific dimensions with retailers before purchase and consult professional delivery services for challenging installations. We are not responsible for delivery issues or costs resulting from measurement decisions.
Last updated: February 2026
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