Couch Research

Understanding Couch Specifications When Shopping

When sizing up a couch, remember: dimensions matter. Measure your space and legroom for a perfect fit!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
Understanding Couch Specifications When Shopping

We independently select everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Would you buy a pair of shoes without knowing what size the shoes or your feet are? No! That's a recipe for a foot-related disaster. You'd be wearing clown shoes. Ridiculous. 

It's the same idea when it comes to sofas.

You must understand the space you're working with and the measurements of the couch you want. Without them, you're going in blind. And while collecting all that information might seem like a daunting process, the experts of Couch.com have you covered. 

In this guide, we'll answer some key questions about sofa dimensions, from the average lengths of different sofas to how much legroom you need to measuring  your living room. 

What measurements do I need to take?

This question is divided into two categories: The sofa and your home. Grab a measuring tape, open that Notes app, and get ready to write these down. You'll thank me later, we promise!

The Sofa

Note: If you're in person, you can get these yourself! If you're shopping online the product page for each sofa should have a section that lists its dimensions. If you are having any trouble, reach out to customer support!

  • Length: Measure from the outer edge of one armrest to the outer edge of the other. This is the full horizontal span of the sofa and ensures it fits your space.

  • Depth: Start at the back of the sofa and measure straight to the front edge of the seat cushion. For reclining or deep-seated sofas, account for extra clearance if needed.

  • Height: Measure from the floor to the highest point of the sofa, typically the top of the backrest. Make sure the sofa fits under windowsills, shelves, or low ceilings if applicable.

  • Armrest Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the armrest. This is useful for ensuring comfort and compatibility with side tables or other furniture.

  • Backrest Height: Measure from the seat cushion to the highest point of the backrest. This helps determine neck support and overall comfort.

In Your Home

  • Doorways: Measure the height, width, and diagonal of your doorways. It's not just about the front door either! Make sure you measure any and all doors your sofa will have to go through. If you want a little extra give in the doorway space, you can take doors off their hinges. But given the relative effort and risk of this not being enough space, I wouldn't recommend it as a first resort.  
  • Hallways: Measure the height and width of your hallways. Be sure to note any narrower parts, corners, or potential obstructions (like radiators or closets). If you live in an apartment complex, make sure to get external hallways, staircases, and elevators too.
  • Walls/ Floors: In the room you want the sofa to go, consider the empty and available space you have. If your sofa is going against a wall, measure the wall so you know how much sofa you can work with to fill it. If you're placing the sofa in the middle of the room, measure the surface space you're working with. 
  • Other Furniture: In the same vein as taking spacial measurements of the room you're placing the sofa in, you should consider the relative size and scale of the other furniture in the room. For example, if you'd like your sofa to sit in between a lamp and a side table, with a foot of space either side, make sure you note that lamp-side-table distance! Measure coffee tables, side tables, rugs, or anything else that you might want to factor into your sofa-size decision making. 

What are standard couch widths?

  • Loveseat: Typically around 48 to 72 inches wide, loveseats offer cozy seating for two or a spacious spot for one person.
  • Standard sofa: Ranging from 72 to 96 inches wide, standard sofas provide comfortable seating for three people.
  • Sectional sofa: Widths can vary widely, but common sectional configurations start around 96 inches and can extend to over 120 inches, offering ample seating for a larger group or sprawling comfort.

    Do sofa dimensions include legs?

    Sofa dimensions typically include the main body of the sofa, including the arms and backrest, and they most often include the height of the legs. This means that when you see the dimensions listed for a sofa, it refers to the space the sofa occupies from the floor to the top of the frame.

    Pillow Height: The back pillows may extend beyond that height for a measurement that most retailers call "pillow height" or "overall height." When you're considering the delivery of a couch, you want to consider the height because it is essentially the same as the width of the piece as it will travel through your doorway. In fact, when it comes to delivery, you should consider all measurements.

    Example: A couch is listed at 30"H and it says that it has 5" legs, which means that, if the legs can be removed (or are delivered already removed), the effective height of the piece (or width traveling through a doorway) will be 25"H. This is small enough to fit through most doorways.

    How tall should my couch legs be?

    The height of your couch legs is totally up to your preferences! There's not a right or wrong look to a sofa. However, different heights can have different visual impact on your space. 

    Higher legs create a sense of openness and can visually lift a space. They're also a little bit easier to sit down on and get up and can be a good fit for those with mobility issues.

    Lower legs give the couch a lounge-like feel, and look great in larger, more relaxed settings.

    Platform base sofas come in varying heights to suit your preference, but don't have legs. Instead they have a plinth base that the sofa body sits on, this means there's no open space underneath your sofa. This can be a great choice for those with kids or dogs who lose things under a standard couch! 

    How much couch space per person?

    Personal space is off the essence! Making sure everyone has enough space to sit comfortably on your sofa is important, even when you're working with more compact options like a loveseat. 

    While a small couch can't magically fit a crowd of people, you can make sure for the 1 or 2 people who are using it have enough room to lounge as comfortably as they can. 

    Our general rules are as follows:

    • Personal space: Aim for about 22 to 24 inches of couch width per person to provide comfortable personal space.
    • Social comfort: For more relaxed gatherings, allocate slightly more space – around 30 inches of width per person – to encourage a comfortable bubble.
    • Adjust to suit your lifestyle: Consider the number of people you regularly accommodate and the couch's purpose, adjusting spacing accordingly.  

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    Alex Back
    Couch.com CEO & Founder
    Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
    Expand