Home Improvement
Cabinets
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Updated on 08/24/24
Reviewed by
Kelly Bacon
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Reviewed byKelly Bacon
Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
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Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
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Fact checked byJessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
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In This Article
Base Cabinets
Wall Cabinets
Tall Cabinets
Pantry and Oven Cabinets
FAQ
Most cabinet manufacturers follow standard kitchen cabinet dimensions for stock and semi-custom cabinets. Kitchen base cabinets, for example, have a uniform depth of 24 inches and a height of 34.5 inches. While there is some overlap, these dimensions are generally not shared with other cabinet types. When planning a remodel, also consider that sizes can be customized to accommodate different needs, such as sink sizes, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.
This kitchen cabinet dimensions guide explains the most common standard sizes for kitchen base, wall, tall, kitchen pantry, and oven cabinets.
Standard Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions
- Base cabinets: Base cabinets are typically 34.5 inches high, 24 inches deep, and 12 to 48 inches wide.
- Wall cabinets: Wall cabinets are typically 12 to 42 inches high, 15 to 24 inches deep, and 12 to 36 inches wide.
- Tall cabinets: Tall cabinets are typically 84 to 96 inches high, 12 to 24 inches deep, and 12 to 36 inches wide.
- Kitchen pantry cabinets: Kitchen pantry cabinets have the most range in size. They are sized similarly to tall cabinets, typically 84 to 96 inches high, 12 to 24 inches deep, and 12 to 36 inches wide.
- Oven cabinets: Wall oven sizes are typically 27 to 29 inches tall, 22 to 24 inches deep, and usually 24, 27, or 30 inches wide,
Kitchen Base Cabinet Dimensions
Kitchen base cabinets have a standard height of 34.5 inches and a depth of 24 inches, consistent across most manufacturers. The base cabinet width is variable, from 12 to 48 inches. Base cabinets are installed directly on the floor, influencing the room's footprint and overall flow. They are vital in the cabinet system because they hold the sink and the countertop and provide storage for kitchenware, small appliances, and food items.
| Kitchen Base Cabinet Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height, without countertop | 34.5 inches |
| Height, with countertop | 35 to 36 inches |
| Depth (front to wall), without countertop | 24 inches |
| Depth, with countertop | 25 to 26 inches |
| Standard widths | 12, 18, 24, 30, 33, 36, 48 inches |
Kitchen Base Cabinet Height
Standard kitchen base cabinet height is 34.5 inches. Adding a countertop increases the base cabinet height to 35 or 36 inches, and a plywood underlay below the countertop adds another 1/2 inch. Custom countertops can be as low as 32 inches or as high as 38 inches, which would be helpful for taller people or those who use wheelchairs.
Kitchen Base Cabinet Depth
Kitchen base cabinets are generally 24 inches deep, not counting the expected countertop overhang. Including the countertop overhang, the finished depth of kitchen base cabinets is 25 to 26 inches. Kitchen islands are usually assembled by placing two 24-inch base cabinets back-to-back. A depth of 24 inches is the maximum for base cabinets to remain easily usable. When two cabinets are put together to meet at a right angle, this is a cabinet blind corner, which increases the cabinet's diagonal depth to the back corner.
Kitchen Base Cabinet Width
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Kitchen base cabinet widths generally are 30, 33, 36, and 48 inches. Base cabinets ranging from 9 to 24 inches are available, as well. These filler cabinets can accommodate pull-outs—narrow rolling racks for easy access to baking pans or spices. Standard base cabinet widths for sinks:
- Single basin sink: 30 inches
- Double basin, offset sink: 33 inches
- Double basin sink: 36 inches
Tip
Countertops should fit the user.For users with disabilities, base cabinets can be custom-made as low as 28 inches.
Kitchen Wall Cabinet Dimensions
Kitchen wall cabinet widths range from 12 to 36 inches, heights range from 12 to 42 inches, and depths range from 12 to 24 inches, with a 24-inch depth typical for wall cabinets installed over refrigerators. Kitchen wall cabinets are usually installed over countertops, typically 18 inches above the base cabinets (measured from the top of the countertop to the bottom of the cabinet). They are attached directly to the wall studs with screws.
| Kitchen Wall Cabinet Standard Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Standard heights | 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 inches |
| Standard depths | 12, 15, 18, 24 inches |
| Standard widths | 12 to 36 inches |
Kitchen Wall Cabinet Height
Kitchen wall cabinet heights are 12, 15, 36, and 42 inches. In most kitchens, the wall cabinets are typically 30 or 36 inches tall. The space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling can be left open or enclosed by soffits. A 12- or 15-inch tall wall cabinet usually fits over a refrigerator, providing a narrow space between the fridge and the bottom of the cabinet. Sometimes, wall cabinets hang from the ceiling to store peninsulas or kitchen islands.
Kitchen Wall Cabinet Depth
Kitchen wall cabinets are usually 12 inches deep, which provides a compromise between accessibility and the need for as much storage space as possible. The maximum depth for wall cabinets is 24 inches because it cannot exceed the depth of the base cabinets. Due to the depth of most refrigerators, wall cabinets placed above fridges need to match or be close to the depth of the refrigerator.
Kitchen Wall Cabinet Width
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Kitchen wall cabinet widths run from 12 to 36 inches but can be as narrow as 9 inches or as wide as 48 inches. The 30-inch single double-door wall cabinet is standard as this affords the best proportions for most storage needs.
Tip
One way to trim the cost of kitchen cabinets is to purchase basic cabinets for the base cabinetry, then splurge on the more visible cabinets—the wall cabinets—with features like premium kitchen cabinet materials, glass inserts, or in-cabinet lighting. Ready-to-assemble cabinets are another cost-saving option.
Kitchen Tall Cabinet Dimensions
Tall cabinets can be up to 96 inches but are typically about 90 inches. Their depth is usually between 12 and 24 inches, with standard widths of 12, 24, and 36 inches. They are generally installed in an alcove near the refrigerator and are sometimes used as a pantry.
| Kitchen Tall Cabinet Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | 84 or 96 inches |
| Depth | 12 or 24 inches |
| Width | 12, 24, or 36 inches |
Kitchen Tall Cabinet Height
Tall kitchen cabinets are typically 84 or 96 inches tall, and 90 inches is typical for kitchen cabinets. A 96-inch tall cabinet will run from the floor to the ceiling in a standard 8-foot-high room. An 84-inch-tall cabinet provides a foot of space and can offer a uniform line with surrounding wall cabinets.
Kitchen Tall Cabinet Depth
Kitchen wall cabinets are usually 12 inches or 24 inches deep. The 12-inch depth is used for pantry cabinets that store canned goods. The 24-inch-deep cabinet is an ideal utility cabinet for brooms, mops, and small appliances. Pull-out and slider hardware can give 24-inch-deep cabinets greater functionality.
Kitchen Tall Cabinet Width
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Tall cabinets are typically 12, 24, and 36 inches wide. The 12-inch-wide tall cabinet is typical for narrow kitchen pantry cabinets and can hold a substantial amount of food items while still fitting into tight spaces. The 24-inch-wide tall cabinet doubles the amount of pantry storage space. The 36-inch-wide tall cabinet is wide enough to accommodate pull-outs and storage on the doors.
Kitchen Pantry and Oven Cabinet Dimensions
Pantry or utility cabinets can extend from the floor to the ceiling. These cabinets also have the most flexible sizes and the roomiest. Oven cabinets are made to go above and under wall-mounted ovens. They range in size from 84, 90, and 96 inches tall, with an average depth of 24 inches and width of 30 to 33 inches.
Kitchen Pantry Cabinet Dimensions
The most popular style of pantry cabinet is a classic tall cabinet. It stands on the floor and usually rises to 96 inches. Pantry cabinets are generally 12 inches deep, while utility cabinets are up to 24 inches to accommodate brooms, mops, and vacuums. Widths average between 12, 24, and 36-inch widths. A narrow 12-inch width can accommodate plenty of food; however, 24 and 36-inch cabinets are preferred if you want pull-out shelves.
Kitchen Oven Cabinet Dimensions
Wall oven sizes are usually 24, 27, or 30 inches wide, 27 to 29 inches high, and 22 to 24 inches deep. As for oven cabinets, wall ovens can be installed into a base cabinet or kitchen island and match the depth of standard cabinets.
FAQ
What is the standard distance between the countertop and upper cabinets?
An 18-inch span is standard between the top of the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets. Distances of 15 to 20 inches are not uncommon, though.
What is the standard space between a kitchen island and counter?
Plan for 42 to 48 inches between the kitchen island and the counter to accommodate easy movement and more than one person in the kitchen. If you have an oven door that opens into the space or several cooks in the kitchen, 48 inches is preferable.
What is the smallest width to leave between kitchen cabinets?
The smallest width required for clearance between kitchen cabinets is 40 inches. This space allows for cabinet, refrigerator, and oven doors to be opened.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards, Chapter 9. U.S. Access Board.
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