How to Measure Your Space for an Electric Fireplace

Getting the measurements right before you buy is the single easiest way to avoid a return.

Last reviewed: September 15, 2026

The honest answer: measure the wall, the opening, and the clearances separately

Three measurements matter for almost every electric fireplace purchase: the available wall width, the depth behind the wall (for a recessed or built-in unit), and the required clearance around the unit. Skipping any one of these is the most common reason a fireplace doesn't fit as expected.

Step 1: Measure your wall width

Measure the full usable wall width, then subtract space for outlets, switches, trim, and furniture you plan to keep. Compare that number against our Electric Fireplace Sizes Explained guide, which breaks down what fits typical rooms from 26 to 120 inches.

Step 2: Measure depth, if you're recessing or building in

For a built-in or recessed installation, measure the depth available inside the wall cavity or the depth of the stud framing you plan to build. Slimmer models exist for shallow walls — check the product's exact depth spec rather than assuming.

Step 3: Check minimum clearances

Every model has minimum clearance requirements above, to the sides, and in front of the unit, including clearance to combustible materials like a TV or mantel. Review Can You Mount a TV Above an Electric Fireplace? if you're planning to place a TV nearby.

Step 4: Decide if you need an insert size or a surface-mount size

If you're replacing an existing fireplace opening, you're shopping for an insert sized to that exact opening. If you're building a new feature wall from scratch, you have more flexibility and can consider extra-large formats.

Common mistakes

The first mistake is measuring only the width and ignoring depth, which causes problems for built-in installations. The second is forgetting to account for outlets or switches inside the planned footprint. The third is not checking clearance above the unit before mounting a TV directly overhead.

Frequently asked questions

What's the most important measurement before buying?

Wall width is usually the first constraint, but depth matters just as much for any recessed or built-in installation.

Do I need a professional to measure my space?

Not usually. A tape measure, the product's spec sheet, and careful attention to clearances are enough for most standard installations.

What if my wall is narrower than any standard fireplace size?

Compare sizes in our Electric Fireplace Sizes Explained guide — there are options as small as 26 inches.

What tools do I need to measure for an electric fireplace?

A tape measure, a notepad, and the product's spec sheet or cut sheet are usually enough. For a built-in installation, also confirm the depth of your wall cavity or planned framing.

Should I measure before or after choosing a fireplace model?

Measure your wall, depth, and clearances first, then shop within those constraints. Choosing a model before measuring often leads to a fireplace that doesn't fit the space.

Related guides from Very Good Fireplaces

• Electric Fireplace Sizes Explained: 26 to 120 Inches
• Best Fireplace Size Under a TV
• Built-In vs Wall Mounted Electric Fireplaces

Final thought

A few extra minutes with a tape measure before you buy will save far more time than dealing with a return or a fireplace that doesn't quite fit.