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How to Measure Sectional Couch Dimensions

Furnishing your home with a sectional can make the difference between cramped and comfortable lounging space for family members and guests. Larger than the average couch, sectionals take up more room with an L-shaped design that can include one longer section or side chaise. Purchasing a sectional requires comparing the measurements of the sofa to those of your living space to prevent buying a couch that crowds your room or doesn't fit at all.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure from side to side along the outward-facing backboard of the sectional to find the length. Include the length of the backboard of any adjoining section, such as chaises, recliners and ottomans. Length dimensions allow you to proportion a sectional to the length of your walls and space to ensure the couch fits your room dimensions and leaves at least 2 feet of walking space around the sectional.

    • 2

      Measure from the backboard of the sectional to the end of the armrest to find the depth because an armrest can extend past the seat. Measure sofas without armrests along the side of the sofa from the backboard to the front. The depth measurement shows how far the couch extends outward so you can ensure that surrounding furniture such as ottomans, coffee tables and television stands fit in front of the sectional, in relation to the depth of the room.

    • 3

      Measure from the floor to the top edge of the cushion along the back of the sectional to determine the height. This allows you to find a sectional height in proportion to coffee and end table heights and television stands, and prevents the purchase of a couch that extends higher than windowsills and hanging artwork.

    • 4

      Cut strips of masking tape in the length, depth and height measurements of the sectional. Place the tape on your floor and wall, leaving 2 feet of space around the couch to create a visual of the sectional's size in your room. Arrange the furniture that will accompany the sectional to gauge how the space will look.