What is the standard width for kitchen cabinets? Standard kitchen cabinet widths typically range from 9 inches to 48 inches. These measurements apply mostly to base and wall cabinets, but exact sizes depend on the cabinet type and intended placement in your kitchen design.
Designing a new kitchen or remodeling an old one often brings up many questions about size. Getting the kitchen cabinet dimensions right is key to a smooth installation and a functional space. Knowing the standard kitchen cabinet width helps you plan your layout efficiently. This guide breaks down the typical sizes you will find and gives you tips for accurate measuring.
Decoding Standard Kitchen Cabinet Widths
Most cabinets follow standard sizing rules. This helps manufacturers produce parts that fit together easily. It also makes it simpler for homeowners and designers to plan standard kitchen layout sizes.
Base Cabinets: The Foundation of Your Kitchen
Base cabinets sit on the floor and support your countertops. They are usually 34.5 inches tall (not including the countertop) and typically 24 inches deep. This depth is called the base cabinet depth. Width, however, varies a lot.
Standard Widths for Base Cabinets:
Base cabinets are almost always made in 3-inch increments. This allows for precise fitting between appliances or around corners.
| Width (Inches) | Common Use Case |
|---|---|
| 9 | Filler or very narrow kitchen cabinets |
| 12 | Small storage units |
| 15 | Good for spices or slim items |
| 18 | Standard drawer base or door cabinet |
| 21 | Common size for sinks or small appliance storage |
| 24 | Standard dishwasher size or drawer unit |
| 27 | Larger storage options |
| 30 | Very common; often used for wider drawers |
| 33 | Standard size below wider cooktops |
| 36 | Popular size for large drawers or corner units |
| 39 | Less common, sometimes custom or specialty |
| 42 | Used in larger kitchens or for specific needs |
| 48 | Largest standard size, often used as a bank |
Important Note: When you buy a cabinet listed at 36 inches wide, its actual box measurement might be slightly smaller (like 35.5 inches). This small gap allows room for shims during installation and for the face frames (the wood trim around the front) to meet neatly. Always check the manufacturer’s specs for exact cabinet installation measurements.
Wall Cabinets: Reaching for the Ceiling
Wall cabinets, also called upper cabinets, hang above the countertop. They help maximize vertical storage space. Upper cabinet height is usually standardized to work well above standard counter depths.
Common Upper Cabinet Heights:
- 12 inches: Used above microwaves or refrigerators.
- 15 inches: Often found above windows or doors.
- 18 inches: A very common height for basic upper storage.
- 24 inches: Provides good storage, often used in standard 8-foot ceiling kitchens.
- 30 inches: Standard height for many kitchen designs.
- 36 inches: Best for kitchens with 9-foot or higher ceilings, offering maximum storage.
- 42 inches: Used in kitchens with very tall ceilings (10 feet or more).
Standard Upper Cabinet Widths:
Wall cabinets follow the same 3-inch increment rule as base cabinets for width: 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, and sometimes up to 48 inches.
The depth of wall cabinets is usually shallower than base cabinets. A typical base cabinet depth is 24 inches (excluding the door). Standard wall cabinets are often 12 inches deep. If you need extra storage but don’t have much wall space, look into shallow depth cabinets. These might be 9 or 10 inches deep.
Specialized Cabinet Sizes
Not every cabinet fits neatly into the standard 3-inch increments. Some specialty units serve specific functions, affecting their width.
Appliance Cabinets
These cabinets are built to house specific appliances. Their widths are dictated by the appliance size.
- Dishwasher Cabinets: Almost always 24 inches wide.
- Trash Compactor Cabinets: Usually 18 inches wide.
- Refrigerator Cabinets/Panels: These can vary widely, often requiring 30, 33, or 36 inches to surround a large fridge unit properly.
Corner Cabinets: Making the Most of Angles
Corner cabinets are tricky. They often come in two main styles:
- Blind Corners: One side is hidden behind another cabinet run. They usually range from 24 to 42 inches wide on the main side.
- Lazy Susan or Diagonal Corners: These maximize the usable space in the corner. Diagonal cabinets often have a 33-inch or 36-inch diagonal measurement across the front opening.
Drawer Bases vs. Door Bases
The internal structure affects the overall width of the cabinet box.
- Door Cabinets: Often utilize the full nominal width (e.g., a 30-inch cabinet has about 29.5 inches of usable opening).
- Drawer Bases: Drawers need slides. A slide takes up space on both sides of the cabinet box. Therefore, a 30-inch drawer base might offer slightly less internal storage width than a 30-inch cabinet designed only for doors.
The Role of Narrow Kitchen Cabinets
Sometimes, a small gap exists between a cabinet run and a wall, or perhaps there is a very small space near the end of a counter run. This is where narrow kitchen cabinets shine.
You can find cabinets as small as 6 inches wide, though 9 inches is the most common starting point for standard stock cabinets. These narrow units are excellent for:
- Spice racks that pull out.
- Trays or cutting board storage.
- Filler pieces if a custom cut isn’t feasible.
Deeper Dive into Cabinet Depth
While width is the most variable measurement, depth (how far the cabinet sticks out from the wall) is crucial for workflow.
Standard Base Cabinet Depth (24 Inches)
The standard 24-inch base cabinet depth is set so that the cabinet box aligns perfectly with standard counter overhangs (usually 25 to 25.5 inches deep including the edge). This ensures appliances like dishwashers fit correctly.
Shallow Depth Cabinets (Less Than 24 Inches)
Shallow depth cabinets are essential in small kitchens, narrow walkways, or pantries where full depth isn’t needed.
- 12-inch Depth: Ideal for hallways, small utility rooms, or as shallow wall cabinets above a standard counter if the user is very short.
- 18-inch Depth: A good compromise for small kitchens needing more storage than 12 inches allows, but where 24 inches would impede traffic flow.
When opting for shallow bases, remember your countertop must also be custom-made to match this reduced depth, typically resulting in a shorter overhang.
A Comprehensive Cabinet Size Guide
To make planning easier, here is a simple reference for key cabinet types. This cabinet size guide focuses on common needs.
| Cabinet Type | Standard Height (Inches) | Standard Depth (Inches) | Standard Width Range (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Cabinet | 34.5 (Box only) | 24 | 9 to 48 (in 3″ increments) |
| Wall Cabinet | 12, 15, 18, 30, 36, 42 | 12 (standard) | 9 to 48 (in 3″ increments) |
| Tall/Pantry Cabinet | 84, 90, 96 | 24 | 18 to 36 |
| Shallow Base Cabinet | 34.5 (Box only) | 12 to 21 | Varies by need |
Measuring Kitchen Cabinets Accurately
Proper measurement is critical for ordering the right cabinets. Incorrect measurements lead to delays and costly returns. This section details how to approach measuring kitchen cabinets for a new installation.
Measuring Walls and Spaces
Before looking at cabinet brochures, measure the space where the cabinets will go.
- Measure Wall Length: Measure the total length where the cabinets will run. Measure at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the shortest measurement for planning.
- Check for Obstructions: Note the exact location and size of windows, doors, vents, and electrical boxes.
- Ceiling Height: Measure the ceiling height at several points. This determines your upper cabinet height options. You need at least 1.5 inches above the tallest wall cabinet for installation trim.
- Plumb and Square: Use a long level to check if the walls are straight (plumb) and if the corners are exactly 90 degrees (square). Walls that slope or corners that aren’t square require adjustments using shims during installation.
Accounting for Non-Standard Areas
When planning your standard kitchen layout sizes, you rarely use a full bank of standard-sized cabinets. You must account for fillers and specialty pieces.
Calculating Filler Space:
If your wall measures 140 inches and you want to use a 36-inch cabinet, a 30-inch cabinet, and a 24-inch cabinet (totaling 90 inches), you have 50 inches leftover. You need to distribute this space using filler strips (usually 3 inches wide) or use slightly wider cabinets to fill the gaps better.
- General Rule: Always plan for 1/8 inch gap between cabinets, appliances, and walls, which is closed up using a 3-inch wide filler strip.
Measuring for Appliances
Appliances dictate certain cabinet widths. Always measure the appliance itself, not just the space it occupies.
- Example: A refrigerator might require a 36-inch cabinet surround. Measure the fridge width, add 1 inch for clearance on each side (total 2 inches), and ensure the cabinet width accommodates this total space.
Considerations for Custom vs. Stock Cabinets
The flexibility in width differs greatly depending on what you buy.
Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets are pre-made in fixed sizes (like the 3-inch increments listed above). They are the most budget-friendly and fastest option. If your kitchen requires an 18.5-inch space, you must use a 15-inch cabinet plus a 3.5-inch filler strip, or adjust the surrounding cabinets.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
These offer greater flexibility. While they adhere to a standard depth and height, the widths often allow for increments of 1/2 inch or 1 inch, rather than just 3 inches. This is a great middle-ground for balancing cost and precise fit.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinetry can be made in virtually any width, height, or depth. If you have an odd space, like a 17-inch gap, custom lets you order a true 17-inch cabinet box. This is the priciest option but offers perfect design integration.
The Impact of Depth on Functionality
Choosing the correct depth impacts how usable your kitchen is. This is especially true when looking at shallow depth cabinets versus the standard.
Workflow Triangle and Clearance
In kitchen design, clearance between opposing cabinet runs is vital.
- Single-Wall Kitchens: Clearance is less of a concern, making shallow bases a viable option.
- Galley Kitchens (Two Parallel Walls): You need at least 36 inches of clear walkway, but 42 to 48 inches is much more comfortable, especially if the main traffic path goes through the kitchen. If one side has standard 24-inch base cabinets, the other side might need shallower cabinets (e.g., 18 inches deep) to maintain comfortable traffic flow.
Appliance Compatibility
Standard appliance sizes are built around the 24-inch base cabinet depth. If you choose an 18-inch deep base cabinet, you cannot fit a standard dishwasher or range into that space unless they are also specifically “countertop depth” or “shallow” models, which can be harder to find and often more expensive. Always confirm appliance specifications against your chosen cabinet depth.
Final Tips for Cabinet Planning and Installation Measurements
Successful cabinet installation hinges on preparation. Follow these final steps to ensure your widths work perfectly.
Ordering Sequence Matters
When ordering cabinets, especially stock units, plan the sequence. Start from a major focal point, like the sink base or the range, and work outward. This allows you to use the widest possible standard cabinets first, saving the narrow filler strips for the ends or tricky corners.
Door and Drawer Fronts vs. Box Width
Always remember that the kitchen cabinet dimensions you order refer to the cabinet box size. The door or drawer fronts will always be slightly wider than the box itself to overlap the face frame.
- For a 30-inch cabinet, the box is 30 inches wide.
- The door will overlap the box by about 1/2 inch on each side, making the visible door width about 31 inches wide.
This distinction is vital when calculating the space needed for doors to swing open without hitting walls or adjacent cabinets.
Planning for Trim and Molding
To achieve a polished look, you will use crown molding on top and toe-kicks at the bottom. These elements add to the overall footprint. Ensure your calculated widths leave enough room for the molding without obstructing doors or walkways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the smallest standard kitchen cabinet width available?
The smallest common standard width for both base and wall cabinets is 9 inches. Some specialty suppliers may offer 6-inch units, but 9 inches is the widely accepted minimum for stock cabinetry.
Can I mix and match base cabinet depths?
Yes, you can mix depths, especially in smaller kitchens or when planning around a walkway. You can use standard 24-inch bases on one wall and shallow depth cabinets (like 18 or 21 inches) on another wall to increase walking space. Just ensure your countertop material can accommodate the varying depths.
Why are standard kitchen cabinet widths always in increments of three?
This standardization simplifies manufacturing, reduces inventory costs for producers, and makes layout planning consistent for designers. Most kitchens can be accurately laid out using combinations of 3-inch increments (e.g., 12 + 15 + 36 + 18 = 81 inches).
How do I measure for a corner cabinet installation?
For corner units, you usually measure the front opening space required, often called the “diagonal measurement” or “reveal.” For diagonal corner cabinets, measure from the outer corner of the cabinet box straight across to the opposite side. Refer strictly to the manufacturer’s specification sheet for exact cutouts needed for the specific corner style you choose.
What should the clearance be between opposing base cabinets?
For comfortable traffic flow, aim for a minimum of 36 inches between parallel runs of base cabinets. For kitchens where two cooks work side-by-side, 42 to 48 inches is highly recommended to avoid bumping elbows while accessing drawers or the sink.