Size reference
Standard over-the-range microwave dimensions.
Standard over-the-range (OTR) microwave is 30 in wide to match the range below; height 15–18 in, depth 15–18 in. Countertop microwaves are 18–24 in wide (10–14 in tall, 12–20 in deep); built-in microwave drawers are 24 in (some 30 in) wide. Mount an OTR so the top sits ~66 in from the floor — about 13–18 in of clearance above the cooktop.
Run a check
Will it fit?
On moving day
Moving tips.
- 01An OTR microwave requires two people to remove — one to hold the weight, one to unscrew the mounting bolts.
- 02Disconnect the power cord and vent duct before removing from the wall bracket.
- 03Transport upright with the door taped shut. Wrap in a moving blanket to prevent scratches.
Measure smart
What to measure.
Four numbers decide nearly every fit check. Get these right and the rest follows.
- 01Your over-the-range microwave's width, height, and depth at their widest points — including handles, feet, and any fixed trim. A standard over-the-range microwave runs about 30" wide, but compact and oversized versions vary by several inches, so measure yours rather than trusting the label.
- 02The smallest face of the over-the-range microwave and its diagonal. Many appliances only clear a tight opening when tilted, and that turns on the diagonal, not the flat width.
- 03Every opening on the route, not just the destination room — the door, the hallway and any turn, the stair width, and the elevator. "Through a Door" is the check people run most for a over-the-range microwave, but the tightest point on the whole path is what decides the move.
- 04The over-the-range microwave's weight and whether doors or shelves detach, so you know how many people, what dolly, and whether it clears on its side.
Don't make these
Common mistakes.
Most “it didn't fit” stories trace back to one of these oversights.
- ⚠Measuring the room the over-the-range microwave is headed for but forgetting the doorway, hallway turn, or stair landing it has to pass through first.
- ⚠Ignoring the diagonal. A over-the-range microwave that looks too wide for a door often clears it tilted — but only if you measured the diagonal, not the flat face.
- ⚠Leaving doors, shelves, or feet on. Detaching them often buys back the inch or two that decides whether the over-the-range microwave fits.
- ⚠Assuming a published size matches your exact over-the-range microwave. Apartment, compact, and oversized models differ by several inches.
Frequently asked
Questions we keep getting.
Are all over-the-range microwaves the same size?
Most are 30 inches wide to match a standard 30-inch range below. However, height (15-18 inches) and depth (15-18 inches) vary by model. Always check the mounting template dimensions.
01How heavy is an over-the-range microwave?
An OTR microwave weighs 50-80 pounds. The mounting bracket and vent assembly add additional complexity during removal.
02Can one person remove an over-the-range microwave?
It is not recommended. OTR microwaves are mounted with a rear bracket and upper bolts. You need one person to support the weight while another removes the mounting hardware. The 50-80 pound weight is difficult to manage overhead alone.
03What are the size ranges for countertop, over-the-range, and built-in microwaves?
Countertop microwaves are about 18–24 inches wide, 10–14 inches tall, and 12–20 inches deep. Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves are 30 inches wide to match a standard range, 15–18 inches tall, and 15–18 inches deep. Built-in microwave drawers are 24 inches wide (some 30). Always check the model’s mounting template before buying.
04How much clearance does an over-the-range microwave need above the stove?
Most manufacturers mount an OTR microwave so the top sits about 66 inches from the floor, leaving roughly 13–18 inches between the cooktop and the bottom of the microwave for ventilation and heat clearance. Always follow the manufacturer’s template — it governs the vent and clearance requirements.
05
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