Guide to Typical Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions (2024)

Understanding how kitchen cabinet sizing works can simplify any homeowner’s next remodeling project, especially since most kitchen cabinet dimensions are standard. Knowing the necessary dimensions makes the kitchen design planning, installation, and replacement processes easier. Read more about kitchen cabinet dimensions below before starting out on your next home improvement project.

Standard Base Cabinet Dimensions

A base cabinet is cabinetry that you install on the floor of your kitchen beneath the countertop. Base cabinets are the foundation of the kitchen’s layout and offer ample space for your cookware and bakeware.

Consider the details below as you plan out the dimensions of your new cabinets.

Height

Base cabinet height leads up to the countertop height. The countertop material itself can add 1 to 2 inches to the overall height.

Depth

Consider the size of your countertop when deciding how deep your base cabinet should be. The depth of your base cabinet is more than a matter of how many pots and pans you can fit inside. Be mindful of your kitchen’s dimensions as well.

Width

A cabinet with drawers shouldn’t be too wide, while a cabinet that holds appliances shouldn’t be too narrow. Remember that built-in appliances such as dishwashers can narrow your kitchen space, changing the cabinet width.

Standard Base Cabinet Sizes

The standard base kitchen cabinet sizes are listed below.

• Standard height: 34.5 inches
• Standard depth: 21 or 24 inches
• Standard width: 12, 18, 24, 30, 33, 36, or 48 inches

You can always order custom cabinets, but working around standard kitchen cabinet sizes is usually easier and more cost-effective.

Standard Wall Cabinet Dimensions

Wall kitchen cabinets hang on the wall above your base cabinets. You can match upper cabinet dimensions to the dimensions of the base cabinets or choose alternatives.

Consider the information below while planning the dimensions of your wall cabinets.

Height

Wall cabinet heights influence the visual balance and functionality of your kitchen. Taller cabinets can give you more storage space but make your kitchen feel more claustrophobic. They could also be hard to reach.

Shorter cabinets leave more space in the kitchen but make it tougher to fit in all of your appliances and cookware.

Depth

Cabinet depth can greatly influence the flow of your kitchen. Make sure these cabinets aren’t as deep as base cabinets or you may have trouble using the countertop. If kitchen wall cabinets are too deep, it can be hard to reach items that are stored near the back of the cabinets.

Width

Aim for a seamless integration with other kitchen elements when deciding on the proper width. The cabinets should match the rest of the space whether they’re over the countertop, above the fridge, or on an otherwise empty wall.

Standard Wall Cabinet Sizes

The standard wall cabinet sizes are below.

• Standard height: 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, or 42 inches
• Standard depth: 12, 15, 18, or 24 inches
• Standard width: 12, 15, 18, 24, or 36 inches

Remember that if your base cabinets are custom, wall cabinets may need to be also.

Standard Tall Cabinet Dimensions

Tall kitchen cabinets run from the floor to the ceiling. They make a kitchen more aesthetically appealing and add extra storage space.

Consider the following information when deciding on proper full-height kitchen cabinet dimensions.

Height

Ask yourself how easily you’ll be able to reach the top shelves of the cabinet. A shorter cabinet may be easier to access. If you want to maximize the storage space and the ceiling height allows for it, you can choose taller cabinets.

Depth

This dimension usually matches the standard depths of base cabinets. You can use the cabinet to store appliances, bakeware, and tall items such as mops. If you’re pressed for space, choose a cabinet that’s slightly less deep. The height will likely make up for the space that’s lost.

Width

Width is especially flexible when it comes to tall cabinets, so customize as you please. Choose whatever best suits your kitchen dimensions.

Standard Tall Cabinet Sizes

The standard kitchen cabinet dimensions for tall cabinets are below.

• Standard height: 84, 90, or 96 inches
• Standard depth: 12 or 24 inches
• Standard width: 18, 24, 30, 33, or 36 inches

Kitchen Cabinet Measuring Tips

Below are a few variables to consider when measuring your kitchen for cabinet installation:

Clearance Space

You need to account for the clearance space around cabinets. This includes room for opening doors, space for handling pull-out drawers, and room for appliances such as a refrigerator, an oven, or a dishwasher.

Appliance Dimensions

Measure the appliances you plan to incorporate into your cabinet layout accurately. Accommodate for them while setting your cabinets’ dimensions.

Double-Check Measurements

Double-check your numbers since accurate measurements are critical to avoiding costly errors.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Don’t measure from the floor up, as floors are often uneven. Instead, measure from a ceiling or a level line on the wall. Also, measure in inches instead of in feet for the sake of accuracy.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation Guide

To install kitchen cabinets, you’ll most likely need:

• Cabinet hardware (handles and knobs)
• Level
• Pencil
• Power drill
• Safety goggles
• Screwdriver
• Screws
• Shims
• Step stool or ladder
• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Work gloves

If you plan to install cabinets as part of a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, follow these steps:

1. Prepare

Remove all old cabinets and appliances from the kitchen. Make sure that the floor is clean. Use a stud finder to locate and mark points in the walls that you can use to anchor wall cabinets.

2. Assemble Cabinets

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble cabinets before installation. Attach any necessary hardware to the doors and drawers.

3. Mark Cabinet Placement

Use a pencil and measuring tape to mark the layout of your cabinets on the wall. Start with the corner cabinet and work outward, leaving room for appliances and clearance space.

4. Install Wall Cabinets

Install wall cabinets first, using a level to ensure that they’re straight. Drill pilot holes into the wall studs and secure the cabinets using screws. Use shims to adjust for unevenness in the wall.

5. Install Base and Tall Cabinets

Use a level to make the base and tall cabinets as straight and level as possible. Secure the cabinets to the wall studs with screws.

6. Connect Cabinets

Attach cabinets to each other by driving screws through the sides or backs of the cabinets. This will help to stabilize the cabinets and prevent them from shifting over time.

7. Apply Finishing Touches

Add finishing touches such as trim and crown molding. Install cabinet hardware if you haven’t already and make sure that you’ve anchored all cabinets to the wall.

Wear safety goggles and work gloves to protect yourself from injury. Ask someone to help you lift and hold up wall cabinets.

Our Recommendation

Kitchen cabinets come in a variety of standard sizes, so finding the perfect kitchen design scheme may be easier than it seems. Play around with kitchen cabinet dimensions and consider custom sizes if your kitchen renovation ideas are unorthodox.

If you don’t feel prepared to perform kitchen cabinet installation as a DIY project, consider hiring a professional. Those who plan to do the work themselves should learn how to install cabinet fillers, toe kicks, and overhang support for pantry cabinets or kitchen islands too.