If you’ve ever tried to squeeze a new appliance into an existing kitchen space, you know a few inches can make all the difference. That’s why knowing dishwasher measurements before you shop is essential if you want to avoid awkward gaps, last-minute returns, and headaches on installation day.
Think of this as your go-to dishwasher size guide. We’ll break down the most common dishwasher dimensions, show you three simple ways to figure out your dishwasher measurements, and explain how capacity and other factors can affect your choice. By the end, you’ll feel confident reading measurements of dishwashers and knowing exactly what works for your kitchen.
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Shop Dishwashers3 Ways to Calculate Dishwasher Measurements
Built-in, portable, and drawer dishwashers—each type has its own measuring approach. In this section, we cover how to take accurate dishwasher measurements so you can compare dishwashers easily and find the right fit.
Measuring Built In Dishwasher Dimensions
A built in dishwasher is designed to slide seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry, giving you a clean, custom look. The two standard dishwasher measurements are:
- An 18” dishwasher, perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, or as a secondary unit in a butler’s pantry.
- The 24” dishwasher, which is the standard choice for most kitchens.
Learn More: 4 Best Built in Dishwashers Under $500
How to Measure Built-In Dishwashers
Follow these steps to ensure your new dishwasher fits perfectly into your kitchen cutout:
- Step 1: Measure the width of the dishwasher cutout at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement to ensure the unit will slide in without issues.
- Step 2: Measure the height from the floor to the underside of the countertop at both the left and right sides.
- Step 3: Measure the depth from the back wall to the front edge of the cabinetry, excluding the door handle area.
- Step 4: Check for obstructions like baseboards, pipes, or wiring that could affect the fit.
- Step 5: Leave extra clearance (usually ½ inch) for easy installation and ventilation.
Featured Example: Bosch® 500 Series 24" Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
The Bosch SHP65CM5N built-in dishwasher is impressively quiet (operating at just 44 dBA) that is barely noticeable when running. The intelligent PrecisionWash® sensors deliver consistently spotless results, and it includes a flexible third rack that adapts to awkward utensils. When a cycle is done, the AutoAir® drying system pops the door ajar for better drying without using energy. Smart-home fans will appreciate the Wi-Fi-enabled Home Connect® app and helpful features like the InfoLight® that signals when a cycle is underway. Overall, this model balances thoughtful engineering, convenience, and clean dishes with minimal fuss on a standard dishwasher dimensions.
Featured Example: Whirlpool® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Whirlpool Dishwasher
Humming along at around 47 decibels, this dishwasher is hard at works with a powerful Sensor Cycle that adjusts cleaning based on how dirty the dishes are, which ensures thorough results every time. You'll also love the flexible loading options: a handy third rack for utensils, an adjustable second rack, and collapsible tines that make room for oddly shaped items. And thanks to its fingerprint-resistant finish, it stays clean and polished-looking even in a busy household.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ Review:
"So far I love my Whirlpool dishwasher. I've used it 3 times on quick wash and it did a great cleaning job. I love that it's so quiet I can hardly hear it."
Measuring Portable Dishwasher Dimensions
Portable dishwashers are freestanding units, which means they're not installed under the counter like built-in models. They’re typically wider and shallower—think of them as compact workhorses that can roll out from a closet wherever you need them.
While exact cutout measurements aren’t as critical here, it's still important to make sure your portable dishwasher fits inside a closet, pantry, or any tight storage area.
How to Measure Portable Dishwashers
- Step 1: Measure the width and depth of the storage space where the unit will live. This ensures the entire machine, including any protruding parts like handles or controls, fits comfortably.
- Step 2: Measure the height of the storage area to make sure the top of the dishwasher clears any shelving or overhangs.
- Step 3: Keep in mind the door swing will leave enough space in front of the unit so the door can open fully without bumping into walls or other objects.
- Step 4: Account for ventilation and space to slide the unit out. You’ll need room to pull it forward, connect it to the sink, and give it proper airflow during operation.
Featured Example: GE® 24" Stainless Steel Portable Dishwasher
For kitchens where a full-size dishwasher won’t fit, we recommend this GE freestanding dishwashing machine. Its AutoSense cycle uses sensors to match water temperature and cycle length to how dirty your dishes are, which makes for smart, efficient cleaning. The built-in Piranha Hard Food Disposer spins at 3,600 RPM to break down food particles and keep the wash arms from clogging. Plus, the NSF-certified sanitize option delivers hygienic results, removing 99.999% of bacteria for confidently clean dishes.
⭐Featured GE GPT225SSLSS Review:
"We are very pleased on how quiet it is and how easy the controls are to use. The capacity is perfect and installation was easy. Selecting cycles was a snap. Just select what you want, hit start, and shut the door."
Featured Example: Whirlpool® 24" Portable Dishwasher-White
Shop This Whirlpool Portable Dishwasher
Like over 400 5-star reviews, we love this portable dishwashing machine for its fast and efficient clean with a 1-Hour Wash cycle. It cuts your dishwashing time in half thanks to the smart soil sensor that adapts the cycle to the level of dirt. It offers a roomy capacity with space for up to 12 place settings, rendering it a solid freestanding alternative when a built-in isn’t an option. The control panel is simple and easy to operate, offering multiple wash options including normal, heavy, and high-temperature cycles with heated dry for more thorough cleaning.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WDP370PAHW Review:
"For the price, our dishwasher does a great job. Have seen a few bad reviews, but for the good job it does, we have to give the five rating. PS: It is not noisy."
Measuring Drawer Dishwasher Dimensions
A drawer dishwasher is a compact alternative to the traditional built-in model, designed with one or two pull-out drawers instead of a drop-down door. These units are ideal for smaller households, secondary kitchens, or anyone who wants to run smaller loads more efficiently.
Common dish drawer dimensions vary by brand, but most single drawers are around 24 inches wide and shorter in height than standard dishwashers, while double drawers stack two units in the same width but require more vertical space. Because they come in both single and double configurations, taking precise measurements is essential to ensure a perfect fit.
Learn More: 5 Things to Know Before Installing a Dishwasher Drawer in Your Home
How to Measure Drawer Dishwashers
- Step 1: Measure the width of the cutout at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest number for accuracy.
- Step 2: Measure the height from the floor to the underside of the countertop for a single drawer, or from the floor to the top of the space if installing a double drawer.
- Step 3: Measure the depth from the back wall to the front edge of the cabinetry, ensuring enough clearance for the drawer to extend fully.
- Step 4: Check for any obstructions, such as cabinet handles, trim, or pipes, that could block the drawer’s movement.
- Step 5: Leave a small clearance for ventilation and ease of installation.
On top of these standard measuring tips, you’ll also need to measure from the edge of the countertop to the nearest object directly parallel to the cutout (such as a countertop or kitchen island). Once you pick a model you like, be sure to compare the door depth specs in the manual. This indicates how far a dish drawer pulls out and whether it’s too deep for a kitchen.
Featured Example: Café™ 24'' Matte White Drawer Dishwasher
Shop This Cafe Drawer Dishwasher
Leave it to Cafe to take a new dishwasher concept and give it a trendy look. That’s what the CDD220P4WW2 does, along with built-in Wi-Fi and SmartHQ™, letting you monitor cycles, get alerts, and control functions right from your phone. With six cycle options, such as Fast Wash, Sanitize, and Ultra Dry, it handles everything from quick cleanups to tough loads with ease. Bonus features like Knock to Pause, a leak sensor, adjustable racks, and ADA-compliant loading height make it a practical, user-friendly choice for modern kitchens.
Featured Example: Fisher & Paykel Series 7 24" Stainless Steel Double DishDrawer™ Dishwasher
Shop This Fisher & Paykel Dish Drawer
For the traditional dishwasher experience with the dish drawer design, go for a double drawer dishwasher, like this one from Fisher & Paykel. Each wash compartment works independently, letting you run one side for a quick load or both at once with different wash programs. The built-in Sanitize and Extra Dry settings tackle tough messes and ensure dishes come out ready to use, while the fan-assisted drying helps them dry thoroughly. Plus, its ingenious drawer-style design makes loading and unloading more ergonomic, especially when installed at countertop height—less bending, more ease.
⭐Featured Fisher & Paykel DD24DCTX9 N Review:
"Love my new drawer dishwasher! It’s so quiet and cleans really well. I love having a second drawer to put dirty dishes in while the first drawer is washing!"
Measuring Dishwashers by Capacity
When buyers ask us, “how big is a dishwasher,” the conversation also includes the interior, or dishwasher capacity, which is measured by how many place settings it can hold. This makes it easier to compare models, since two dishwashers with similar exterior dimensions can have different loading capacities depending on their design.
What Are Dishwasher Place Settings?
A dishwasher place setting is a standard way to measure how much a dishwasher can hold. One (1) place setting typically includes:
- 1 dinner plate
- 1 dessert plate
- 1 soup bowl
- 1 cup
- 1 saucer
- 1 drinking glass
- Cutlery (usually a dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon, and teaspoon)
So, if a dishwasher is rated for 12 place settings, it can wash all the items needed for 12 people in one load.
How Many Place Settings Do I Need?
Follow these general dishwasher measurements to determine how many place settings your household needs:
- 7–10 place settings – Good for singles or couples.
- 11–13 place settings – Ideal for small families (3–4 people).
- 14–17 place settings – Best for larger families (5+ people).
More Dishwasher Dimensions to Consider
Beyond cutouts and capacity, there are other dishwasher measurements that can impact installation and day-to-day use. Paying attention to these details helps ensure a smooth fit and better kitchen workflow.
Dishwasher Door Dimensions
An open dishwasher door adds extra depth to the appliance’s footprint. Tracking door dimensions is essential to prevent the door from hitting an island, cabinet, or other obstacles. It also ensures you’ll have enough clearance to load and unload dishes comfortably. If you’re wondering how do you measure a dishwasher, it’s best to check both the closed and fully open positions to avoid surprises.
You can find these measurements in the product’s specification sheet. In fact, researching dishwasher online is an easy way to review a digital dishwasher manual for quick reference to all its dimensions.
Dishwasher Handle Specs
Handles may seem minor, but they can add to the overall depth when the door is open. Some protrude just enough to affect clearance, especially in tight kitchens.
To check for handle or hardware measurements, look at the product’s specification sheet. This will show how far the handle sticks out, both when the door is closed and open. Double-checking this detail is especially important in galley kitchens or near walkways.
Learn More: How Long Should a Dishwasher Last? (+Maintenance Tips That Matter)
No matter how you measure a dishwasher, the results always add up to a convenient machine that every kitchen needs. Now that you’re caught up on how to measure dishwasher size, it’s time to explore a new model for the kitchen. Stop by Don’s Appliances near you to have one of our friendly appliance experts help you with all your other answers regarding how to install a dishwasher.
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Dishwashers at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop dishwashers online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy break down dishwasher measurements and which ones suit your kitchen — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: How to Measure Cooktop Sizes for the Perfect Fit