Microwaves are masters of convenience and come in different types designed to fit your kitchen and cooking style. Countertop, over-the-range and built-in microwaves come in a range of sizes and capacities to choose from. Whether you're remodeling, replacing or just upgrading to the latest innovations, it’s important to know how much space you have available so you can get the right fit the first time. Read on to learn more about microwave oven sizes and dimensions.

What are standard microwave sizes?

Microwaves are measured by exterior width, height, depth and interior capacity. The interior capacity, measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.), is sometimes listed in the product name. Exterior microwave width, height and depth varies greatly from compact and low-profile models to standard models, but once you’ve settled on a microwave type, the dimensions don’t change much from model to model.

Countertop microwaves

A countertop microwave can be placed nearly anywhere in your kitchen or installed in cabinetry with a trim kit for extra flexibility and ease of access.

Compact microwaves

• Capacity is usually around 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet.
• Widths can range from 15 to 18 inches.
• Heights often measure from 10 to 12 inches.
• Depth is measured with the door closed and open since you’ll need to have enough space for the door to swing fully out. Closed-door depths range from roughly 12 to 16 inches. Open-door depths range from roughly 27 to 39 inches.

Standard microwaves

• Capacity is often from around 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet.
• Widths can range from about 21 to 24 inches.
• Height is usually around 13 inches.
• Closed-door depths range roughly from 16 to 20 inches. Open-door depths range from roughly from 27 to 39 inches.

Standard over-the-range microwaves

Over-the-range microwaves are becoming the more common choice for today’s kitchens. They offer excellent cooking performance and double as a hood vent, capturing smoke, grease and odors coming off the cooking surface below.

• Capacity is usually around 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet.
• Widths will all be roughly 30 inches to match the standard width of the range below and the standard cabinet cutout width where the microwave will be installed. You may find some compact models measuring around 24 inches wide as well.
• Heights are usually around 17 inches.
• Closed door depths range from 15 to 17 inches. Open-door depths range from 40 to 50 inches. Because over-the-range microwaves all have similar widths, the open door depths will also be similar. 

Low-profile over-the-range microwaves

A low-profile microwave offers a streamlined design to give you more space above your cooking surface without compromising space inside for the items you normally place in a microwave.

• Capacity is around 1.1 cubic feet of space, a little smaller than a standard over-the-range microwave, but still large enough to fit regular-sized dishes. 
• Width is the same as a standard over-the-range microwave, roughly 30 inches to match the width of the oven below.
• Height, at a little over 10 inches, is shorter than a standard over-the-range microwave to give cooks more room to create on the stove. 
• Depths will be around 18 inches closed and 48 inches open.

Built-in microwaves

Built-in microwave ovens are installed directly into preexisting cabinetry, opening up valuable space and bringing clean lines to the kitchen. They feature drop down drawers that allow them to open like a standard oven.

• Capacity can range from 1.0 to 2.2 cubic feet, with most landing between 1.2 to 1.6 cubic feet. 
• Widths align with standard cabinet widths, usually 24, 27 or 30 inches.
• Height typically ranges from 17 to 22 inches. 
• Depths range from roughly 20 to 25 inches with the door closed and 30 to 35 inches with the door open. Built-in microwaves can be installed in a cabinet or under a counter. Learn how to install a built-in microwave with our comprehensive guide.

How to measure over-the-range and built-in microwave dimensions

Step 1: Remove your current microwave

If you still have a microwave in your cutout or cabinet, remove it so you can measure the space. 

Step 2: Measure the microwave cutout width

Use a measuring tape to measure the width of the cutout from cabinet to cabinet. Most standard cutouts are 30 inches wide. 

Step 3: Measure the microwave cutout depth

Measure the cutout depth from the wall to the front of the cabinet, excluding the door. Most cabinets will be 24 inches deep. 

Step 4: Measure the microwave cutout height

Measure the cutout height from the top of the cabinet to the bottom. If you’re installing an over-the-range microwave, it’s okay for it to drop below the cabinets as long as you retain 30 inches from the bottom of the microwave to the top of the stove.