How to Measure Your Office Space for Cubicle Installation

Tools You'll Need

You don't need professional surveying equipment, but you do need accurate tools. A laser distance measurer (available for ₱1,500–₱3,000) is significantly more accurate than a tape measure for large spaces and is worth the investment. You'll also need graph paper or a floor plan app (we recommend using a simple grid in Google Slides or PowerPoint), a notepad, and a camera for documentation.

Step 1: Measure the Full Floor Area

Start with the overall room dimensions: length and width at multiple points. Rooms are rarely perfectly rectangular — measure at both ends of each wall and note any discrepancies. Record ceiling height as well — this affects panel height selection and HVAC considerations.

• Measure length at both ends of the room (walls may not be perfectly parallel)
• Measure width at both ends of the room
• Measure ceiling height at multiple points (can vary in older buildings)
• Note any sloped ceilings, beams, or overhead obstructions
• Photograph all four walls for reference

Step 2: Map All Fixed Obstacles

Fixed obstacles are elements that cannot be moved and must be worked around in the layout. Document the exact position and dimensions of each:

• Columns and pillars: measure from the nearest wall to each face of the column
• Windows: note sill height, window width, and distance from floor
• Doors: note door width, swing direction, and clearance required
• Fire exits: note location and required clearance (typically 1.2m minimum)
• Electrical panels and distribution boards: note location and required access clearance
• HVAC vents and returns: note position on ceiling and floor

Step 3: Locate Power and Data Infrastructure

Power outlet and data port positions are critical for cubicle layout — workstations need to be positioned within reach of power and data, or cable management needs to be planned to bridge the gap. Document:

• Wall outlets: exact position (height from floor, distance from corners)
• Floor boxes: exact position on the floor plan
• Data ports (RJ45): exact position
• Dedicated circuits: note any high-power circuits (for servers, printers)
• Overhead cable trays: note position and capacity

Step 4: Plan Walkway Clearances

Philippine building codes and fire safety regulations require minimum walkway widths. Primary walkways (main circulation paths) should be at least 120cm wide. Secondary walkways (between cubicle rows) should be at least 90cm wide. Emergency egress paths must be at least 120cm wide and must lead directly to fire exits without obstruction. Measure your planned walkway widths against these minimums before finalizing the layout.

Step 5: Create a Scaled Floor Plan

With all measurements documented, create a scaled floor plan on graph paper or in a digital tool. Use a scale of 1:50 (1cm = 50cm) for most office spaces. Draw the room outline, mark all fixed obstacles, and mark power and data locations. Then sketch in your proposed cubicle layout, checking that all walkway clearances are maintained. Share this plan with your furniture supplier before placing the order — GreatWorks provides free layout review for all orders.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

These are the most common measurement errors that cause problems on installation day:

• Measuring only one end of the room — walls are often not perfectly parallel
• Forgetting to account for baseboard height when measuring wall outlet positions
• Not measuring door swing clearance — a door that opens into a cubicle is a problem
• Ignoring HVAC vent positions — workstations directly under vents create comfort issues
• Not confirming fire egress clearances with building management before finalizing layout
• Measuring in feet and inches then converting — use metric throughout to avoid conversion errors