Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes Chart PDF: My Designer Guide: 1 Minute to Pick Perfect Cabinet Dimensions for Your Kitchen

I’ve sized hundreds of kitchens—from tight city galley plans to spacious chef’s quarters—and a reliable cabinet dimension set is the backbone of every successful layout. Standard sizes keep fabrication predictable, appliances aligned, and ergonomics friendly. When you need to cross-check clearances or sketch quickly on-site, a clean chart and a few tested rules save hours.

Before diving into specifics, it helps to anchor the conversation with human factors and verified industry data. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) guidelines recommend a 34–36 inch finished counter height for most users; in practice, 36 inches is the widespread norm for U.S. kitchens. The WELL v2 Building Standard highlights task lighting targets around 300–500 lux at work surfaces for food prep, while ambient levels sit lower for comfortable circulation. These two reference points—counter height and task illuminance—shape where wall cabinets land, how deep they should be, and how lighting integrates under-cabinet. For broader kitchen ergonomics, I also keep an eye on WELL v2 insights on light quality and glare control.

From repeated projects, I’ve found homeowners benefit from a succinct chart that covers base, wall, and tall cabinet norms, alongside toe-kick, fillers, and common appliance accommodations. The PDF linked in this guide captures those dimensions in a printable, job-site-friendly format, but first, let’s unpack the logic behind the numbers so you know when—and why—to deviate.

Core Standards: Base Cabinets

- Height: 34.5 inches box + 1.5 inch countertop = 36 inches finished (typical).

- Depth: 24 inches box to face; add door thickness and handle clearance in tight aisles.

- Widths: Modular in 3-inch increments from 9 to 48 inches. Common: 12/15/18/24/30/33/36/42.

- Toe-kick: 4 inches high x 3 inches deep helps posture and reduces shin contact.

- Sink bases: 30–36 inches wide fit most single bowls; 33–36 inches for double bowls; confirm basin and disposer clearances.

- Pull-out trash base: 15–21 inches wide for standard bins; 18 inches is the sweet spot for dual bins.

Wall Cabinets: Reach, Sightlines, and Lighting

- Height: 30 inches is the classic over 36-inch bases; 36 inches for full-height look to crown; 42 inches in 8–9 foot rooms when you want ceiling engagement.

- Depth: 12 inches standard; 13–15 inches for large dinnerware or microwave cabinets—balance with sightlines to avoid head bumps.

- Widths: 12/15/18/24/30/33/36 inches, often paired symmetrically around hoods or windows.

- Mounting: 18 inches minimum clearance from countertop to cabinet underside keeps 300–500 lux task lighting viable and preserves appliance workspace recommended by NKBA.

Tall Pantry and Utility Cabinets

- Height: 84/90/96 inches to coordinate with room height and crown details.

- Depth: 24 inches for integrated ovens or refrigerators; 12–24 inches for pantries depending on contents.

- Widths: 18–36 inches typical; internal roll-outs at 18 or 24 inches improve ergonomics.

- Oven tall: Verify cut-out tolerances per appliance spec; plan a 3–6 inch filler near walls for door swing and ventilation.

Countertop and Backsplash Dimensions

- Counter thickness: 1.5 inches (typical built-up stone), 1.25 inches for single slab, 0.75 inches in lightweight composites—verify with fabricator.

- Overhangs: 1–1.5 inches on base fronts; 10–12 inches for seating overhangs with corbels or concealed supports.

- Backsplash: 18 inches typical vertical between counter and wall cab; full-height slabs demand power/lighting planning early.

Appliance Clearances and Integration

- Dishwashers: 24 inches wide; leave 2–3 inches side clearance in tight corners for handle swing; use a 3-inch filler against walls to protect door motion.

- Ranges: 30 inches standard; 36/48 inches for pro ranges—center hood widths accordingly.

- Refrigerators: 36 inches common; depth varies (counter-depth ±24–27 inches vs. standard ±30–36 inches). Ensure side clearance per manufacturer and tall cab above with vent gap.

- Microwaves: Over-the-range units set by hood specs; in-wall units require 15–24 inch cab widths and 13–15 inch depths.

Ergonomics and Human Factors

Most tasks happen between mid-thigh and chest height; the 36-inch counter keeps wrists neutral for chopping and mixing. Wall cabinet bottoms at 54 inches above the floor (36 counter + 18 clearance) hit a comfortable reach for a 5'6"–5'10" user. Under-cabinet lighting reduces shadows; according to WELL v2, well-managed glare and flicker improve visual comfort, so I specify continuous LED strips with 90+ CRI and dimmable drivers. For color psychology in active kitchens, neutral bases with warm accents calm high-stimulation tasks—Verywell Mind’s guidance on warm tones complementing social energy aligns with the way kitchens host gatherings.

Aisles, Work Triangles, and Layout Simulation

- Work aisles: 42 inches for single-cook; 48 inches for multi-cook scenarios recommended by NKBA.

- Clearance behind seating: 44–60 inches depending on traffic intensity.

- Triangle guidelines: Keep each leg 4–9 feet; total triangle 13–26 feet—still useful, though modern workflows consider zones.

When testing different cabinet widths around corners, a quick layout simulation tool helps visualize circulation and appliance doors. If you’re moving between 33 and 36-inch bases near a range, I use a room layout tool to spot conflicts early and validate workflow.

Standard Widths by Use

- Drawer base 24 inches: Flexible for utensils and pots.

- Corner solutions: 36-inch lazy susan or blind corner with 12–15 inch opening plus pull-outs; confirm minimums for hardware.

- Spice pull: 9–12 inches.

- Tray divider: 9–12 inches vertical partitions.

- Sink base: 33–36 inches with 18–21 inch dishwasher adjacent.

Materials, Finishes, and Sustainability

Cabinet boxes in plywood or high-density particleboard each have merits—plywood handles humidity fluctuations better, while engineered cores deliver cost efficiency and flatness. Edge banding at 2mm improves durability on slab doors. Low-VOC finishes and FSC-certified cores make sense for indoor air quality; in open kitchens where living areas merge, acoustic absorption from soft-close hardware and felt bumpers reduces clatter. I’ll match color temperature around 3000–3500K for warm yet accurate food tones and specify matte sheens to control specular glare on high-traffic faces.

My Designer Chart: Quick Reference

- Base cabinet height: 34.5 inches (box), 36 inches finished.

- Base depth: 24 inches; wall depth: 12 inches.

- Wall clearance: 18 inches from counter to cabinet underside.

- Wall cabinet heights: 30/36/42 inches.

- Tall cabinet heights: 84/90/96 inches.

- Common widths: 9–48 inches in 3-inch increments.

- Toe-kick: 4 inches high x 3 inches deep.

- Work aisle: 42–48 inches by user count.

- Task light: target 300–500 lux at prep zones (WELL v2).

These are the dimensions I use as the baseline. Deviations happen for appliance specs, ceiling height, and user stature; for accessible kitchens, consider 32–34 inch counters and pull-down shelves.

Design Nuances I Watch For

- Corner fillers: 3 inches near walls prevent door bind.

- Handle projection: 1.25–1.5 inches can clip walkways—factor into aisle math.

- End panels: Full-height 3/4 inch finished sides avoid exposed box seams.

- Vent gaps: Above fridge tall cabs for compressor breathing.

- Integrated lighting: Continuous channels recessed under wall cabs, 90+ CRI LEDs with diffusers to minimize glare per WELL guidance.

- Acoustic comfort: Soft-close hinges and drawer dampers reduce impact noise in hard-surface kitchens.

Download: Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes Chart PDF

Use the PDF chart to sketch bids, check appliance pairing, and coordinate elevations with your fabricator. It lists base, wall, and tall cabinet sizes, plus typical fillers, toe-kicks, and appliance clearances—organized by 3-inch increments for quick planning. Pair it with a simple interior layout planner when testing workflows in L-shaped, U-shaped, or island-heavy kitchens.

FAQ

Q1: What is the standard base cabinet height?

A1: 34.5 inches for the box, resulting in a 36-inch finished counter with a 1.5-inch top. This aligns with NKBA recommendations for most users.

Q2: How much space should be between the countertop and wall cabinets?

A2: 18 inches is standard. It balances reach comfort and allows effective under-cabinet lighting hitting roughly 300–500 lux for prep per WELL v2 guidance.

Q3: Are wall cabinets always 12 inches deep?

A3: 12 inches is typical, but 13–15 inches works for larger plates or built-in microwaves. Confirm head clearance to avoid bumping during prep.

Q4: What aisle width do you recommend around an island?

A4: 42 inches for one primary cook and 48 inches for multiple cooks, consistent with NKBA planning norms. Increase clearances near major appliance doors.

Q5: Which cabinet widths pair best with a 30-inch range?

A5: Flank with 15–18 inch drawer bases on either side for utensils and pans. If space allows, a 24-inch drawer base on one side improves prep efficiency.

Q6: How high should wall cabinets be in an 8-foot room?

A6: Two common options: 30-inch wall cabinets with a 6-inch crown gap or 36-inch cabinets to reach a soffit/crown. Maintain 18 inches between counter and cabinet underside.

Q7: What’s the ideal under-cabinet lighting spec?

A7: Continuous LED strips with 90+ CRI, 3000–3500K, dimmable drivers, and diffusers to limit glare. This setup supports the WELL v2 emphasis on comfort and visual acuity.

Q8: How deep should a pantry cabinet be?

A8: 12–15 inches for dry goods avoids lost items; 24 inches if you use roll-out trays. Tall heights at 84/90/96 inches coordinate with ceiling and crown.

Q9: What toe-kick dimensions reduce fatigue?

A9: 4 inches high by 3 inches deep keeps posture neutral at the counter and prevents shin contact.

Q10: How wide should a trash pull-out be?

A10: 18 inches is a practical sweet spot for dual bins and soft-close hardware; 15–21 inches are typical offerings.

Q11: Do refrigerator cabinets require ventilation space?

A11: Yes. Leave manufacturer-recommended clearances at sides and above, and design upper cabinets with a vent gap or grille panel.

Q12: What’s the minimum filler near a wall?

A12: Plan 3 inches to prevent door and drawer interference, especially next to dishwashers or tall panels.