How to Measure a Vent

A home with ductwork for air circulation uses vents. The vents dispel either warm heated air or cool air-conditioned air into rooms through registers. Some rooms may also have grilles that pull air out of rooms to enable effective air circulation. To install a register or grille, measure the vent opening first. With the vent dimensions, you will have the information necessary to fit the register or grille onto the vent correctly.

Screwdriver
Tape measure
Pencil
Paper

Instructions

- 1
  Unscrew the screws on the existing register or grille to remove it, if necessary. Set the screws aside, grasp the register or grille and pull toward you to remove it from the vent. Set the unit aside.
- 2
  Place the tape measure at the left edge of the vent and extend it straight across to the right edge of the vent to measure the width. Write out the measurement and label it as the width of the vent.
- 3
  Place the tape measure at the top edge of the vent and extend it straight down to the bottom edge of the vent to measure the length. Note down the measurement and label it as the length.
- 4
  Measure the dimensions of the opening in which the register or grille fits to ensure you select one that fits precisely. Many register or grille units have a standard 7/8-inch or 1-inch lip that supports it around the perimeter of the opening.

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