a guide to
sofa Dimensions & Sizes
Finding a sofa you love is only half the battle. The other half is making sure it actually fits. It’s one of the most common furniture buying mistakes out there: you fall in love with a style and color, bring it home, and realize it either swallows the room whole or barely seats half the family
Before you commit to a purchase, it pays to understand standard sofa dimensions and how to measure your space properly.
Understanding sofa dimensions and sizes help you to gain the most out of your sofa purchase. You can buy a sofa that is big enough for the whole family, yet fits perfectly into your living space.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so the sofa you choose looks great and fits just right.
What Sofa Measurements
to Consider?
Do you know what measurements to take when you need to buy a new sofa? Many consumers either choose a two-seater sofa if they are looking for a smaller size or a three-seater sofa for a larger size.
But, are you certain that the sofa will fit in your room? Is it big enough for everyone to sit on?
When measuring for a sofa, there are various measurements that you need to take.
SOFA WIDTH
The most important measurement is the total sofa width to see whether the sofa will fit across the room. If your living space is particularly narrow, a larger sofa simply may not fit!
SOFA DEPTH
You should also consider the sofa depth, assessing how much room the sofa will take from the edge of the room. It is also an important measurement to take to see if the sofa will fit through the width of your doors and entry points.
But, what about comfort? Did you know that not all seat widths and depths are the same?
Perhaps you need a larger seating area or simply want more space?
Measure specific seats of the sofa and compare them with other sofa seat areas.
Of course, the best way to judge comfort levels is to sit on the sofa and test it out for yourself!
Check out our list of sofa measurements that you need to take.
Sofa Depth
The sofa depth measurement is taken from the front of the sofa to the back of the sofa, including the entire back of the sofa.
Standard sofa dimensions will measure around 35 inches. However, typical sofa dimensions will measure from 32 inches to 40 inches in sofa depth.
Sofa Height
The height of your sofa is the measurement from the top of the sofa to the bottom of the sofa. This measurement is important to determine how high the back of the sofa is and how much comfort you will have when seated. It also encompasses the height of the sofa off the floor.
Standard sofa dimensions will range from 26 inches in sofa height to 36 inches in sofa height, with measurements depending on the sofa style.
Seat Depth
Seat depth measures how much seating room you
have when sitting on the sofa. This measurement is
taken from the front edge of the seat to the back
edge of the seat.
Standard sofa dimensions will measure the
seat depth between 21 inches and 22 inches,
although seat depth can be as wide as 25
inches.
Sofa Height
The seat height is the distance from the floor to the top of a sofa’s seat cushion.
The standard sofa dimension for the seat height is usually 35 inches, although this will vary according to the style of the sofa.
Seat Depth
The seat width measurement concerns the individual seating area on the sofa for each person.
Typical sofa dimensions are usually around 25 inches in seat width.
Total Sofa Width
The total width of the sofa is an important measurement and
will help you to estimate how many people can sit on the sofa
at once. It will also help you to measure whether the sofa will fit
in your living space. 2 seater sofa dimensions will typically
measure around 63 inches, although this varies according to
the width of the sofa arms.
The total sofa width of 3 seater sofa
dimensions will reach around 90 inches,
with 4 seater sofa dimensions achieving
around 117 inches.
Armrest Width
The dimensions of the
armrest width will again
vary according to the style
of the sofa. Some sofas
incorporate elaborate
armrests into their design,
measuring an expansive
dimension. However,
minimalist sofa styles may
utilize smaller armrest width
dimensions.
leg Height
If your sofa has legs, the leg
height simply measures the
height of the legs. How much
room is between the sofa base
and the floor? Do you want a
sofa that offers a gap between
the base and the floor, or do you
want the sofa close to the floor?
Arm Height
The arm height
measurement is the
distance from the floor to
the top of the armrest. You
gain an idea of the overall
dimensions and typical sofa
sizes when using this
measurement.
What Is the
Average Size
of a Sofa?
Standard couch dimensions are available to gain an idea of the usual sofa sizes. Many sofas will fit these typical sofa dimensions although this will depend on the style and model of the sofa.
Many sofas will usually offer a similar sofa height yet a wildly different total sofa width. You can review the average couch dimensions in the table below.
Sofa
Width
Depth
Height
Loveseat
2 seater sofa
3 seater sofa
4 seater sofa
5 seater sofa
6 seater sofa
Sleeper sofa
58″
63″
90″
117″
144″
171″
92″
38″
38″
38″
38″
38″
38″
40″
34″
34″
34″
34″
34″
34″
39″
All the measurements in Inches
As well as style of sofa, other factors can provide an impact on the couch dimensions of your sofa. Firstly, if your sofa is a modular sofa, each sofa section will offer its own unique dimensions. The design that you build will provide custom dimensions so be sure to note down your size couch dimensions before purchasing.
Oppositely, is your sofa an oversized sofa?
Perfect for movie nights at home, an oversized sofa provides seat sizes with greater depth and is generally made to be super comfortable!
Is your sofa a sleeper sofa?
Not only will the average sofa dimensions for a sleeper sofa be bigger, but it will be closer to the width of three-seater sofa dimensions. Furthermore, the more people who will fit in the sleeper sofa when in sleeping mode, the wider the sofa will be
In addition, is your sofa a space saver, made with narrower arms and frame? This type of sofa will offer a standard seat space and so will be comfortable, yet will be made to save space with a narrower frame.
Or, if you are a serious movie fan, have you
chosen a recliner sofa? A recliner sofa
provides the highest level of comfort and
luxury and is the perfect accompaniment for
the latest movie.
You will need to factor into your measurements the
amount of space a recliner sofa needs when in
recliner mode. How much space does the recliner
sofa need behind to recline backward? How much
space does the recliner chair need in front so the leg
rest can be raised?
What Is the
Average Size
of a Loveseat?
A loveseat is a smaller two-seater sofa, perfect for cuddling up on a cold night! Typical loveseat dimensions are also a great choice if your living space is smaller than usual.
You can still arrange a couple of loveseats in your living space and look fantastic!
Typical loveseat dimensions are around 58 inches wide, up to 38 inches in depth, and around 34 inches high.
Those extra few inches less in typical sofa sizes make all the difference for smaller living spaces. Whilst the seat room may be small, loveseat dimensions are practical and offer a practical yet stylish solution.
Two Seater Sofa
and Loveseat
Dimensions
The dimensions of a loveseat are typically a few inches shorter in width, measuring around 58 inches. The height and the depth of the loveseat are usually the same as a two-seater sofa.
Three Seater
Sofa Dimensions
The 3 seat couch dimensions will usually offer the same height of 34 inches and the same depth of 38 inches. The width of 3 person couch dimensions will expand to around 90 inches, however.
These dimensions are perfect for family nights at home!
Four Seater
Sofa Dimensions
If you have a larger living space and a bigger family, a four-seater sofa is ideal. Requiring around 177 inches of space for its width, average sofa dimensions will still offer 38 inches in depth and 34 inches in height.
Five Seater
Sofa Dimensions
An even larger living space would look great with a five seater couch, designed in an L-shape to encompass the corner of your room. Standard sofa sizes for a five seater couch will reach around 144 inches in width, yet still will offer 34 inches in height and 38 inches in depth.
However, all sofas and sofa
styles are different. Check
the sofa dimensions in
inches for your particular
sofa and find out if your
desired sofa will fit into your
room.
Also, gather your friends round to the sofa store and see how many of your friends can sit on the couch at once! Is it comfortable?
Other
Sofa Sizes
There are other sofa sizes that you should consider when considering your sofa purchase. For example, an oversized sofa or a space saver sofa are two great options to think about.
An oversized sofa focuses more on the size of the seat rather than being a bulky sofa model.
Particularly handy if you or a family member is larger or taller, an oversized sofa provides you with a deeper and wider seat measurement. You will enjoy more room to relax and enjoy being comfortable.
Oppositely, a space saver sofa aims to save you space in your room. Without compromising on seat dimensions, the frame and the armrests of the sofa are narrower. You can achieve a good-sized sofa even if your living space is of a smaller size.
Check out our sofa sizes chart below to see how standard sofa sizes in inches compared with oversized or space-saver sofas!
Sofa
Width
Depth
Height
Loveseat
2 seater sofa
3 seater sofa
4 seater sofa
5 seater sofa
6 seater sofa
Sleeper sofa
Oversized sofa
Space saver sofa (3 seater)
58″
63″
90″
117″
144″
171″
92″
90″
80″
38″
38″
38″
38″
38″
38″
40″
42″
32″
34″
34″
34″
34″
34″
34″
39″
34″
34″
All the measurements in Inches
Oversized Sofas
Oversized sofas are perfect if you are taller or larger than average. You can relax on your sofa without compromise. When measuring sofa dimensions, inches are added to an oversized sofa, exuding comfort!
You could gain a 90-inch width from an oversized sofa, in comparison to the 63-inch width offered from a two seater couch. You will gain a seat width closer to a three seater sofa!
You could also consider an oversized loveseat, offering a deeper measurement from your typical loveseat dimensions.
The dimensions of a loveseat are usually smaller to save space and to increase the love in the room!
However, you can secure more than small couch dimensions from your oversized loveseat, with your loveseat sofa dimensions increasing to create a roomy feel!
Space Saver Sofas
If you need to save space in contrast to a standard sofa but want to retain the seat width, a space saver sofa could be the answer for you!
When measuring your sofa in inches, a space saver sofa will have a narrower frame and a smaller armrest. It will look more minimalist in its design, yet ensure that you are seated comfortably!
How to
Measure Your
Space for a Sofa
If you are considering a sofa purchase and need to measure your couch dimensions, inches are the best measurement to use. However, it is not just the sofa itself that you will need to measure.
You also need to measure the space you have available to secure a perfect fit along with accessibility for your sofa when it is delivered.
Follow these steps to successfully measure your living space for a sofa!
Measure Entries & Passageways
Regardless of your room size, your sofa needs to fit through the door! Decide which door entries and passageways your sofa will use when it is delivered. Then you will need to measure each one to determine whether your sofa will be able to enter your home.
Measure the height of each door, along with the width. Assess whether the entry is clear and whether there are any obstacles in the way.
Are there any wall lights, mirrors, or photo frames that will get in the way of the sofa during delivery?
You may have to take these objects down from the wall to achieve a successful sofa delivery.
Remember that your sofa will need to be turned and maneuvered into each doorway so also measure the diagonal width of the door. You may need to lie the sofa down to gain access to the living space.
To achieve an effortless sofa delivery, the height, width, and
diagonal width of the door should be approximately 4 inches
bigger than the sofa.
If the size of the sofa is closer in measurement to the door and entry points, you may struggle to allow your sofa access to your home!
Measure Room Dimensions
The next measurements to take are the room measurements.
Have you decided which room your sofa will reside in?
Just like you would measure couch dimensions in feet and inches, measure the room in the same way. You will achieve an accurate representation of the space available if the measurement types are the same.
Measure the distance across the far wall from the door.
How much space do you have when your sofa enters the doorway?
Extra space in this measurement will make for easier maneuverability.
Next, measure the length and width of the room as a whole should be measured.
You need to make sure that the dimensions of a couch will fit inside your room without appearing to be cramped and out of place.
Tape the Area
Once you have measured the whole room, decide where the sofa will be placed.
Wherever the sofa will settle, you need to leave at least 30 inches of walking space in front of the sofa.
This will make sure that the space in your living area looks natural and airy. If there is less walking space, your living room may feel squashed and smaller than it really is.
Take some masking tape and tape an accurate representation of your couch dimensions in feet and inches.
Take note of the specific sofa dimensions of your sofa.
You can refer to standard loveseat dimensions typical for the sofa style, for example, although each individual sofa will vary in size. You could choose to measure loveseat dimensions in feet if you want to.
If you have not yet chosen your sofa, use the typical sofa dimensions presented in this guide.
For example, the average loveseat dimensions are
usually 58 inches x 38 inches x 34 inches. These
loveseat dimensions in feet would measure 4 feet 10
inches x 3 feet 2 inches x 2 feet 10 inches.
You can then search the sofa stores for a sofa that
will offer your a perfect fit.
If you are planning to use a coffee table or other furniture in the room, tape dimensions for these objects too. If you already have the furniture, place them where you think they will be best suited.
Try to leave between 12 inches to 18 inches between the sofa and the coffee table, however, to increase the feeling of space. A cramped room with a lack of space and lots of furniture will feel very small.
Measure the Taped Area
Once you have taped the sofa dimensions in place and have experimented with furniture, write down the taped measurements.
Would your room have a few extra inches in sofa dimensions if needed?
Make sure you measure the length and the width of the taped area.
Once you have taped the sofa dimensions in place and have experimented with furniture, write down the taped measurements.
Would your room have a few extra inches in sofa dimensions if needed? Make sure you measure the length and the width of the taped area.
These sofa dimensions will ensure you are armed with the knowledge you need when purchasing a sofa. You will know how much space you have and which sofa would fit into your room perfectly.
When you shop for your sofa, try out as many sofas as possible. The height of the sofa and the leg height will vary and may affect comfort. You will only be able to find the most comfortable sofa by sitting on them!
Reclining
Seating
If you are considering a reclining sofa, remember that a reclining sofa needs additional space behind and in front of the sofa. The loveseat recliner dimensions will be much bigger than the loveseat dimensions in inches.
However, a wall hugger recliner, or a zero clearance recliner, only needs 4 inches of space behind the sofa.
You can save space and achieve a restful recline when using a wall hugger recliner.
Every Octane sofa features this function as standard and is a great sofa to choose for your living space.
Modular Row
Seating
Modular or row seating, offered by Octane seating, are rows of recliners that can be configured to look like a sofa.
This allows for the creation of a sofa or row seating arrangement of any length with an as many seats that will fit or are needed.
Configurations can have armrest between seats or be one long continuous piece. Want the option of both? Octane also offers seating with flip up-arms.
Conclusion
With so many sofa types to choose from, it can be easy to opt for a sofa that looks great on the surface. However, you need to make sure that the sofa you choose looks great in your living space. Will the sofa fit? Is your living room big enough?
Read our sofa dimensions and sizes guide and discover the perfect size sofa for your room.
Would you love a loveseat, or do you need to save space with a space-saving sofa?
If you have plenty of space to use in your living area, how big do you want to go?
Perhaps a five-seater, or a modular sofa?
Maybe you like the idea of an oversized sofa?!
Although, for the ultimate comfort experience, a reclining sofa is a perfect choice.
Is there anything better than reclining back and relaxing on an evening whilst watching your favorite movie with the family?
Wall hugger recliners from Octane are the best reclining sofas to opt for, saving you space in your living area whilst still offering comfort and reclining luxury.
