Measuring a file cabinet depends on whether you need its external size for placement or its internal drawer size for filing capacity. According to common practice, and as referenced, you measure file cabinets differently based on the filing method.
Understanding File Cabinet Measurements
To measure a file cabinet accurately, you need to consider two main aspects: the overall exterior dimensions and the interior dimensions of the drawers. The specific dimensions you need will depend on your purpose—fitting the cabinet into a space or determining how many files it can hold.
Measuring for Space and Fit
When you need to know if a file cabinet will fit in a specific location, such as under a desk or in a room, you measure its outside dimensions. This includes:
- Width: Measure from the outermost point on the left side to the outermost point on the right side. For side to side filing Measure the outside dimensions of your file cabinet from left to right. This confirms the cabinet's width.
- Depth: Measure from the very front of the cabinet (including handle or drawer pulls) to the very back. This tells you how far the cabinet will extend from the wall or front edge of a desk.
- Height: Measure from the bottom of the cabinet (usually including legs or base) to the very top surface. This is crucial for fitting under desks, into closets, or determining overall vertical space needed.
Measuring for Filing Capacity
If you need to know how many files a drawer can hold, or what size files fit, you need the interior dimensions of the drawers. The key measurement here is depth, as it determines whether standard letter or legal-size files can be placed front-to-back or side-to-side.
- Drawer Depth (Internal): Measure the inside length of the drawer from the front inside panel to the back inside panel. For front to back measure the inside dimensions of your file cabinet drawer. This is essential for knowing if you can file documents front-to-back.
- Drawer Width (Internal): Measure the inside width of the drawer from the left inside panel to the right inside panel. This is important for side-to-side filing or using filing frames.
- Drawer Height (Internal): Measure from the bottom inside surface of the drawer to the top inside surface. This tells you the maximum height of items you can store inside the drawer.
Practical Measurement Guide
Here is a simple breakdown of how to measure:
- For Overall Fit: Use a measuring tape to find the cabinet's external width (left-to-right), depth (front-to-back), and height (bottom-to-top).
- For Filing Inside: Open a drawer and use a measuring tape to find the internal depth (front-to-back), internal width (left-to-right), and internal height (bottom-to-top).
Example Measurements:
| Dimension Type | Measurement Point | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Width | Leftmost point to Rightmost point | Fitting cabinet into a space (For side to side filing Measure the outside dimensions of your file cabinet from left to right.) |
| Outside Depth | Frontmost point to Backmost point | Determining how far cabinet extends |
| Outside Height | Bottom to Top | Fitting cabinet under/into spaces |
| Inside Drawer Depth | Inside front panel to Inside back panel | Filing documents front-to-back (For front to back measure the inside dimensions of your file cabinet drawer. ) |
| Inside Drawer Width | Inside left panel to Inside right panel | Filing documents side-to-side |
| Inside Drawer Height | Inside bottom to Inside top | Max height of items in drawer |
Knowing these measurements helps ensure you select the right file cabinet for both your space and your filing needs. Always double-check measurements before purchasing.
