Kitchen Hood Size Chart: Quick Reference for Choosing the Right Width

The Core Rule: Hood Width vs. Cooktop Width

The single most important number in a kitchen hood size chart is the width of your cooktop. The hood should be at least as wide as the cooking surface, and ideally wider. A hood that is narrower than the range will miss rising smoke and grease that drift to the edges, leaving your kitchen less clean than you expect.

The standard widths for both cooktops and hoods are 30 and 36 inches. Most residential ranges are 30 inches wide, which is why 30-inch hoods are the most common. If you have a 36-inch range, you need a 36-inch hood. The chart below gives the recommended hood width for each common cooktop size.

For a quick reference, use this rule: if your cooktop is 30 inches, choose a 30-inch hood at minimum, but a 36-inch hood performs noticeably better. If your cooktop is 36 inches, a 36-inch hood is the minimum; a 42-inch hood is better if your kitchen layout allows. Going one size up is almost always worth the extra cost.

For an island installation, the hood is usually wider than the cooktop by a larger margin. A 36-inch cooktop on an island often pairs with a 48-inch hood because there is no wall to help contain the airflow. The same principle applies to wall-mounted hoods, but the wall itself provides some natural containment.

Before you consult any chart, measure the actual width of your cooktop from outer edge to outer edge. Do not rely on the nominal size printed in the manual; a 30-inch range can measure 29.5 to 30.5 inches depending on the brand. Write down the real number and use that as your starting point.

• Hood width must be at least equal to cooktop width.
• One size up (e.g., 36-inch hood for 30-inch cooktop) is recommended for better capture.
• Island hoods should be 6 to 12 inches wider than the cooktop.
• Always measure the actual cooktop width, not the nominal size.

Gas vs. Electric: Why the Fuel Type Changes the Size Chart

The fuel type of your cooktop directly affects the minimum hood width and the airflow you need. Gas burners produce more heat, smoke, and combustion byproducts than electric coils or induction. That means a gas range demands a hood that is not only wider but also has a higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating.

For gas cooktops, the hood width should always be at least equal to the cooktop width, and going one size up is strongly recommended. For example, a 30-inch gas range works best with a 36-inch hood. Electric and induction cooktops generate less airborne grease, so a 30-inch hood over a 30-inch electric range is acceptable, though a 36-inch hood still improves capture.

The chart below summarizes the recommended hood width based on cooktop type and width. Use this as a starting point, then adjust for your specific kitchen layout and cooking habits.

If you cook frequently with high heat, sear meats, or use a wok, treat your cooktop as if it were gas even if it is electric. The extra width and CFM will pay off in better air quality. Conversely, if you rarely boil or fry, a minimum-width hood may be sufficient.

One more consideration: gas ranges require a hood with a higher CFM per inch of width. A general rule is 100 CFM per 10,000 BTUs of gas output, but for sizing the hood width, focus on the physical dimensions first, then match the CFM to the total BTU rating.

Matching CFM to Hood Width: The Airflow Side of the Chart

A kitchen hood size chart is incomplete without airflow. The width of the hood determines how much air it can capture, but the CFM rating determines how quickly it removes that air. The two must be matched to your cooktop’s heat output and your kitchen’s ducting situation.

For a gas cooktop, a common guideline is 100 CFM per 10,000 BTUs of total burner output. A typical 30-inch gas range has about 40,000 BTUs, so you would need roughly 400 CFM. For a 36-inch gas range with 60,000 BTUs, aim for 600 CFM. Electric cooktops generate less heat, so a 30-inch electric range can work with 300 to 400 CFM.

The hood width also influences the CFM you need. A wider hood covers more surface area, so it can capture the same smoke with lower CFM than a narrower hood. In practice, most manufacturers pair a 30-inch hood with 400 to 600 CFM, a 36-inch hood with 600 to 900 CFM, and a 48-inch hood with 900 CFM or more.

If your kitchen has a long duct run (more than 10 feet) or multiple bends, add 50% to the recommended CFM to compensate for airflow resistance. If you choose a recirculating hood (no duct to outside), expect a significant drop in performance; recirculating hoods need a higher CFM rating to achieve the same result, but even then they are less effective.

To use the chart correctly: first find your cooktop width, then choose a hood width from the table, then verify that the hood’s CFM meets the minimum for your fuel type and BTU output. If the CFM is too low, the hood will be noisy and ineffective even if the width is correct.

• Gas: 100 CFM per 10,000 BTUs of total burner output.
• Electric: 300–400 CFM for a 30-inch cooktop, 400–600 CFM for 36-inch.
• Add 50% CFM for duct runs longer than 10 feet or with bends.
• Recirculating hoods require higher CFM and still perform worse than ducted.

Installation Height: The Chart That Sits Above the Hood

Once you have the width, you need the correct installation height. The hood must be mounted at a specific distance above the cooktop to work effectively. This height is part of the sizing equation, because a hood that is too high or too low will not capture smoke properly.

For gas cooktops, the bottom of the hood should be 24 to 30 inches above the cooking surface. For electric and induction, the range is 18 to 24 inches. These ranges are set by the manufacturer and may vary slightly, so always check the manual that comes with your specific hood.

The height affects the effective capture area. If you mount the hood too high, smoke spreads out before reaching the fan, and a wider hood becomes necessary. If you mount it too low, you risk bumping your head and the hood may block your view of the cooktop. The width chart assumes you install within the recommended height range.

For island hoods, the height is often higher—typically 30 to 36 inches—because the hood is not against a wall and the ceiling is usually higher. A taller installation means you need a wider hood to maintain capture. This is why island hoods are often 6 to 12 inches wider than the cooktop.

When planning your kitchen, measure the distance from the cooktop surface to the bottom of the hood. Mark the height on the wall with a pencil before installing. This simple step prevents the common mistake of mounting the hood too high, which ruins performance regardless of width.

Island Hoods and Specialty Sizes: When the Chart Changes

Island hoods follow a different sizing logic than wall-mounted hoods. Because there is no wall to contain rising smoke, the hood must be wider relative to the cooktop. A standard island rule is to add 6 to 12 inches to the cooktop width. So a 30-inch island cooktop pairs with a 36- or 42-inch island hood.

Another specialty case is a cooktop with more than four burners, such as a 48-inch range with six burners or a griddle. These require a hood of at least 48 inches, and often 54 inches, to cover the full cooking surface. The chart for standard 30- and 36-inch cooktops does not apply directly; you need to measure the total width of the cooking area, including any griddle or grill modules.

For a cooktop with a grill or griddle in the middle, treat the entire surface as the cooktop width. A 36-inch range with a 12-inch griddle in the center still needs a 36-inch hood minimum, but a 42-inch hood will capture the extra smoke from the griddle better. The same principle applies to wok burners, which produce intense heat and smoke in a concentrated area.

If you are choosing a hood for an island, also consider the ceiling height. Higher ceilings allow smoke to rise and spread more, so you may need a wider hood or a higher CFM. A good rule for island hoods: if the ceiling is above 9 feet, add an extra 6 inches to the hood width beyond the standard island recommendation.

Finally, do not forget the ducting. Island hoods require a ceiling-mounted duct, which adds complexity and cost. The duct size must match the hood’s outlet, typically 6 or 8 inches in diameter. A larger duct reduces noise and improves airflow, so if you have a choice, go with the larger size.

• Island: add 6–12 inches to cooktop width.
• 48-inch cooktop: use 54-inch hood or wider.
• Griddles and grills: treat as part of the cooktop width.
• Ceiling above 9 feet: add another 6 inches to width.
• Duct size: 8-inch duct is quieter and more efficient than 6-inch.