Standard Kitchen Hood Dimensions: Width, Depth, and Height Explained

Width: The Primary Dimension

The width of a kitchen hood is the most important dimension because it must cover the cooking surface below. Standard widths are 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 inches. The 30-inch and 36-inch sizes are by far the most common, matching the width of most residential ranges and cooktops.

For a wall-mounted or under-cabinet hood, the width should be at least as wide as the range, and ideally a few inches wider. A 30-inch range typically pairs with a 30-inch or 36-inch hood; a 36-inch range pairs with a 36-inch or 42-inch hood. Wider hoods capture more smoke and steam because the outer edges extend past the burners.

Island hoods follow the same width logic, but because they hang in open space, they often appear larger visually. A 36-inch island hood over a 30-inch cooktop is common, and 48-inch models are used for professional-style ranges. The width is always measured from left to right across the front of the hood.

Depth: Front-to-Back Coverage

Depth is the measurement from the front edge of the hood to the back edge, parallel to the wall. Standard depths are 17 to 24 inches for under-cabinet and wall-mounted hoods. The most common depth is about 20 inches, which aligns with standard upper cabinet depths of 12 to 13 inches plus the gap to the wall.

The depth matters because the hood must cover the front and back burners of the range. A typical residential range is 25 to 27 inches deep, so a 20-inch hood covers most of the cooking surface but not the very front edge. That is acceptable because smoke and steam rise and are drawn toward the center of the hood.

Island hoods are often deeper, ranging from 24 to 30 inches, because they hang over a cooktop that may be accessible from multiple sides. A deeper island hood provides more capture area, which is important when there is no wall or cabinet to help contain rising air currents.

Height: Installation and Clearance

Height has two meanings for kitchen hoods: the physical height of the unit itself and the installation height above the cooktop. The unit height typically ranges from 6 to 18 inches for under-cabinet models and 20 to 36 inches for wall-mounted or island models, but this is less critical than the clearance above the cooking surface.

The recommended clearance between the bottom of the hood and the cooktop is 24 to 30 inches for electric stoves and 24 to 36 inches for gas stoves. Gas ranges often require a taller clearance because of the open flame and the need to prevent heat damage. Always check the manufacturer's specification, as some hoods have a minimum and maximum height.

The ductwork and chimney on a wall-mounted hood add to the total height. A standard chimney can extend from the hood body to the ceiling, which may be 8 to 10 feet. If the ceiling is higher than the chimney's maximum extension, an extension piece is needed, or the hood must be mounted lower.

Common Sizes for Each Hood Type

Under-cabinet hoods are the most compact. They are built to fit between standard upper cabinets, which are typically 30 or 36 inches wide. The most common under-cabinet widths are 30 and 36 inches, with depths of 17 to 20 inches. Their total height is usually 6 to 12 inches, so they fit snugly below the cabinet.

Wall-mounted hoods, also called chimney hoods, are larger and attach to the wall above a range. They come in widths of 30, 36, 42, and 48 inches. The body depth is 18 to 24 inches, and the chimney height is adjustable to fit ceilings from 8 to 9 feet. These hoods are often chosen for their visible design as much as their function.

Island hoods hang from the ceiling and are the largest category. Widths range from 30 to 60 inches, with 36 and 48 being most common. Depths run 24 to 30 inches, and the chimney can be quite tall. Because they are not supported by a wall, they require a sturdy ceiling mount and often a separate makeup air system for high-CFM models.

• Under-cabinet: 30 or 36 inches wide, 17-20 inches deep, 6-12 inches tall
• Wall-mounted: 30, 36, 42, or 48 inches wide, 18-24 inches deep, chimney height adjustable
• Island: 36 or 48 inches wide (up to 60), 24-30 inches deep, ceiling-mounted
• Downdraft: 30 or 36 inches wide, retractable, sits flush with countertop

Measuring a Hood: Key Dimensions to Record

When shopping for a replacement or new hood, three measurements matter: width, depth, and height. Width is measured across the front face. Depth is from front to back. Height is the total vertical dimension of the unit, not including the chimney or duct cover for wall-mounted models.

For under-cabinet hoods, also measure the space between the cabinets and the distance from the cabinet bottom to the cooktop. For wall-mounted hoods, measure the distance from the cooktop to the ceiling and the distance from the wall to the front edge of the cooktop. These figures determine the chimney length and whether the hood will fit without blocking cabinets.

For island hoods, measure the distance from the ceiling to the cooktop and the distance between the cooktop and any nearby cabinets or walls. The hood must be centered over the cooktop, and the duct run must have a clear path to the outside. Record all measurements in inches and compare them to the manufacturer's specifications before purchasing.