Even though it is most common for companies to list drum sizes depth-first (a 5” x 14” snare drum, like the gorgeous cherry Longo snare drum below), a healthy minority measure them width first (14” x 5”). I would like to know which of them you feel is most appropriate, and why?

One would think that the largest dimension (measurement) would be given first. I never understood the background of the depth first dimensions.

It gets confusing when the dimensions are close, eg: an 8” x 7” tom.

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I measure width first. After all, when you purchase drum heads, it is by width and not depth. I have noticed that some drum companies will list depth first, for tom toms, but measure width first for floor toms and kick drums. Go figure? 

I agree with Rev.D.  width first is so much better.