Range Hood Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Width, Height and Depth

Choosing the right range hood size is about more than matching the width of your stove. Hood width, mounting height, depth, ceiling height and cooking style all affect how well the hood captures smoke, steam, grease and odors.

Artisan vent hood size guide explains exactly what to measure for a wall-mount or island hood—and how to calculate the correct custom hood height before ordering.

The Quick Answer: What Size Range Hood Do I Need?

-Wall-mount range hood: Choose a hood at least as wide as the cooktop. When space allows, a hood that is 3–6 inches wider can provide a larger capture area.

-Island range hood: Choose a hood 3–6 inches wider than the cooking surface because an island hood is exposed to cross-drafts from all sides.

-Mounting clearance: For Artisan Vent Hood installations, plan for 30–36 inches between the cooking surface and the bottom of the hood. Always confirm the requirements for your cooktop, hood insert and local code.

-Wall hood depth: A typical depth is 22–24 inches.

-Island hood depth: A typical depth is 26–27 inches.

-Custom hood height: Subtract the rangetop height and desired mounting clearance from the ceiling height.

-Range hood height formula
Ceiling height − rangetop height − clearance above the cooking surface = hood height

Range Hood Size Chart

Use this chart as a starting point. The final size should also account for cabinet clearances, the hood insert, ductwork and the installation instructions for the cooking appliance.

Cooktop or range width	Recommended wall hood width	Recommended island hood width
30 inches	30–36 inches	36 inches
36 inches	36–42 inches	42 inches
42 inches	42–48 inches	48 inches
48 inches	48–54 inches	54 inches
54 inches	54–60 inches	60 inches
60 inches	60–66 inches	66 inches

If your kitchen layout does not allow an oversized wall hood, matching the hood width to the cooking surface is the practical minimum. For island installations, high-output ranges or frequent high-heat cooking, the wider option is usually the better choice.

The Six Measurements You Need

Before ordering a custom range hood, record these six dimensions in inches:

A. Hood Width

Measure the full width of the cooking surface—not only the burner area. A wall-mount hood should be at least as wide as the range or cooktop. An island hood should extend 3–6 inches beyond the cooking surface in total.

For example:
-A 30-inch wall range can use a 30- or 36-inch hood.
-A 36-inch wall range can use a 36- or 42-inch hood.
-A 48-inch wall range can use a 48- or 54-inch hood.
-A 36-inch island cooktop typically pairs with a 42-inch island hood.

B. Hood Height

Hood height is the vertical distance from the bottom edge of the hood to its finished top at the ceiling.

To calculate it:
B = C − D − E

Where:
B = hood height
C = floor-to-ceiling height
D = floor-to-rangetop height
E = clearance from the cooking surface to the bottom of the hood

Do not order the hood height based on ceiling height alone. Two kitchens with the same ceiling may require different hood heights if the cooking surface or mounting clearance is different.

C. Ceiling Height

Measure from the finished floor to the finished ceiling directly above the center of the cooking surface. Do not rely only on architectural plans; flooring, ceiling treatments and construction tolerances can change the final measurement.

D. Rangetop Height

Measure from the finished floor to the actual cooking surface. Many standard ranges and countertops are approximately 36 inches high, but you should measure the installed appliance instead of assuming.

If the appliance has not yet been installed, use the manufacturer’s finished-height specification and confirm whether adjustable legs or finished flooring will change it.

E. Recommended Clearance Above the Cooking Surface

For Artisan Vent Hood installations, the bottom of the hood should generally sit 30–36 inches above the cooking surface.

A lower mounting position can improve capture, while a higher position may provide more headroom and a more open appearance. However, installing outside the approved range can affect performance and safety. The requirements in the cooktop and hood insert installation manuals—and applicable local codes—take priority.

F. Hood Depth

Hood depth is measured from the finished back of the hood to its front edge.
Wall-mount hoods: Typical depth is 22–24 inches.
Island hoods: Typical depth is 26–27 inches.

Depth matters because smoke and steam rise and spread as they leave the cooking surface. A hood that is too shallow may miss the front burners, especially on deep professional-style ranges. Check the total depth of the cooking surface and the position of the front burners before finalizing this measurement.

How to Calculate Custom Range Hood Height

All measurements must use the same unit. The examples below use inches and assume a 36-inch-high cooking surface with 33 inches of clearance.

Ceiling height	Calculation	Custom hood height
8 feet (96 inches)	96 − 36 − 33	27 inches
9 feet (108 inches)	108 − 36 − 33	39 inches
10 feet (120 inches)	120 − 36 − 33	51 inches

Example: An 8-Foot Ceiling

If the ceiling is 96 inches high, the rangetop is 36 inches high and the desired clearance is 33 inches: 96 − 36 − 33 = 27 inches
The finished custom hood height should be 27 inches.

Example: A 9-Foot Ceiling

If the ceiling is 108 inches high, the rangetop is 36 inches high and the desired clearance is 33 inches:108 − 36 − 33 = 39 inches
The finished custom hood height should be 39 inches.

If you choose a different approved clearance, substitute that number in the formula. For example, changing the clearance from 33 to 36 inches makes the hood 3 inches shorter.

Wall-Mount vs. Island Range Hood Sizing

Wall-Mount Range Hoods

A wall-mount hood benefits from the wall behind the cooktop, which helps limit air movement around the cooking zone. The hood should match the cooktop width at minimum. Choosing a hood 3–6 inches wider can improve coverage when cabinet space and the overall design allow it. For most custom wall hoods, a depth of 22–24 inches provides practical coverage without projecting too far into the room.

Island Range Hoods

Island cooktops are more exposed to air movement from walking paths, HVAC vents, open doors and nearby windows. For that reason, an island hood should typically be 3–6 inches wider than the cooking surface and deeper than a comparable wall hood. A depth of 26–27 inches is a common starting point. The hood must also be centered precisely over the cooktop and securely supported from the ceiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size range hood do I need for a 30-inch stove?

For a wall installation, choose a hood that is at least 30 inches wide; a 36-inch hood provides additional coverage when space allows. For an island installation, 36 inches is a common choice.

What size range hood do I need for a 36-inch stove?

A 36-inch wall hood is the practical minimum. A 42-inch wall hood provides 3 inches of extra coverage on each side. For a 36-inch island cooktop, a 42-inch hood is typically preferred.

Should a range hood be wider than the cooktop?

It can be. A wall hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop, while an island hood should generally be 3–6 inches wider in total. Wider coverage is especially useful for island cooking, high-output ranges and frequent high-heat cooking.

How high should a range hood be above a gas stove?

For Artisan Vent Hood installations, the typical clearance is 30–36 inches from the cooking surface to the bottom of the hood. Always follow the installation instructions for both the cooking appliance and the hood insert.

How high should a range hood be above an electric or induction cooktop?

Use the approved clearance stated by the cooktop and hood insert manufacturers. For an Artisan custom hood, plan around the specified 30–36-inch range unless the appliance documentation requires otherwise.

How tall should a range hood be with an 8-foot ceiling?

With a 96-inch ceiling, a 36-inch rangetop and 33 inches of clearance, the hood height is 27 inches: 96 − 36 − 33 = 27.

How deep should a range hood be?

A typical wall-mount hood is 22–24 inches deep. A typical island hood is 26–27 inches deep. Deeper professional-style cooking surfaces may require additional coverage.

Can a custom range hood be made to fit a vaulted or 10-foot ceiling?

Yes. Custom dimensions, chimney extensions and ceiling transitions can accommodate many tall, sloped or vaulted ceilings. Accurate finished measurements and photos are especially important for these installations.