How to Measure for Custom Shelves (Simple Guide)
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Getting the right measurements is the most important step when ordering custom shelves. The good news is it’s simple if you follow a few basic rules.
In this short guide, we’ll walk you through how to measure your space so your shelves fit perfectly the first time.
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## 1. What you’ll need
• A tape measure
• A pen or pencil
• A notepad or your phone
• (Optional) A small level
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## 2. Measure the length (left to right)
1. Measure the distance from the left wall to the right wall where your shelf will sit.
2. Take this measurement in three places:
- Front
- Middle
- Back
Walls are rarely perfectly straight. Using three points helps you see if one side is tighter than the others.
👉 Tip: Write down all three numbers and use the **smallest** as your “max safe length”.
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## 3. Leave a little clearance
If you make the shelf exactly the same length as the tightest spot, it may be hard to slide in.
For most closets and pantries, we recommend subtracting **1/16" to 1/8"** from your smallest length measurement.
Example:
• Front: 36 1/8"
• Middle: 36 1/16"
• Back: 36"
Use 36" as your base, then order the shelf at **35 7/8"** for an easier fit.
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## 4. Measure the depth (front to back)
Next, measure the distance from the back wall to the front edge where you want the shelf to stop.
• For closet shelves above hanging clothes, common depths are **12"–16"**
• For pantry shelves, **12"–18"** is typical
• For garage storage, people often choose **14"–20"**+ depending on what they store
You don’t usually need clearance on the depth unless the shelf has to fit inside a cabinet.
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## 5. Check for obstacles
Before you finalize your size:
• Look for baseboards, trim, outlets or brackets that might be in the way
• If there’s a closet system track or rail, measure inside that space
• Note if the walls bow or are out of square
If you see something unusual, take a quick photo – it’s always better to double check before ordering.
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## 6. Write your final shelf size clearly
For each shelf, write your final size as:
**Length x Depth**
Examples:
• 35 7/8" L x 12" D
• 30" L x 14" D
• 48" L x 16" D
When you order from Shelfix, you’ll enter these numbers directly so we can cut and edge band each shelf to your exact size.
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## 7. Ready to order?
Once you have your measurements:
1. Choose your finish (White, Maple, Gray or Black)
2. Enter your length and depth
3. We cut, edge band and ship your shelves from our Florida shop
If you’re not sure about your measurements or have a tricky space, you can always reach out before ordering. We’re happy to take a look and help you decide the best size.
👉 You can order custom cut shelves anytime at **Shelfix.com**.