Double Kitchen Sink Dimensions: My Design-Backed Size Guide: 1 Minute to Pick the Perfect Double Sink Without Regret

I’ve planned and installed more double-bowl sinks than I can count, from compact city kitchens to chef-level renovations. Getting dimensions right affects workflow, ergonomics, and even the noise in your home. The right width, bowl split, and depth improve prep and cleanup without stealing usable counter or storage space.

Data matters here. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends at least 24 inches of landing space on one side of a sink and 18 inches on the other to keep prep efficient and safe; I design toward those clearances whenever the plan allows. The WELL Building Standard also points to ergonomic reach zones and user comfort, encouraging thoughtful fixture heights and task lighting at 300–500 lux for food prep; keeping these targets in view usually elevates day-to-day usability (source: WELL v2). For workflow studies in residential-like environments, Steelcase research on task proximity and reach supports the idea that minimizing awkward reaches and aligning stations can cut micro-delays that add up across a day.

Color and comfort aren’t just aesthetic concerns. Verywell Mind’s overview on color psychology shows cooler hues can feel cleaner and calmer, while warmer tones increase perceived coziness—useful when selecting sink finishes and surrounding materials. In practice, acoustic comfort matters too: undermount stainless models benefit from added sound-deadening pads to reduce high-frequency clatter.

Core Dimensions for Double Sinks

Common exterior widths for double kitchen sinks range from 30 to 36 inches, with 33 inches as the workhorse. Depth typically runs 8–10 inches per bowl; 9 inches is a balanced choice for most households. Front-to-back (overall) dimension is usually 22 inches for drop-in or undermount units. A standard cabinet base that fits a 33-inch double sink is typically 36 inches wide, giving you enough room for mounting hardware and plumbing. If your cabinet is 33 inches wide, look at compact 30–31 inch sinks.

Typical Bowl Splits

• 50/50 split: Two equally sized bowls—good for parallel tasks (wash/rinse, prep/soak). Each bowl in a 33-inch sink often ends up roughly 14–15 inches wide internally after accounting for sidewalls and center partition.

• 60/40 split: A larger primary bowl plus a smaller secondary—this is my go-to for homes that cook often, because sheet pans and stock pots fit better in the larger side.

• 70/30 split: A generous wash basin and a utility bowl—ideal when you want a main workstation plus a small prep or disposal-side bowl.

Depth, Ergonomics, and Shoulder Comfort

Deeper isn’t always better. At 10 inches, you increase capacity but risk shoulder elevation and wrist strain for shorter users. For a counter height of 36 inches, 8–9 inches deep keeps most users in a neutral shoulder position. If you’re tall or often tackle large pots, 10 inches can be justified; just pair it with a high-arc faucet and pull-down spray to reduce reach.

Clearances and Counter Integration

Plan generous landing zones. As noted earlier, NKBA guidance for 24 inches on the primary side and 18 inches on the secondary side keeps tasks flowing. Align the dishwasher within 36 inches of the sink to reduce drips and travel. Leave at least 3 inches from sink edge to countertop front to maintain structural integrity and room for a drip edge. If your kitchen is tight, prioritize a single larger bowl with a compact second basin rather than shrinking both bowls below usability.

Cabinet Fit and Cutout Realities

Sink size is capped by the inside width of your base cabinet and the space required for mounting clips and undermount rails. Most 33-inch double sinks prefer a 36-inch cabinet. Always check the manufacturer’s cutout template; wall thicknesses vary, and undermounts typically need more rail clearance than drop-ins. If you plan a workstation ledge or integrated accessories, factor their footprint into the cutout to avoid crowding the faucet deck.

Faucet, Disposal, and Accessory Coordination

With double bowls, a single centered faucet simplifies reach across both basins. If you opt for dual faucets (rare but practical in large 50/50 setups), verify hole spacing and spout arcs so streams land where you need them. Disposals usually live under the primary bowl; for 60/40 or 70/30, put the disposal on the larger basin. Air gaps, soap dispensers, and filtered water taps add holes—confirm the sink or counter can accommodate 3–4 accessory positions without crowding.

Material Choices and Acoustic Comfort

• Stainless steel (16–18 gauge): Durable, modern, and easy to clean. Seek models with undercoating or pads to control clang and drumming.

• Fireclay or cast iron: Heavier, excellent at sound damping, timeless look; check cabinet reinforcement and verify the cutout supports weight.

• Composite granite/quartz: Tough, low-gloss, and quiet; confirm heat tolerance and use a basin rack to protect surfaces.

Drain Placement and Usable Space

Rear or rear-offset drains improve under-sink storage and keep the plumbing away from the center, making room for pull-out bins and water filters. In a double sink, I prefer rear drains on both bowls with traps angled to meet the disposal side cleanly. Offset drains also reduce standing water around the disposal when loading dishes.

Lighting Above the Sink

Task lighting should target 300–500 lux at the counter for safe prep and washing, consistent with WELL v2 guidance. Pair a dimmable sconce or directional LED with under-cabinet strips that have 3000–3500K color temperature to balance warmth and clarity. Keep glare in check by shielding the light source and aiming slightly forward of the faucet to avoid specular reflections on water and stainless surfaces.

Layout Planning: Fit Before You Commit

Before ordering, simulate clearances and workflow in a digital planner. A quick pass with a room layout tool can reveal door conflicts, dishwasher swing issues, and tight corners that make a 36-inch sink impractical. Validate landing space, trash pull-out access, and whether a tall pot can sit in the larger bowl without bumping the faucet or backsplash.

room layout tool

My Go-To Size Recommendations

• Small kitchens (30–33 inch sink, 8–9 inch depth): Choose a 60/40 split to keep one generous basin for pots and a compact second for prep or quick rinses.

• Medium kitchens (33–36 inch sink, 9–10 inch depth): A 60/40 or 70/30 provides versatility; rear drains and undermount installation maximize storage and counter wipe-down.

• Large kitchens (36+ inch workstation double): Consider integrated ledges and accessories, but protect counter space with NKBA landing zones; installers should confirm cabinet reinforcement for heavier materials.

Installation Notes I Always Check

• Verify cabinet width, rail thickness, and door hinge clearances before cutting.

• Confirm faucet reach clears both bowls, especially in 70/30 setups.

• Use high-quality silicone and clamps on undermounts; weight support matters for fireclay and cast iron.

• Add sound-damping pads under stainless; it’s a small upgrade with big acoustic payoff.

• Test accessory fit: garbage disposal, water filter, and pull-out bins sharing the same cabinet need routing and vent planning.

When a Single Bowl Beats a Double

If your dishwasher handles most cleaning and you frequently use sheet pans or stock pots, a single extra-wide bowl (28–30 inches internal) can outperform a small double. In tight kitchens, this move plus a compact prep sink elsewhere sometimes yields better workflow.

Authority References

For ergonomic and lighting considerations, see WELL v2 guidelines at wellcertified.com. For landing space and layout standards, refer to NKBA planning recommendations at nkba.org.

FAQ

Q1: What’s the most common size for a double kitchen sink?

A 33-inch wide sink with a 22-inch front-to-back dimension is the most common, typically fitting a 36-inch base cabinet.

Q2: Is a 50/50 split better than 60/40?

For parallel tasks, 50/50 is fine. If you cook often and need space for pots and pans, 60/40 gives a larger primary basin without sacrificing a second bowl.

Q3: How deep should each bowl be?

8–9 inches is comfortable for most users at a 36-inch counter height. Go 10 inches if you need capacity and pair it with a high-arc faucet to reduce reach.

Q4: What cabinet size do I need for a 33-inch double sink?

Plan on a 36-inch base cabinet to allow mounting hardware and plumbing space. Always check the manufacturer’s cutout template.

Q5: Where should the garbage disposal go in a double sink?

Install it on the larger bowl—typically the 60 side in a 60/40 split—to handle bulky rinsing and scraping.

Q6: Are rear drains worth it?

Yes. Rear or rear-offset drains free up under-sink storage and keep plumbing away from the center, improving access for pull-outs and filters.

Q7: What lighting level is best over the sink?

Aim for 300–500 lux of task lighting. A dimmable sconce or directional LED with 3000–3500K color temperature works well.

Q8: Will an undermount or drop-in change usable counter space?

Undermounts make wiping the counter into the sink easier and often feel more spacious. Drop-ins can be simpler to install but add a lip that collects debris.

Q9: How close should the dishwasher be to the sink?

Keep it within about 36 inches for efficient loading and minimal drips. Ensure door swing doesn’t clash with the sink cabinet.

Q10: Can I fit a double sink in a 33-inch cabinet?

Look for compact models around 30–31 inches wide. You’ll sacrifice some bowl width, but a 60/40 split can keep the primary basin practical.

Q11: Which materials are quietest?

Fireclay and cast iron damp sound well. Stainless can be quiet if it’s 16–18 gauge with undercoating or pads.

Q12: What’s the best faucet for a double sink?

A single high-arc pull-down faucet centered between bowls usually covers both basins; check reach and spray patterns before drilling holes.