How to Measure Subwoofer

Hey there, fellow music lovers!

Would you like to install a brand new subwoofer in your car but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of measuring it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide on how to measure a subwoofer.

As someone who has been installing car audio for years, I understand the pain points and fears that come with making sure everything fits perfectly. That’s why I’m here to share my expertise and make this process as easy as possible for you.

How to Measure Subwoofer

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the steps needed to measure your subwoofer accurately. And don’t worry if you don’t have any fancy equipment – all you need is a measuring tape or ruler!

So sit back, relax, and let me take care of everything. By the end of this article, not only will you know how to measure your subwoofer like a pro but also feel confident in doing so.

Warning: You might even start looking for excuses to take long drives just so that you can enjoy your new sound system!

How to Measure a 12-inch Subwoofer?

Subwoofer measurement can be 12 inches or greater but the method to measure them remains the same. Here are the steps to one of the methods.

  • Take the Subwoofer Out of the Casing

Firstly, take out all the screws and take off the front cover of the subwoofer to check its dimensions. Remove the subwoofer driver and take the subwoofer out of the enclosure after removing all the wires. 

  • Subwoofer’s Mounting Depth

Take a measuring tape or ruler and place it in the area between the subwoofer’s back and the plastic mounting frame or circular metal frame. I recommend measuring in inches. The number you get is the subwoofer’s mounting depth.

  • Mounting Height

Secondly, measure the subwoofer’s mounting height. To do so, place the subwoofer in such a way that it faces the roof. Now measure the distance between the bottom of the subwoofer and the frame around the face. You’ll have the mounting height. 

  • Calculate the Baffle Cutout Diameter

The next step is measuring the baffle cutout diameter, which includes its holes as well. So, it is necessary to take measurements cautiously. 

To measure the cutout diameter, invert the subwoofer in such a way that it faces the floor. Measure the distance between one whole to the other.

However, if the subwoofer is square-shaped, take all the measurements from the widest points and measure the distance between each hole diagonally. 

That’s all! You have the complete measurement of the subwoofer.

Alternative Method

There is another method of measuring a subwoofer. If you find the above-mentioned method difficult, try this. 

Start by measuring the subwoofer’s mounting holes. Take the biggest area of the hole and place the measuring tape across it. In other words, measure the distance between one edge of the mounting hole to the other. 

After this, you need to measure the internal diameter of the hole. Place the measuring tape or ruler on one side of the hole and start measuring till the other side of the next mounting hole. 

Now, measure the depth of the space where the subwoofer has to be placed. To do so, place the measuring tape or measuring ruler inside the mounting hole and measure the depth. You can use this measurement to find the new subwoofer that can exactly fit into the old enclosure. 

Another less accurate way to determine the size of your subwoofer is by checking the distances between opposite screw holes.

Note these measurements and compare them with the new subwoofers you are considering buying. If the measurements are the same, you are good to go.

How to Measure a Subwoofer Box Cubic Feet

To measure a subwoofer box, you must measure all the dimensions of the box individually, using a measuring tape or a ruler.

Once you have the height, width, and depth in inches, multiply them to get the volume. Divide the product by 1728 to change the unit from cubic inches to cubic feet. Just to clarify, we divide by 1728 because there are that many cubic inches in one cubic foot.

For a more precise calculation, subtract the material thickness from the volume before division. Measure the thickness of the panels used for the walls with a measuring tape.

Start with the width, and subtract the thickness of both panels from the external width. Do the same with height and depth. Use these measurements to calculate the volume.

People Also Ask

  • How do I choose a subwoofer size?

The size of the subwoofer depends on the area of the room where you intend to place it.

If the room is spacious, a relatively bigger subwoofer would be required. In a small room, a small-sized subwoofer would be loud enough. 

So, before purchasing any subwoofer, pay attention to the area of the room where it is to be kept.

  • How are subwoofers measured?

A subwoofer can be measured in a variety of ways.

The best method is by measuring all the dimensions individually. You can also measure mounting holes only to learn about the size of the subwoofer.

Measuring the distance between the opposite screw holes can also help. Reading the article will help you learn about each method in detail. 

Putting It All Together!

You must look for several factors before bringing a replacement subwoofer to your room. One of these factors is the size of the enclosure. For your new subwoofer to fit in the old enclosure hole, you must measure and compare both accurately. 

First of all, carefully measure the dimensions of your old subwoofer with a tape measure. This includes the distances between the mounting holes, the mounting hole’s outer diameter, the speaker diameter, and also the screw patterns.

Note all the dimensions and match them with the new subwoofer. 

Secondly, don’t forget to calculate the volume of your subwoofer box or enclosure. You can do so by multiplying the height, width, and depth of the box. To measure the subwoofer accurately, you can exclude mounting lugs while taking measurements.

Once you have all the calculations, you are good to go. Make sure to consider the size of your room.

Enjoy all your favorite songs on your new subwoofer!

Last Updated on October 7, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Danny Reid

Hey, I'm Danny, and I know how hard it can be to find the perfect audio gear. Need a new stereo, amp, speakers, or subs? Don't worry – my blog is here to help you cut through the noise! My mission is to give you the best reviews, so you can make the right decision for your audio needs. And if you ever get stuck thinking, "Where does this blue wire go?" don't worry – I've got tons of cool tips to help you out of any jam. So come along with me on this fun, sound-filled adventure, and let's find the perfect audio setup to make your tunes really sing!