What tools do I need to measure gondola shelving?

You need a tape measure (25 ft recommended), a notepad or phone for recording, and a level to check floor evenness. For large stores, a laser measuring device speeds up the process significantly.

How do I measure gondola height accurately?

Measure from the floor to the top of the upright post. Standard heights are 48", 54", 60", 72", and 84". Don't include casters or leveling feet in your measurement - measure the actual unit height.

What is the correct way to measure gondola shelf depth?

Measure from the back of the shelf (where it attaches to the upright) to the front lip. Base shelves are typically deeper (16"-24") than upper shelves (10"-16"). Measure each shelf level separately if depths vary.

How much aisle space do I need between gondolas?

Minimum 36" for ADA compliance, but 42"-48" is recommended for comfortable shopping. For high-traffic areas or cart-heavy stores, use 48"-60". Measure the clear distance between facing products, not just the shelf edges.

Should I measure existing gondolas or the space for new ones?

Both! When replacing, measure existing units for matching dimensions. When planning new layouts, measure available floor space, ceiling height (leave 12"-18" clearance), and any obstacles like columns or HVAC units.

How to Measure Gondola Shelving: Step-by-Step Guide with Diagrams

📌 Key Takeaways

• Measure height, width, and depth separately for accurate ordering
• Always include aisle spacing in your floor plan calculations
• Leave 12"-18" ceiling clearance above tallest units
• Use our free measurement checklist to avoid common mistakes
• Link to our complete dimensions guide for standard sizes

Accurate measurements are crucial when ordering gondola shelving. Wrong dimensions mean wasted money, delayed openings, and frustrated customers. This guide walks you through measuring like a pro.

1. Tools You'll Need

Before you start, gather these essential tools:

Tape Measure (25 ft): For measuring units and floor space
Laser Measure (optional): Speeds up large store measurements
Level: Check floor evenness - uneven floors affect unit stability
Notepad/Phone: Record measurements immediately
Camera: Photo documentation helps when ordering

2. Measuring Gondola Height

Height is measured from the floor to the top of the upright post. Do not include leveling feet or casters in your measurement.

Standard gondola heights with human scale reference

Standard Heights

48" (4 ft): Checkout areas, promotional islands
54" (4.5 ft): Convenience stores, boutiques
60" (5 ft): General retail, pharmacies
72" (6 ft): Supermarkets (most common)
84" (7 ft): Warehouse stores

For complete height specifications, see our Gondola Shelving Dimensions Guide.

3. Measuring Gondola Width

Width refers to the length of each section (the horizontal span of one shelf bay). Measure from the center of one upright to the center of the next.

Standard Widths

24" (2 ft): Narrow spaces, specialty displays
36" (3 ft): Most versatile, common in retail
48" (4 ft): Supermarkets, reduces upright costs by 25%

💡 Pro Tip: Using 48" sections instead of 36" reduces the number of uprights needed by approximately 25%, saving on material costs.

4. Measuring Gondola Depth

Depth is measured from the back of the shelf to the front lip. Base shelves are typically deeper than upper shelves.

Gondola Shelving Depth Options - 16 inch to 24 inch with product examples

Recommended shelf depths by product type

Depth by Product Type

16": Cosmetics, small items, jewelry
19": General retail, convenience stores
22": Grocery, supermarket products
24": Bulk items, warehouse stores

5. Calculating Aisle Space

Aisle width is the clear distance between facing products on opposite gondolas. This affects customer flow and ADA compliance.

Store Type	Minimum Aisle	Recommended
Convenience Store	36"	42"
Supermarket	42"	48"
Warehouse/Club	48"	60"

📐 Formula: Floor width - (Gondola depth × 2) = Aisle width
Example: 120" floor - (22" × 2) = 76" aisle width

6. Creating a Floor Plan

A floor plan helps visualize your layout before ordering. Include:

Total floor dimensions (length × width)
Column and obstacle locations
Entry/exit points
Checkout area space
Back room access

🎁 Free Service: Send us your floor plan measurements and we'll create a free 3D store layout showing optimal gondola placement!

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Measuring with Products on Shelves

Products add perceived depth. Always measure the empty shelf for accurate dimensions.

❌ Ignoring Floor Unevenness

Use a level to check floor flatness. Uneven floors cause wobbly units and require leveling feet adjustments.

❌ Forgetting Ceiling Height

Leave 12"-18" clearance above your tallest unit. Account for sprinklers, lights, and HVAC fixtures.

❌ Not Accounting for Double-Sided Units

Double-sided (island) gondolas have combined depths of 32"-48". A 22" depth on each side = 44" total width.

8. Free Measurement Checklist

Use this checklist when measuring your space:

📋 Gondola Measurement Checklist

☐ Floor dimensions (length × width)

☐ Ceiling height at all points

☐ Existing unit heights (if replacing)

☐ Existing unit widths (section count)

☐ Existing unit depths (base and upper)

☐ Current aisle widths

☐ Column/obstacle locations

☐ Electrical outlet positions

☐ Entry/exit door widths

☐ Photos of current layout

Ready to Order?

Once you have your measurements, explore our gondola shelving collection or contact us for a custom quote. We offer factory-direct pricing and free 3D layout design with every order.

How to Measure Gondola Shelving: Step-by-Step Guide