Guide to Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions and Sizes

Introduction

When designing or remodeling a kitchen, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right cabinetry. Cabinetry makes up a significant portion of the overall kitchen design and has a major impact on the aesthetics, storage, and functionality of the space. Choosing cabinets with the proper dimensions and sizes is crucial for maximizing storage, fitting appliances properly, and achieving your desired layout.

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on standard kitchen cabinet dimensions and sizes to help you make informed choices. We’ll cover typical cabinet widths, heights, and depths for different cabinet types like base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall pantry units. You’ll also learn about factors that impact cabinet dimensions like door/drawer styles and crown molding. With these standard dimensions in mind, you’ll be able to design your dream kitchen with perfectly fitted cabinetry.

Overview of Standard Cabinet Dimensions

Kitchen cabinets come in a range of standard widths, heights, and depths to fit different needs.

Widths

Common widths for base cabinets are 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”. Wall cabinets are typically 12”, 15”, 18”, 24”, 30”, or 36” wide.

Heights

Base cabinet heights are most often 34 1⁄2” or 36”. Wall cabinets are commonly 12”, 15”, 18”, 24”, 30”, or 36” tall. Full-height pantry cabinets are 84” or 90” high.

Depths

Standard cabinet depths are 12”, 24”, and 25” deep. Deeper cabinets around 25”-26” are used for pantries and other storage needs.

Within these standard sizes, there is some variation among different manufacturers. Custom sizing is also available. Beyond just the cabinet box dimensions, factors like door styles, crowns, and trim also impact the overall measurements.

Base Cabinet Dimensions

Base cabinets sit on the floor and support countertops. They come in different widths, heights, and depths to accommodate various kitchen plans. Here are the standard base cabinet dimensions to consider:

Common Base Cabinet Widths

Typical widths for base cabinet boxes are:

18” wide
24” wide
30” wide
36” wide
42” wide
48” wide

18” and 24” widths are most common for general storage needs. 30-36” widths work well for larger appliances like stoves, dishwashers, and cabinets with sink basins. Some manufacturers offer more narrow 12” or 15” cabinets for tight spaces next to appliances. Wider 42-48” options are often used for pantry cabinets or appliances.

Standard Base Cabinet Heights

The standard height for base cabinets is:

34 1⁄2” tall
36” tall

This allows for most countertops to be installed at a comfortable working height of 36”. 34 1⁄2” is also acceptable, but limits countertop height. Some manufacturers offer 32” or 33” tall base cabinets for a lower profile.

Typical Base Cabinet Depths

Common standard depths for base cabinets include:

24” deep
25” deep

Deeper cabinet depths around 25”-26” provide ample storage space. More shallow 21” depth cabinets are also available.

Other Base Cabinet Dimensions Considerations

Toe kicks: Base cabinets include a recessed toe kick area at the bottom that raises the cabinet box up off the floor. Standard toe kick height is 4 1⁄2”.
Door/drawer overlays: The amount of overlay for cabinet doors/drawers impacts the overall cabinet width/height. Standard is between 1⁄2” to 1 1⁄4” overlay.
Crown molding: Adding crown molding trim on top of the cabinet increases the overall height by 3-4”.
Base filler strips: Filler strips help fill gaps between cabinets. Common heights are 3”, 4”, and 6”.

Wall Cabinet Dimensions

Wall cabinets are installed on the wall above countertops to provide more storage. Here are typical wall cabinet size specifications:

Standard Wall Cabinet Widths

Common widths for wall cabinet boxes include:

12” wide
15” wide
18” wide
24” wide
30” wide
36” wide

12-18” widths work well above appliances or for specialty pull-out cabinets. For general storage, 24-36” widths are most popular.

Typical Wall Cabinet Heights

Standard heights for wall mounted cabinets are:

12” tall
15” tall
18” tall
24” tall
30” tall
36” tall

24-30” heights are commonly used above kitchen islands. 12-18” heights are good for wall display cabinets. 36-42” tall wall cabinets provide maximum storage space.

Standard Wall Cabinet Depths

Wall cabinets usually come in standard depths of:

12” deep
13” deep
24” deep

Deeper 24” cabinets hold more, while 12-13” depths are used for single row display cabinets.

Additional Wall Cabinet Considerations

Crown molding: Just like with base cabinets, adding crown molding will increase the overall cabinet height.
Filler strips: Wall cabinet filler strips come in common heights of 3”, 4”, or 6”.

Tall Pantry Cabinet Dimensions

Tall pantry or utility cabinets stand from floor to ceiling. They provide a lot of storage space.

Typical Tall Cabinet Widths

Common tall cabinet widths are:

18” wide
24” wide
36” wide

36” wide is a common standard for pantries and broom closets. 18-24” widths work for more narrow spaces.

Standard Tall Cabinet Heights

Tall pantry cabinet heights are most often:

84” tall
90” tall
96” tall

Standard ceiling height is 96”. So full-height tall cabinets are commonly 84-90” tall.

Standard Tall Cabinet Depths

Tall cabinet depths are typically:

24” deep
25” deep

Deeper 25” depth provides ample storage room. More shallow 21” is also an option.

Other Considerations for Tall Pantry Cabinets

Make sure to account for the toe kick height at the bottom and any crown molding at the top.
Filler panels often accompany tall cabinets to fill gaps along the ceiling line.

Standard Cabinet Dimensions for Common Kitchen Layouts

Using these standard cabinet dimensions, here are some examples of kitchen layouts with typical cabinet sizes:

Galley Kitchen Cabinets

This single wall galley kitchen features:

36” wide tall pantry cabinet
30” wide base cabinets
30” wide wall cabinets
18” wall cabinet above refrigerator

All cabinets at standard 24” depth and 36” base cabinet height.

L-Shaped Kitchen Cabinets

A common L-shaped kitchen may utilize:

36” wide corner base cabinet
36” wide fridge-freezer base section
24-30” wide general storage base units
24-30” wide wall units
18” wall cabinet near corner

Standard cabinet heights and depths.

U-Shaped Kitchen Cabinets

A U-shaped kitchen often includes:

30-36” wide sink base cabinet
24-30” wide base cabinets for stove, dishwasher etc.
18-24” wide upper wall cabinets
30-36” wide tall pantry cabinet

Using standard cabinet sizes at typical heights and depths.

Island Kitchen Cabinets

For a kitchen island you may find:

36” wide base cabinets
12-15” wide upper cabinets for display
Overhang at the eating area side of the island

Standard cabinet depths and heights.

Cabinet Dimensions for Common Kitchen Features

Beyond just general cabinetry, properly sized cabinets are crucial for incorporating appliances, sinks, and other features smoothly.

Sink Base Cabinet Dimensions

For a kitchen sink base cabinet:

Width is usually 30-36” to fit a standard sink
Depth is 25-26” to allow plumbing space
Height is standard 36”
The back may be recessed to allow plumbing

A sink base would accompany a standard 24-30” wide wall cabinet.

Stove Cabinet Dimensions

A typical stove cabinet would be:

Width is most often 30-36” to fit common stove sizes
Depth is standard 25”
Height is typical 36”
May need extended depth for gas line access

Proper stove cabinet width allows for installation with countertops on either side.

Refrigerator Cabinet Dimensions

For a fridge or refrigerator cabinet:

Width is typically 18-24” for integrated cabinet style units
Depth is around 24” for the cabinet portion
Height is 84-90” for a full height version
May need venting or access in the top cabinets

refrigerator cabinet size.

Dishwasher Cabinet Dimensions

For an integrated dishwasher:

Width is most often 24” wide to match typical dishwashers
Depth is approximately 23-25” for installation
Height is standard 36”
May need access to plumbing and electricity

Proper dishwasher cabinet dimensions allow for a hidden, seamless look.

Tips for Planning Kitchen Cabinets

When designing your kitchen and selecting cabinet sizes, keep these tips in mind:

Draw out a floor plan with measurements to visualize cabinet layouts and appliance sizes.
Account for extra height and width from trim pieces like crown molding.
Make sure to leave adequate room for door and drawer clearances.
Use standard width filler strips to fill gaps between cabinet runs.
Allow plumbing and wiring access by leaving space behind certain cabinets.
Confirm appliance dimensions and make sure cabinets will properly accommodate them.
Try to allow for some wiggle room in your plan for adjustments during installation.

Cabinet Dimensions Takeaways

Determining the right kitchen cabinet dimensions is key for creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Keep these standard cabinet size details in mind:

Base cabinets are commonly 34 1⁄2 – 36” tall and 24 – 25” deep. Widths range from 18 – 48”.
Wall cabinet heights go from 12 – 36” and depths are usually 12 – 24”. Widths range from 12 – 36”.
Tall pantry units are 84 – 90” tall with widths around 18 – 36” wide.
Consider door styles, moldings, and filler strips when planning overall cabinet sizes.
Size cabinets appropriately for sinks, appliances, pantries, and other features.
Use a detailed floor plan with measurements to select ideal cabinet sizes.

Knowing standard cabinet dimensions takes the guesswork out of designing a kitchen that functions flawlessly. With all the essential size information covered in this guide, you can confidently pick cabinetry for a customized, efficient space. Use these standard sizes as a reference when you start planning your dream kitchen!

Standard Cabinet Dimensions Chart

Here is a quick reference chart summarizing typical kitchen cabinet dimensions:

Frequently Asked Questions About Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions and Sizes

What are the most common kitchen cabinet dimensions?

The most common kitchen cabinet dimensions are:

Base cabinets: 34 1/2″ – 36” H x 24”-25” D x 18”-48″ W
Wall cabinets: 12”-36” H x 12”-24” D x 12”-36” W
Tall pantry cabinets: 84-90″ H x 24”-25” D x 18”-36” W

These provide a good standard height for countertops and storage capacity while fitting most kitchen floorplans.

What is the standard kitchen cabinet height?

The standard height for base kitchen cabinets is 34 1/2″ or 36″. This allows most countertops to be installed at a comfortable 36” working height. Wall cabinets can range from 12”-36” tall depending on storage needs.

What are standard upper cabinet depths?

Standard upper wall cabinet depths are 12 or 24 inches. The 12” depth is used for single row or display purposes, while the 24” depth provides more storage capacity.

What is the typical depth for kitchen cabinets?

The typical depth for both base and wall kitchen cabinets is 24 or 25 inches. This deeper depth provides substantial storage room while accommodating most kitchen designs. More shallow 21” depths are also an option.

What are some typical kitchen island cabinet dimensions?

Kitchen islands often use wider 36-42 inch base cabinets to provide ample storage and counter space. Wall cabinets above islands are commonly 12-15 inches tall to add display storage without obstructing sightlines. Standard depths of 24-25 inches are used.

What size cabinets are needed for a kitchen sink?

A typical kitchen sink base cabinet is 30-36” wide and 25-26” deep. The extra depth allows room for plumbing infrastructure. The adjacent wall cabinet is often 24-30” wide to match the sink size.

How tall are standard pantry cabinets?

Common heights for full pantry cabinets are 84-90 inches. This allows them to fit from floor to ceiling standard 96 inch ceiling height. More shallow pantries may be 60-72 inches tall.

How much space should you leave for cabinet door clearance?

It’s recommended to leave at least 1-3 inches of clearance between adjacent cabinet doors or drawers. This provides space for opening the doors fully without obstruction.

Should my upper and lower cabinets be the same depth?

It’s common for both wall and base cabinets to use the same standard 24 or 25 inch depth in a kitchen. However, it may be possible to do a lower depth of 21 or 24 inches for wall units if space is tight.

I hope these tips help provide a comprehensive overview of standard kitchen cabinet dimensions and sizes to make your design decisions much easier! Let me know if you have any other cabinet measurement questions.