Microwave Oven Dimensions by Size: 0.7 to 2.2 Cu Ft Guide

Introduction

Buying a microwave should be simple, but the numbers on the box can be confusing. A mid-size 1.6 cubic foot microwave is roughly 21 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 18 inches deep on the outside, and that equals about 45.3 liters of interior cooking space. Microwave dimensions matter most when you need to fit the unit into a cabinet opening, on a crowded countertop, or over a stove.

The capacity, written in cubic feet, tells you how much food space is inside. The exterior dimensions tell you whether it will fit your kitchen. These two numbers do not scale the same way, so a bigger cavity does not always mean a much bigger box. This guide covers standard microwave oven sizes from a tiny 0.7 cu ft compact up to a large 2.2 cu ft family model, with over-range and built-in sizes too.

Microwave Dimensions and Capacity Conversion Chart

Capacity (Cu Ft)	Cooking Space (Liters)	Typical Width	Typical Height	Typical Depth
0.7	≈ 19.8 L	≈ 17 in (43.2 cm)	≈ 10 in (25.4 cm)	≈ 13 in (33 cm)
0.9	≈ 25.5 L	≈ 18 in (45.7 cm)	≈ 11 in (27.9 cm)	≈ 14 in (35.6 cm)
1.1	≈ 31.1 L	≈ 19 in (48.3 cm)	≈ 11 in (27.9 cm)	≈ 15 in (38.1 cm)
1.4	≈ 39.6 L	≈ 20 in (50.8 cm)	≈ 11 in (27.9 cm)	≈ 16 in (40.6 cm)
1.6	≈ 45.3 L	≈ 21 in (53.3 cm)	≈ 12 in (30.5 cm)	≈ 18 in (45.7 cm)
1.8	≈ 51 L	≈ 22 in (55.9 cm)	≈ 13 in (33 cm)	≈ 19 in (48.3 cm)
2.0	≈ 56.6 L	≈ 23 in (58.4 cm)	≈ 13 in (33 cm)	≈ 19 in (48.3 cm)
2.2	≈ 62.3 L	≈ 24 in (61 cm)	≈ 14 in (35.6 cm)	≈ 20 in (50.8 cm)

Note: exterior sizes vary by brand and model, so treat these as typical values and always check the spec sheet before cutting a cabinet opening.

Common Microwave Sizes by Capacity

These eight sizes cover nearly every countertop microwave you will find in stores today.

Size	Approximate Exterior Dimensions (W × H × D)
0.7 cu ft compact	≈ 17 × 10 × 13 in (43.2 × 25.4 × 33 cm)
0.9 cu ft small	≈ 18 × 11 × 14 in (45.7 × 27.9 × 35.6 cm)
1.1 cu ft mid-small	≈ 19 × 11 × 15 in (48.3 × 27.9 × 38.1 cm)
1.4 cu ft mid-size	≈ 20 × 11 × 16 in (50.8 × 27.9 × 40.6 cm)
1.6 cu ft standard	≈ 21 × 12 × 18 in (53.3 × 30.5 × 45.7 cm)
1.7 cu ft large-mid	≈ 22 × 12 × 18 in (55.9 × 30.5 × 45.7 cm)
1.8 cu ft large	≈ 22 × 13 × 19 in (55.9 × 33 × 48.3 cm)
2.2 cu ft extra-large	≈ 24 × 14 × 20 in (61 × 35.6 × 50.8 cm)

More Microwave Types by Size

Seven more styles, each with its own typical footprint.

Type	Approximate Exterior Dimensions (W × H × D)
0.5 cu ft ultra-compact	≈ 15 × 9 × 12 in (38.1 × 22.9 × 30.5 cm)
2.0 cu ft family	≈ 23 × 13 × 19 in (58.4 × 33 × 48.3 cm)
1.2 cu ft commercial	≈ 20 × 12 × 17 in (50.8 × 30.5 × 43.2 cm)
Over-range microwave	≈ 30 in wide × 16–17 in tall × 15–16 in deep
Low-profile over-range	≈ 30 in wide × 10–11 in tall × 19–20 in deep
Built-in microwave (24/27/30 in)	Width matches cabinet, ≈ 17–19 in tall × 21–22 in deep
Microwave drawer	≈ 24 in wide × 14 in tall × 23–24 in deep (open)

How Big Is a Microwave?

A standard countertop microwave is about as wide as two dinner plates set side by side and roughly the height of a large cereal box. The 1.6 cu ft model, the most common size in American kitchens, holds a full dinner plate with room to spare and fits most casserole dishes. Step down to a 0.7 cu ft compact and you get a box closer to a large shoebox, tall enough for a coffee mug but too small for a dinner plate.

Easy ways to picture standard microwave dimensions:

• A dinner plate is about 10.5 inches wide. If the turntable is 12 to 14 inches across, your plates will fit; compact models often only fit 8-inch plates or bowls.
• A kitchen counter is usually 25 inches deep. Most countertop microwaves sit comfortably on it, with a few inches left at the back for the door and vents.
• A standard range is 30 inches wide. This is why over-range microwaves are also 30 inches wide, so the two line up edge to edge.
• A stack of three hardcover books is about 12 inches tall. That matches the height of a mid-size 1.6 cu ft microwave.
• Two stacked pizza boxes reach about 14 inches each way. A large 2.2 cu ft microwave is close to that size in every direction.

1. Compact 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

The 0.7 cu ft compact is the smallest full-size microwave most brands sell. Its exterior measures about 17 inches wide, 10 inches tall, and 13 inches deep, which equals roughly 19.8 liters of interior space. This size is a favorite for dorm rooms, offices, and small apartments where counter space is limited. It reheats coffee, single servings, and frozen meals well. The turntable usually runs 9 to 10 inches across, so full-size dinner plates often do not fit.

2. Small 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave

A 0.9 cu ft microwave measures roughly 18 inches wide, 11 inches tall, and 14 inches deep on the outside, giving you about 25.5 liters of cooking room. It sits between a true compact and a mid-size model. This size handles most single-serving frozen meals and reheats plates of leftovers with less crowding than a 0.7 cu ft unit. The price difference between the two is often small, so the slightly bigger box is usually worth it if you have the counter space.

3. Mid-Small 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave

At about 19 inches wide, 11 inches tall, and 15 inches deep, the 1.1 cu ft microwave offers around 31.1 liters of space inside. This is a popular pick for couples and small families who want a microwave that handles dinner plates without taking over the counter. The turntable is often 12 to 12.4 inches, which fits a standard dinner plate. If your kitchen is small but you cook real meals, this size hits a nice balance.

4. Mid-Size 1.4 Cu Ft Microwave

The 1.4 cu ft microwave measures roughly 20 inches wide, 11 inches tall, and 16 inches deep, equal to about 39.6 liters of interior capacity. It is roomy enough for most casserole dishes and family-size frozen items. This size often comes with stronger wattage, usually 1,000 watts or more, so food heats faster and more evenly. It fits well on a standard-depth counter without sticking out too far.

5. Standard 1.6 Cu Ft Microwave

The 1.6 cu ft model is the most common microwave size in American homes. It measures about 21 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 18 inches deep, with roughly 45.3 liters of cooking space. A full dinner plate spins freely on its 13.6 to 14-inch turntable. Most 1.6 cu ft microwaves deliver 1,000 to 1,200 watts, which cooks frozen meals quickly. If you are unsure which size to buy, start here.

6. Large-Mid 1.7 Cu Ft Microwave

A 1.7 cu ft microwave is roughly 22 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 18 inches deep on the outside, giving about 48.1 liters of interior room. It is only slightly bigger than the standard 1.6 cu ft model, so the two sizes are easy to confuse on the shelf. The extra space helps with larger serving dishes and tall containers. Measure your cabinet opening before buying, since that extra inch of width matters in tight installs.

7. Large 1.8 Cu Ft Microwave

The 1.8 cu ft microwave measures about 22 inches wide, 13 inches tall, and 19 inches deep, with roughly 51 liters of cooking capacity. It comfortably fits a 9 by 13-inch baking dish, a common size for casseroles and sheet cakes. Wattage in this range is usually 1,100 to 1,200 watts. The 1.8 cu ft size is a strong pick for families who use the microwave as a second oven.

8. Extra-Large 2.2 Cu Ft Microwave

At roughly 24 inches wide, 14 inches tall, and 20 inches deep, the 2.2 cu ft microwave is the largest common countertop size, with about 62.3 liters of space inside. It can heat a full-size pizza or two dinner plates side by side. The footprint is close to half the width of a 55-inch TV, so picture that before you clear the counter. These models usually run 1,200 watts for fast, even cooking.

9. Ultra-Compact 0.5 Cu Ft Microwave

The 0.5 cu ft microwave is the smallest size you will commonly find, at about 15 inches wide, 9 inches tall, and 12 inches deep, equal to roughly 14.2 liters. It is made for tiny spaces like studio apartments, RVs, and break rooms. The interior fits a mug, a small bowl, or a single snack portion. Wattage is usually lower, around 600 to 700 watts, so heating takes a bit longer.

10. Family 2.0 Cu Ft Microwave

A 2.0 cu ft microwave measures about 23 inches wide, 13 inches tall, and 19 inches deep, which gives roughly 56.6 liters of cooking space. It bridges the gap between the standard large and the extra-large models. The interior easily holds a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with room around it for air flow. If a 2.2 cu ft box feels like too much counter space, this size keeps most of the capacity in a slightly smaller shell.

11. Commercial 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave

Commercial microwaves are built for restaurants and break rooms, and a typical one measures around 20 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 17 inches deep with about 1.2 cu ft of capacity. They are heavier and tougher than home models, with wattage often reaching 1,000 watts or more. Most have simple touchpads with programmable buttons and no turntable. These units cost more, but they can run for hundreds of cycles a day without breaking down.

12. Over-Range Microwave

An over-range microwave is 30 inches wide to match a standard 30-inch range below it. Typical height runs 16 to 17 inches, and depth is about 15 to 16 inches. These models double as a range hood, with a fan and grease filters built into the bottom. Capacity usually falls between 1.7 and 1.9 cu ft. Most makers and building codes want 30 inches or more from the cooktop surface to the bottom of the microwave.

13. Low-Profile Over-Range Microwave

Low-profile over-range models are also 30 inches wide, but they stand only 10 to 11 inches tall, with a depth of about 19 to 20 inches. This shorter height leaves more open space above the cooktop, which many cooks prefer. The capacity is smaller, usually around 1.1 cu ft, because the shorter body holds less room. If your cabinets sit low over the range, this may be the only over-range option that fits.

14. Built-In Microwave

Built-in microwaves come in widths of 24, 27, and 30 inches to match standard wall oven and cabinet openings. A typical 27-inch built-in is about 17 to 19 inches tall and 21 to 22 inches deep, with 1.2 to 1.5 cu ft of interior space. These models sit flush inside a cabinet, often stacked above a wall oven. You will need a trim kit to cover the gap between the microwave and the cabinet opening.

15. Microwave Drawer

A microwave drawer slides open like a drawer instead of swinging a door. A typical 24-inch model is about 24 inches wide, 14 inches tall when closed, and needs 23 to 24 inches of depth to open fully. Capacity runs about 1.2 cu ft, with a flat interior floor and no turntable. Drawers install under the counter, in an island, or below a wall oven. The drawer design works well for kitchens where a door would block a walkway.

Measuring for Your Microwave

Before you buy, grab a tape measure and check the space where the microwave will sit. If you want a refresher, learn how to read a measuring tape so your numbers are exact. For a countertop model, confirm the width and depth of the open counter, then add the ventilation clearance: about 3 inches above the microwave and 1 inch on each side so heat can escape. For a cabinet or built-in opening, measure the opening itself, not the old microwave. Note the door swing too, since a microwave door opens outward and needs clear space in front, so check that a standard door or walkway is not blocking it. Write down all three measurements in inches and compare them with the spec sheet, since listed sizes are only approximate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are standard microwave oven dimensions?

A standard countertop microwave is about 21 to 24 inches wide, 12 to 14 inches tall, and 18 to 20 inches deep. The most common size is 1.6 cu ft, which measures roughly 21 by 12 by 18 inches.

How much space do you need around a microwave?

Allow about 3 inches of clearance above the microwave and 1 inch on each side for ventilation. The back needs a couple of inches too, especially if the vents are at the rear.

What size microwave fits a dinner plate?

Any microwave of about 1.1 cu ft or larger usually fits a standard 10.5-inch dinner plate. Compact 0.7 cu ft models often only fit plates up to 8 inches across, so check the turntable size.

Are over-range microwaves a standard width?

Yes. Over-range microwaves are 30 inches wide to match a standard 30-inch range. Always confirm the height of the gap above your cooktop before buying, since models vary.

Final Thoughts

Microwave dimensions come down to three numbers: capacity in cubic feet, exterior size in inches, and the clearance your kitchen allows. The 1.6 cu ft model at about 21 by 12 by 18 inches remains the sweet spot for most households, while compacts suit solo users and 2.2 cu ft models serve big families. Over-range and built-in styles follow their own width rules, so measure the opening first and the microwave second. Remember the 3-inch top and 1-inch side ventilation gaps, and confirm the door swing will not hit a wall or cabinet. With the right measurements in hand, you can pick a microwave that fits your space on the first try and serves your kitchen well for years to come.