Most sofas that “don’t fit” would have fitted the room; it is the route in that fails. Measure every point the sofa has to pass, in inches, note the smallest number, and compare it with the sofa’s depth, height and diagonal depth. Here is how to do each step.
What you need
- A metal tape measure (fabric tapes stretch).
- Painter’s tape, to mark the sofa’s footprint on the floor.
- Paper or your phone, to write each measurement down as you go.
1. Measure your room
- The wall: the length of the wall where the sofa will go. A sofa looks balanced at about two-thirds of that length.
- The depth in front: from the wall to the nearest obstacle, leaving 30-36″ for walkways and 14-18″ to a coffee table.
- Obstacles: windowsills, radiators, outlets and vents the sofa must not block.
- Mark it out: outline the sofa’s width and depth with painter’s tape. For a sectional, tape every side and the chaise.
2. Measure the route in
- Doorways: width and height of the clear opening, from the inside of the frame. If a door is open, measure from the door edge to the far side of the frame; hinges and handles can take an inch or two.
- Hallways: the narrowest width, including radiators, handrails and light fittings. Note any tight turns.
- Stairs: width between rails or walls, and the ceiling height above the stairs, especially at landings and turns.
- Elevators: door width, and the inside depth, height and diagonal of the car.
3. How to measure a couch
Every listing in our store gives the sofa’s dimensions. If you are measuring a sofa you already own, or checking a listing, these are the numbers that matter:
| Measurement | How to take it |
|---|---|
| Width | From the outside of one arm to the outside of the other, at the widest point. |
| Depth | From the very back to the front edge of the seat or arm, whichever sticks out most. |
| Height | From the floor to the highest point of the back, including any cushions that stay attached. |
| Seat height | From the floor to the top of the seat cushion. |
| Seat depth | From the front edge of the seat to the back cushion. |
| Diagonal depth | See below. It decides whether a sofa can be tilted through a door. |
4. How to measure a sofa’s diagonal depth
If the diagonal depth is not listed, take it from the side of the sofa. Lay a straight edge from the top of the back to the front of the arm, then measure from the bottom back corner up to the middle of that straight edge.
5. What to compare them with
A sofa usually goes through a door on its back or side, so the numbers that matter are its depth and height, not its width. As a rule of thumb:
- If the sofa’s depth or height is smaller than the door width, it should pass.
- If not, check its diagonal depth. If that is smaller than the door width, it can usually be tilted through.
- Sofas that ship compressed or in boxes only need their largest box to pass.
How to measure for a sectional sofa
- Measure each wall the sectional will sit against, from the corner outward.
- Check the sectional’s length on each side, and the depth of any chaise, which is usually longer than the seat depth.
- Decide which side the chaise or return goes on. Pieces are named for their arm as you face them: a left-arm-facing piece has its arm on your left. Our guide on how to choose a sectional explains it.
- Check each piece against the route in. Modular sectionals arrive in separate pieces, which is easier on tight doors and stairs.
Check your measurements
Enter your numbers below, or use the checker on any sofa’s page, which already knows that sofa’s dimensions.
Will it fit?
Enter the tightest measurements on the way in, in inches. Leave out anything that does not apply.
This is an estimate from your measurements and the listed dimensions, not a guarantee. Tight turns, railings, trim and door hinges can reduce clearance.
Tight turns and railings are not captured by straight measurements. If any result comes back tight, contact us before ordering.
How to get a couch through a door
Moving house? Our full guide covers wrapping, stairs and trucks: how to move a couch.
- Clear the route and protect the frame: take the door off its hinges if you can, remove the legs and loose cushions, and wrap corners in moving blankets.
- Stand it on end: turn the sofa onto its back or end so its depth, not its width, goes through first.
- Hook it through: angle one end through the doorway, then curve the back of the sofa around the frame (the “L” or hook move), with one person guiding on each side.
- Measure first: if the diagonal depth is larger than the door width, it won’t tilt through; plan another route or choose a modular sofa.
How to take apart a sectional couch
Most sectionals come apart at the joins: remove the cushions, then unhook the connecting brackets or clips under each joint and lift the pieces apart. Unscrew the legs from each piece. Keep all hardware in a labeled bag, and photograph the layout before you start so it goes back together the same way.
If it won’t fit
- Remove the legs; this often saves 3-6 inches of height.
- Take the door off its hinges, which can add an inch or two of width.
- Choose a modular sofa, or one that ships in boxes.
- For upper floors, a window or balcony hoist by a specialist mover is sometimes possible.
Frequently asked questions
Will a couch fit through a 30-inch door?
Often, yes, if its depth, height or diagonal depth is under 30 inches once the legs are off. Many standard sofas are 32-38 inches deep, so check the diagonal depth.
Do I measure a sofa with or without cushions?
Include anything that stays attached. Loose seat and back cushions can be removed for delivery, so the frame is what has to pass through the door.