Kitchen cabinets come in a variety of standard sizes and dimensions to fit any kitchen layout and design. Choosing the right cabinet sizes for your kitchen is an important decision that impacts aesthetics, storage, and functionality. This comprehensive guide will overview standard kitchen cabinet dimensions, sizes, and layout tips to help you select the ideal cabinetry for your space.
Introduction to Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes
Kitchen cabinets are available in stock or custom sizes, but most homeowners opt for standard ready-made sizes for affordability and faster installation time. Cabinet sizes are measured based on their width, height, and depth. The most common width measurements are 3”, 6”, 9”, 12”, 15”, 18”, 24”, 30”, and 36”. Cabinet box heights typically come in 30”, 33”, 36”, 39”, and 42” options. Depth can range from 12” to 24” deep.
Kitchen cabinets also come in different configurations such as:
- Base cabinets – rest on the floor and provide storage and support for countertops.
- Wall cabinets – mounted on the wall for storage.
- Pantry cabinets – taller storage cabinets.
- Island and peninsula cabinets.
When selecting cabinet sizes, it’s important to consider functionality and creating an ergonomic kitchen workspace. Optimal kitchen cabinet height falls between 15” to 18” for the under cabinet and 30” to 48” for wall cabinets. Standard cabinet depth tends to work best around 24” deep for wall cabinets and 25” for base cabinets. Take accurate measurements of your existing kitchen and think about how you use the space when choosing cabinet sizes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Sizes
Some important considerations when determining standard cabinet dimensions for your kitchen include:
Kitchen Layout
The shape and size of your kitchen along with traffic patterns, windows, doors, and utilities will impact the size options available. Larger kitchens have more leeway for larger cabinets, while smaller spaces may require narrower or custom-sized cabinets.
Ceiling Height
The ceiling height dictates how tall your wall cabinets can be installed. Standard ceiling height is 8 feet. In rooms with higher or vaulted ceilings, you have more options for taller wall cabinets.
Functionality Needs
Consider the ways you use your kitchen and storage needs. More shelves offer increased storage space. Drawers are great for utensils but reduce storage capacity compared to shelves. Think about appliances and cookware you need to store when choosing cabinet sizes and configurations.
Aesthetics
The style of cabinetry and overall kitchen design should also inform cabinet dimensions. Larger cabinets can overpower a petite kitchen. However, overly narrow cabinets can clutter a wider kitchen. Find the right balance for your space.
Budget
Larger or custom-sized cabinets typically have a higher price point. Ready-made standard sizes help keep project costs down. Though you should not compromise too much on size to stay within budget.
Standard Cabinet Dimension Guidelines
To help select cabinet sizes, here is an overview of the standard kitchen cabinet dimensions and guidelines:
Floor Cabinet Height
- Toekick Drawer Cabinet Height: 27-30 inches
- Standard Floor Cabinet Height: 34 1/2 inches
- Custom Floor Cabinet Height: Up to 48 inches
Standard floor cabinet height works for most kitchens. If you need more storage, consider a pantry cabinet or custom taller sizes.
Floor Cabinet Depth
- Standard Cabinet Depth: 24 inches
- Custom Cabinet Depth: Up to 28 inches
Deeper cabinet sizes work well for kitchens with more space. Optimal depth is based on kitchen size, layout, and preferences.
Wall Cabinet Height
- Standard Wall Cabinet Height: 30-36 inches
- Tall Wall Cabinet Height: 42-48 inches
Standard wall cabinet height fits below most commercial range hoods. Tall cabinets provide more storage but ensure there is 18” clearance above the countertop.
Wall Cabinet Depth
- Standard Wall Cabinet Depth: 12-16 inches
- Deep Wall Cabinet Depth: 18-24 inches
A depth of 13 inches is typical for many wall cabinets. Deep wall cabinets can store more but protrude further into the room.
Base Cabinet Widths
- 9-inch cabinet
- 12-inch cabinet
- 15-inch cabinet
- 18-inch cabinet
- 24-inch cabinet
- 36-inch cabinet
Popular standard base cabinet widths are 24 inches for sinks and ranges and 36 inches for larger appliances. Adjust widths based on your specific layout.
Wall Cabinet Widths
- 12-inch width
- 18-inch width
- 24-inch width
- 30-inch width
- 36-inch width
Standard wall cabinet widths range from 12 to 36 inches wide. Like base cabinets, size them appropriately for your functional needs.
Cabinet Heights for Accessibility
For accessibility:
- Wall cabinets: 48 inches max height
- Floor cabinets: 34 inches height
- Upper cabinets: 15-48 inches above countertop
- Sink base cabinet: 34 inches height
Adjust cabinet height and depth to make a kitchen accessible based on the needs of its users.
Guide to Cabinet Measurements
When measuring for standard cabinet sizes:
- Measure from the floor to the ceiling for overall room height.
- Mark the window and door placement on the floor plan.
- Measure any appliances or fixtures that will impact cabinet dimensions.
- Note down any obstructions like pipes or beams.
- For accuracy, measure multiple spots along the walls.
These measurements will guide your cabinet size selection and kitchen layout. Obtain accurate measurements before finalizing cabinet dimensions to avoid issues during installation.
Standard Sizes for Specific Cabinet Types
Beyond the overall kitchen cabinet dimension guidelines, there are some standard sizes to follow for specific types of cabinetry:
Standard Upper Cabinet Sizes
- Widths: 12”, 18”, 24”, 30”, or 36”
- Height: 30” to 42” in 3” increments
- Depth: 12” to 16” standard
Upper cabinets are mounted on the wall above the countertop to maximize storage. Typical height is 42 to 48 inches.
Typical Base Cabinet Dimensions
- Widths: 18”, 21”, 24”, 27”, 30”, 33” or 36”
- Height: 34 1⁄2” is standard
- Depth: 24” is standard
Base cabinets sit directly on the kitchen floor to provide storage and support the countertop above.
Common Sink Base Cabinet Sizes
- Width: 30” to 48”
- Height: 34 1⁄2″
- Depth: 24”
- False drawer: 5” to 10” height
The sink base cabinet houses the kitchen sink. It needs to accommodate plumbing and provide room for the sink bowl and countertop overhang.
Standard Lazy Susan Cabinet Sizes
- Base cabinet width: 30” or 36”
- Wall cabinet width: 24″ or 30”
- Height: matches cabinet type
- Depth: matches cabinet type
Lazy susans rotate to provide easy access to corner cabinet contents. They are useful in L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens.
Typical Pantry Cabinet Dimensions
- Width: 18” to 36”
- Height: 84” is common but can be custom
- Depth: 24” is standard
- Interior shelves: Typically adjustable
Pantry cabinets provide expanded storage through a taller and deeper cabinet unit. They can be freestanding or built into kitchen cabinetry.
Average Peninsula Cabinet Sizes
- Width: 18” to 48”
- Height: Matches kitchen base or wall cabinets
- Depth: Matches kitchen cabinet depth
- Overhang: Varies based on design
Peninsula cabinets have three accessible sides and attach to other cabinets on one end. Sizes match other kitchen cabinetry for continuity.
Typical Island Cabinet Dimensions
- Width: 18” to 48”
- Height: Matches kitchen cabinets
- Depth: Matches kitchen cabinets
- Overhang: 1” to 3” on each side
Island cabinets have four exposed sides. Their size depends on the island dimensions and desired overhang.
How to Determine Kitchen Cabinet Layout
Proper kitchen cabinet layout optimizes function and aesthetics. Use these tips when planning cabinet configuration:
- Map out traffic flow through the work triangle between sink, fridge, and stove.
- Place wall cabinets 12” to 18” above countertops. Allow at least 15” clearance above appliances.
- Include a variety of base and wall cabinet widths appropriate for the kitchen size.
- Use wasted corner space with specialty cabinets like lazy susans or diagonal corner units.
- Ensure sinks have adequate plumbing access through the sink base cabinet design.
- Use tall pantry cabinets for expanded storage near the fridge or entryway.
- Incorporate both deep and shallow wall cabinets to accommodate various needs.
- Allow for open shelving, glass cabinet doors, or greenery to break up banked cabinetry.
Take time plotting kitchen cabinet placement on a floor plan to optimize your layout. Measure carefully and account for all architectural details.
Cabinet Dimensions for Standard Kitchen Layouts
Certain kitchen layouts such as galley, L-shaped, and U-shaped kitchens have some ideal standard cabinet dimensions to follow:
Galley Kitchen Cabinet Sizes
Galley kitchens are long and narrow with cabinets along two parallel walls. Optimal galley kitchen cabinet dimensions include:
- Base cabinets at 24” depth.
- Wall cabinets in standard 12” to 16” depth.
- Various widths from 18” up to 48” wide.
- Standard heights of 30” to 42”.
- Include some open shelving for a less closed-in feel.
Size galley kitchen cabinets appropriately without appearing too bulky or crowded. Include some glass doors to keep the space feeling open.
L-Shaped Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions
Typical cabinet dimensions for an L-shaped kitchen layout involve:
- Base cabinets at 24” to 25” depth.
- Wall cabinets with 12” to 16” depth.
- Widths ranging from 18” to 48”.
- Standard heights of 30” to 42”.
- Extra storage with a pantry cabinet.
- Use a blind corner cabinet or lazy susan in the L corner.
L-shaped kitchens benefit from a combination of different cabinet sizes customized to each section of the L.
U-Shaped Kitchen Cabinet Sizes
A U-shaped kitchen with cabinets on three walls lends itself to these cabinet dimensions:
- Base cabinet depth around 25”.
- Wall cabinet depth about 13” to 15”.
- Widths from 18” up to 48”.
- Standard heights from 30” to 42”.
- Include open shelving along upper cabinets.
- Use lazy susans or diagonal corner cabinets.
The three sections of a U-shaped kitchen can each utilize different standard cabinet sizes as needed. Just maintain some visual consistency.
Typical Cabinet Dimensions for Small Kitchens
Small kitchens have limited space, so cabinet dimensions should maximize function within a smaller footprint. Useful cabinet options for tiny kitchens include:
- Base cabinets with 24” depth.
- Wall cabinets in shallow 12” depth.
- Narrower widths like 9” to 18”.
- Standard heights from 30” to 36”.
- Drawers and rollouts for increased storage.
- Glass cabinet doors create the illusion of openness.
Avoid bulky cabinets and maximize storage through smart organization and specialty pull-outs in a petite kitchen.
Standard Cabinet Sizes for Large Kitchens
Larger kitchens offer more flexibility in the cabinet dimensions that can be incorporated:
- Base cabinets up to 28” depth.
- Wall cabinets around 18” to 24” depth.
- Wider widths from 30” up to 48”.
- Tall pantry cabinets up to 84” high.
- Extra tall wall cabinets up to 48” high.
- Sizeable island or peninsula cabinets.
- Diagonal corner cabinets.
Take advantage of the available space through tall vertical storage, deeper cabinets, and wide sizes to fill the room appropriately.
Average Costs for Standard Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinet costs vary based on type, size, materials, and other factors. Some typical price ranges include:
- Stock cabinets: $75 – $350 per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets: $200 – $700 per linear foot
- Custom cabinets: $500 – $1,200+ per linear foot
Larger and higher quality custom cabinets have a higher price point. There are affordable options for standard ready-to-assemble cabinets from home improvement stores. Get quotes from several suppliers before setting your cabinetry budget.
Tips for Purchasing Standard Sized Cabinets
When shopping for standard kitchen cabinets in the appropriate sizes for your space, keep these tips in mind:
- Take careful room measurements before cabinet shopping.
- Bring your measurements and kitchen floor plan when meeting with kitchen designers.
- Ask about width, height, and depth options for each cabinet type.
- Look for versatile cabinets like adjustable shelves or rollouts.
- Evaluate the quality of materials and hardware.
- Examine cabinet construction including joints, finishes, and durability.
- Plan to mix some standard sizes with customized pieces.
- Set a realistic budget and account for additional expenses like installation and molding.
- Ask about delivery timelines and coordination of cabinet arrival.
Investing in quality standard-sized cabinets tailored to your kitchen’s dimensions will create a functional and beautiful kitchen that lasts.
Standard Cabinet Dimensions and Sizes FAQs
What are the standard kitchen cabinet sizes?
Typical kitchen cabinet sizes range from 9 to 48 inches wide, 30 to 84 inches high, and 12 to 28 inches deep. Standard widths include 3”, 6”, 9”, 12”, 15”, 18”, 24”, 30”, and 36”. Common heights are 30”, 33”, 36”, 39”, and 42”. Depth usually ranges from 12” to 28”.
How deep should kitchen cabinets be?
The standard depth for kitchen cabinets is 24 inches for base cabinets and 12 to 16 inches for wall cabinets. Deeper cabinet sizes around 25” to 28” can maximize storage in larger kitchens. Avoid depths over 26” in small, galley style kitchen layouts.
What is the normal height for kitchen wall cabinets?
The typical wall cabinet height is between 30” and 42” inches, installed 15” to 18” above the counter height. Standard installation is 36” to 42” above the floor. Wall cabinets can be customized up to 48” depending on the ceiling height.
What are standard upper cabinet heights?
Common upper kitchen cabinet heights range from 30” to 48” inches, increasing in 3” increments. The typical range is from 30” to 42” high and installed 12” to 18” above the countertops. 48” is the maximum height recommended for upper cabinets.
How tall should kitchen cabinets be for accessibility?
For accessibility, base cabinets should be 34” high and wall cabinets can range from 15” to 48” above the counter. At least 15” clearance should be left above appliances. Standard guidelines recommend a maximum height of 48” for wall cabinets.
What size should a pantry cabinet be?
A typical pantry cabinet is 18” to 36” wide, with an interior depth of 24”. Interior cabinet height can be customized but is commonly 84” to maximize vertical storage space. Adjustable shelves allow you to modify storage configurations as needed.
What is the standard size of a lazy Susan cabinet?
Lazy susans are commonly installed in corner base cabinets sized 30” x 30” or 36” x 36”. For a wall corner cabinet, popular lazy susan sizes are 24” and 30” width. The height and depth match the rest of the kitchen cabinets, allowing the lazy susan to rotate easily.
What are the standard sizes for kitchen island cabinets?
Island cabinets are typically sized identically to your kitchen’s base and wall cabinets in regard to width, height, and depth. This creates consistency. You can customize island cabinetry as well. An overhang of 1” to 3” on each exposed side is typical.
Conclusion
When designing your dream kitchen, carefully measure the available space and analyze how you use the kitchen. These factors will inform smart standard cabinet size selections that make the most of your kitchen’s footprint. Consult the typical kitchen cabinet dimensions and guidelines provided to choose sizes optimized for storage, functionality, and visual harmony. The right standard cabinet sizes can make even a modest kitchen feel luxurious.
