To determine the correct drawer slide size, measure the inside depth of your drawer box from the back to the front edge excluding the drawer face. Round this measurement down to the nearest whole inch. For example, a drawer measuring 20 ½ inches deep requires 20-inch drawer slides.
Understanding Drawer Slide Sizing
Several resources emphasize the importance of accurate measurement to ensure a proper fit. The process is generally consistent across different sources:
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Remove the drawer: Accurate measurement requires removing the drawer from the cabinet for unobstructed access. (Vadania, How to Determine Your Drawer Slides' Sizes?)
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Measure the drawer box: Measure the inside depth of the drawer box from the back to the front, excluding the face of the drawer. (Woodworker Express, How To Choose a Drawer Slide?, Arthur Harris, How to Measure Drawer Slides?)
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Round down: Round the measurement down to the nearest whole inch. A measurement of 22.75 inches would require 22-inch slides. (Sawmill Creek, Drawer Slide Length???, Woodworker Express, How To Choose a Drawer Slide?)
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Consider existing slides: If replacing existing slides, examine their length as a reference point. (Reddit, Replacing Drawer Slides)
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Available sizes: Remember that drawer slides come in standard sizes. Check the available sizes from your supplier (e.g., 8 inches to 60 inches at OVIS) to find the closest match to your calculated measurement. (OVIS, Drawer Slides, Shop by Size)
Example: If your drawer measures 18.5 inches deep internally, you should purchase 18-inch drawer slides.
Choosing the Right Drawer Slide Type
While the question focuses primarily on size, remember that choosing the type of drawer slide (full-extension, undermount, side-mount, etc.) is equally important for functionality and ease of installation. This requires separate consideration based on your project's specific requirements.
