Curious about this question, we asked Nick, who has been a car stereo enthusiast for the longest time. If there’s a person who knows the answer, that would be him. He gave us the lowdown on how to measure car speakers, and we’ve put it together into a simple guide for you guys.
While there are multiple factors to consider when updating your car’s sound system, the size of your speakers should be one of your biggest concerns.
Not picking up speakers of the right size is problematic for many reasons. The speakers with the wrong measurement will not fit into the dimensions of your car, which would then make modifications necessary. Also, not all cars have the same speaker setup. Therefore, a set of speakers that fits in Car A may not fit with Car B, and vice versa. As such, it is vital that you pick up correctly sized speakers to make your life infinitely easier.
The problem is that speaker manufacturers do not follow a specific system for measuring their speakers. Furthermore, the given measurements of a speaker don’t really correspond to the speaker size itself. This is what most speaker buyers don’t recognize, and it gives them major headaches come installation time.
There are multiple measurements taken in speakers, and each one will greatly help you in finding a speaker that fits flush in the specific area where they will be used.
Measurements taken in speakers
Diameter
Contrary to popular belief, the size of the speaker is not measured using the diameter of the speaker cone. Rather, the measurement is based on the diagonal length of the speaker frame. On 4-hole speaker frames, the measurement is done starting at one hole and ending at the hole located at the opposite diagonal end. Other speakers with more or less than 4 holes measure their speakers based on the diameter of the frame.
Mounting depth
The mounting depth is measured from below the speaker’s mounting flange to the base of the magnet. This corresponds to how deep your speaker goes as you insert it in place. A speaker with excessive mounting depth will end up bumping on surfaces beneath it, which would either cause your speakers to not fit flush or damage the speaker or housing.
Mounting height
The mounting height is the distance from the mounting flange to the speaker’s highest point. The lower the mounting height, the flatter it will look once mounting is completed. It is important to measure this to prevent your speaker from bumping in surfaces such as door panels or grills. The mounting height should fit flush to the space allotted for your speaker.
Cutout diameter
The cutout diameter is measured as the largest diameter at the back of the speaker. Commonly corresponding to the largest diameter at the bottom of the speaker flange, it is correspondent to the size necessary for the speaker to fit into your car’s speaker slot.
Measure Car Speakers
Image: Diagram showing different measurements of a speaker
As mentioned earlier, the biggest problem facing buyers is the fact that no standardized means for measuring speakers exist. As such, learning how to measure car speakers is considered as something of a vital skill. Learning these measurements is perhaps your best bet to avoid purchasing ill-fitting speakers for your car. Nick shared some additional tips you can use to ensure that you get a set of speakers that fit.
how to measure car speakers
Check out speaker guides
Measuring the appropriate size of speakers for specific car models can sometimes be tricky. Making things worse is the fact that some manufacturers follow non-standard speaker sizes to better work with the dimensions of their car. Given this, there are some websites that maintain a database of stock speaker measurements for specific models of cars. Such databases contain measurements for some of the most popular car models, making it much easier for buyers to find appropriate replacement speakers for their cars.
Learn how to remove car stereo without keys here
Consider modifying your speaker mounts
In some cases, accurate measurements for stock speakers are not available for specific car models. Also, there are some cases where stock housing measurements do not correspond with any available aftermarket speakers. In these situations, the only available option is to modify the speaker housing. Some modifications can be as simple as converting the speaker’s mounting frame to match that of the car’s. Other modifications will constitute altering the housing itself, changing parameters such as housing depth and diameter.
Our resident car stereo enthusiast also says that your considerations should go beyond simply making the speakers fit in their respective places (though of course, that is still crucial). You should also consider wattage; the wattage of your speakers and head unit/amplifier should match for optimal performance. You should also check out other performance parameters such as frequency response. Integrated speakers should also be a part of your consideration if you’re looking for fuller sound in minimal space.
Knowing how to measure car speakers is an essential skill. You’re looking for aftermarket car speakers. Whether you are looking for a set that matches your stock sound system or you’re looking for an upgrade, it is important that you get speakers that fit. Getting the speaker measurements right is your ticket to getting it done.
Simon graduated with a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Degree. He has over 20 years of servicing experience in both Japanese and German car dealerships. He now acts as a freelance mechanic’s instructor for local schools.
To determine speaker size can be frustrating atimes. We just need to check properly and even some manufacturers doesn’t use standard size standard. This post is helpful
How to determine speaker size is one thing that gives me headache..ordering for one that is too big or to small to fit into my car bums me out..this article is definitely for me..now,I have one less thing to worry about
I didn’t know there is a car speaker sizes specification to follow to create sizes of speakers in car. Then how do someone still see oversized or undersized speaker size out there? This article is really needed
Great post,I had no idea about how to know what size speakers fit into a vehicle like mine. Thanks for sharing the tips abour on how to measure car speakers.
Car speaker sizes varies with each car model. This article will help you determine the size you need for your car.
Its good to know the speaker size measurement of your car. This article has really helped us through the guides to determine speaker size. Thanks for this good post.
I had no idea how speaker size measurement could make or break your car’s audio system in a lot of ways. I should take all of the these tips into account when buying one someday.
The process of trying to determine speaker size can be quite tricky. Great work showing us exactly how to go about it.
It is very essential that one is aware of speaker size measurement before purchasing one for their car. Getting the measurements wrong can lead to huge modification costs.
Car speaker sizes come in an array of sizes. Whenever buying one one should always go for one that fits properly in their car.
This is a very good and easy to follow guide on how to know what size speakers fit into a vehicle. Such a skill is important for every vehicle owner.
It’s worth noting that car door speakers sizes should also be considered very carefully. Picking the wrong size can make your car door unclosable.
It’s absolutely imperative that you determine speaker size whenever purchasing a new speaker. It can save you a ton of headache in terms of fitting it into the car.
The importance of speaker size measurement really can’t be overstated. I have seen many people buy great speakers only to be stranded with them simply because they never cared enough to buy the right speaker size.
Car speaker sizes have no standard way of being measured and it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. That can make it quite complicated to choose the right size.
When learning how to know what size speakers fit into a vehicle, the first thing to do is to determine the dimensions of your vehicle. This makes it easier to choose just the right speaker that would fit.
A vehicles dimensions are important to determine speaker size that would be compatible with the car. Nothing can be as frustrating as buying a good speaker only for it not to fit in your car.
The skill of speaker size measurement is one that can come in handy in many instances. This is especially true when shopping for a car speaker and you want to get something that is compatible with your vehicle.
This is very fundamental advice on how to know what size speakers fit into a vehicle. Great illustrations and pointers on measuring the depth and diameter. Thanks for also addressing flat to flat ratios and how to avoid making classic mistakes when measuring. Really awesome piece.
This is the very first time I read an author referring to guides to determine speaker size? However, he is right though. In my house a good old tape measure does the trick ha ha. I will shift to this though.
How to know what size speakers fit into a vehicle guide simplified. Nice one, guys!
Wow Thanks for this information i find it hard to realize decent material out there when it comes to this blog posts thank for the article website