1. Empty one real shelf bay
Measure the exact bay you plan to use after the furniture is assembled and leveled. Product drawings are a useful starting point, but shelf pins, frames, back panels and adjustable shelf positions can change the usable opening.
Use a rigid tape measure and take each dimension in at least two places. Keep the smaller result when the cabinet is not perfectly square.
- Width: measure between the nearest side walls, shelf supports or door hardware.
- Height: measure from the top surface of the shelf to the lowest obstruction above it.
- Depth: measure from the back panel to the inside face of the closed door—not to the outer front edge.
2. Measure the route into the cabinet
A model can fit inside a cabinet yet fail to pass through its doors. Record the narrowest open-door width and height, then check whether the model can be tilted or rotated safely during insertion.
Sliding doors overlap at the center; hinged doors and concealed hinges intrude near the sides. Removable shelves may also need to be installed after the model is placed.
- Open every door as far as it will normally travel.
- Measure between the door edges, frame and hinges at the narrowest point.
- Plan a safe lifting grip instead of assuming the model can be pushed from one fragile end.
3. Decide the display posture first
Built dimensions usually describe one posture. Wings, cranes, sails, antennas, rotating turrets and opening walls can extend beyond the recorded rectangular envelope.
Choose the viewing angle and movable-part position you actually want. If the model will be rotated 90 degrees, swap width and depth in your check but keep height unchanged.
- Use the dimension source on the set page to identify the measured configuration.
- For modular or multi-model products, measure each intended arrangement rather than combining unrelated parts.
- Leave access for dusting, lighting cables and future repositioning.
4. Add clearance after strict fit
First confirm that the model envelope is smaller than the clear cabinet dimensions. Then add planning clearance. bricksfit uses 5 cm on each axis as a practical starting point, not a universal rule.
A custom acrylic case may use a tighter, carefully verified tolerance. A frequently opened cabinet or a model with flexible parts usually benefits from more room.
- Do not subtract clearance twice: compare the model to clear internal space, then review the remaining gap.
- Treat equal measurements as no margin, even if rounding makes the calculator show a mathematical fit.
- Re-measure before ordering made-to-size furniture or a display case.