How to Measure BBQ Grill for Cover | Three Exact Dimensions

Nothing ruins a new cover like discovering it’s two inches too short across the side shelves. Getting the right fit means three careful measurements with the lid fully closed, accounting for every handle, knob, and wheel. Here’s the exact process that works for gas, charcoal, and propane grills of every brand.

Why Measuring With the Lid Closed Matters

The grill cover fits the appliance in its parked-and-protected state — lid down, ready for the elements. Measuring with the lid open adds vertical inches that don’t exist once you cover it, and the resulting cover will be too short to reach the ground. Keep the lid closed throughout all three measurements, and you eliminate the single most common sizing mistake.

Step 1: Measure Width — Edge to Edge, Shelves Included

Run the tape measure from the farthest-left point of the grill to the farthest-right point. Non-folding side shelves, side burners, and rotisserie kits count as part of the width — they need coverage too. If your shelves fold down, decide your priority: measuring with them up gives total protection, while measuring with them down suits compact storage. Fixed shelves are always included.

Step 2: Measure Depth — Front Edge to Back Edge, All Protrusions Counted

Measure from the frontmost point (control knobs, the lid handle) to the rearmost point (rear grease tray, vent covers). The cooking box alone is too narrow — the cover must slide over every knob and protrusion without tearing. For grills with rotisserie motors or smoker boxes attached, include those in the depth measurement as well.

Step 3: Measure Height — Ground to the Highest Closed Point

Measure from the ground or cart base straight up to the highest point of the closed hood. Include wheels and any top-mounted accessories like a chimney or thermometer. A cover that’s too tall will drag on the ground and wear through; one that’s too short leaves the top of the grill exposed to rain.

Choosing the Right Size Cover

Covers come in brand-specific sizes and generic Small/Medium/Large dimensions. When your measurements fall between two standard sizes, always buy the larger size — it will drape properly and still be easy to remove. A snug-but-loose fit prevents wind from lifting the cover while keeping it off the ground.

For brand-specific covers, the dimensions are fixed across model years. If a brand-specific cover isn’t available, match your measurements to a generic sizing chart instead — our tested grill cover roundup shows the best options at every size.

Built-In Grills and Common Mistakes

For built-in grill inserts, measure only the insert opening itself — not the surrounding island structure. The three most common errors are measuring with the lid open (cover ends up too short), ignoring side shelves (cover won’t fit over the widest point), and skipping protruding knobs (cover tears during installation).

When between sizes, the larger cover always wins. A cover that’s slightly loose stays put better than one stretched tight — wind can’t lift it, and you won’t fight to zip it closed.