What Size Microwave Do I Need? [Microwave Size Guide]

Microwave size determination is one of the first things you need to establish before you set out to find the microwave that checks all the boxes. It is also one of the easiest things to specify if you know what to keep in mind before determining the size of the microwave.

If you are unclear about “what size of microwave you need.” Then let us walk you through a thinking and decision-making process that will lead you to buy the fitting size of the microwave according to your needs. You may also like to check our tested recommendations for the best stainless steel microwave ovens.

What Size Microwave Do I Need?

Let’s discuss both these aspects in detail.

Determination of Microwave Size According to Its Placement

Whenever you want to buy anything, you have a clear idea of where you would place it. The same is the case with the microwave! You know the space allowance your kitchen offers.

Microwaves are usually placed:

• On the countertop (Freestanding Microwaves)
• Over the range
• Under the cabinets or pre-built cabinets

Wherever you have decided to place the microwave, you would need to measure the space and match the microwave’s exterior dimension (depth, width, and height) with it.

Note: Microwave sizes are usually described in cubic ft., but cubic ft. shows internal dimensions of a microwave.

Countertop Microwaves Sizes

Countertop microwaves or freestanding microwaves are most commonly used and can be found in various sizes. There is no standard size of a microwave. It just depends on how much space you have on your kitchen counter.

Dimensions	Small Countertop Microwave	Medium Countertop Microwave	Large Countertop Microwave
Width	Up to 45 cm width (17.7 inches)	45-55 cm (17.7 – 21.6 inches)	55 cm or more (21.6 inches or more)
Height	Up to 30 cm height (11.8inches)	30-35 cm (11.8 – 13.7 inches)	35 cm or more (13.7 inches or more)
Depth	Up to 35 cm (13.7 inches)	35- 50 cm (13.7- 19.6 cm)	50 cm or more 19.6 inches or more
Watts	600-900 watts	1000-1200 watts	1200 or more
Cubic Ft.	0.6 to 0.9 cubic ft.	1 – 1.5 cubic ft.	1.5 cubic ft. or more

Do you know microwaves size is correlated with the power in watts used by microwaves? Read more on how many watts does a microwave use to gain in-depth information about it.

Over the Range Microwave

If your kitchen has the space for an over-the-range microwave, it will save your kitchen counter space. Most over-the-range microwaves have a venting system to let out the odor and smoke from the cooking range. They are usually wider than countertop microwaves. Hence, they can cook more food in a single batch.

Standard Size of Microwave (Over the Range)

The standard width of the over-the-range microwave matches the width of the cooking range (usually 30 inches) placed below. A 24-inches wide over-the-range microwave is another compact microwave option, but it is less frequently preferred by consumers.

Standard over-the-range microwaves have a 16-17 inches height, but low-profile microwaves are approximately 10 inches high, a height cut of 6 inches from standard size for constrained spaces.

Depth of standard over-the-range microwaves ranges from 15-18 inches.

Dimensions	Standard Size	Low Profile/compact Size
Width	30 inches	24 inches
Height	16-17 inches	10 inches
Depth	15-18 inches	15-18 inches

Over-the-range microwave internal capacity ranges between 1 cubic ft. to 2.2 cubic ft.

Built-In Microwave Dimensions

Built-in microwaves are installed in the pre-existing cabinets or under the counter. Some built-in microwaves are designed specially to fit in a pull-out drawer like a food or cutlery compartment.

Built-in microwave size depends on the counter or drawer size, but they have more depth than an over-the-range and countertop microwave.

Average dimensions of built-in microwaves	Measurement In inches
Width	24-30 inches
Height	17-22 inches
Depth	20-25 inches

The internal capacity of built-in microwaves ranges from 1 to 2.2 cubic ft.

Selecting Microwave Size According to Family’s Cooking Needs

You may have ample space in your kitchen to accommodate the largest size of a microwave. But if you have a small family, or you just utilize a microwave for reheating leftovers, then it would be useless to spend an extra amount on buying a premium large-size microwave. Additionally, microwave’s internal dimensions are different from external dimensions, and internal dimensions and capacity determine how much food you can cook in a single batch.

Have a look at the table below to gauge your cooking needs.

Capacity	Small	Mid-Size	Large
Internal capacity in Cubic Ft.	Less than 1.0 cubic ft.	More than 1.0 cubic ft.	More than 1.5 cubic ft.
Internal capacity in liters	Up to 25 L	25-42 L	More than 42 L
No. of people	1-2	3-4	5 or more

The more the internal capacity, the larger the turntable a microwave can accommodate. 0.7 or 0.8 cubic ft. can house a 10 inches turntable, microwaves with more than 1 cubic ft. can fit a full dinner plate, and you can even bake large pizza or whole chicken.

For small family and basic microwave needs, have a look at our top-picks of the best 700 watts small microwave oven placed on the countertop!

Measuring Dimensions for Countertop, Over-the-Range, and Built-in Microwave

For finding the best fit for your countertop microwave, measure the approximate space where you want to place the appliance and find the microwave by keeping in mind the size of the microwave. Also, make sure that the electrical outlet is not far away.

Tips: 

• Microwaves need ventilation space. So there should be at least 2 inches of a gap from the walls.
• Microwaves shouldn’t be placed close to the counter edge and should have a distance of 4-5 inches from the countertop edge. It’s because some microwaves slide a little towards the front.
• Microwaves should be placed away from the kitchen stove.

If you want a small yet power-packed microwave, you shouldn’t miss this list of the best 900 watts microwaves.

For over-the-range and built-in microwave, remove your current microwave and measure the cut-out width, depth, and height. Microwaves should have a clearance space for venting, which is specified in the manufacturer’s manual.

Tips:

• For an over-the-range microwave, there should be a 30 inches distance from the microwave’s bottom to the stovetop.
• The sidewalls of adjacent cabinets should be at least 6 inches afar from the microwave’s sides.

Wrapping Up!

If you are still unclear about the size of the microwave you can take the largest size bowl or plate you intend to use in it and check if it fits the microwave cavity. For over-the-range or built-in microwaves, you can take help from the manufacturer’s website or the retailer’s expertise. Retailers know the typical microwave dimensions that would suit your kitchen’s space.