Cabinet Sizes & Dimensions Guide

Complete specifications for kitchen, bathroom, and specialty cabinets. Find the perfect dimensions for your project with our comprehensive sizing guide.

View Size Charts Quick Reference
50+ Sizes
Standard Options
3 Types
Cabinet Categories
5 Rooms
Applications
Custom
Available

Guide Contents

Cabinet Types & Dimensions Visual Size Charts Sizes by Room Style Considerations Storage & Optimization Custom Options Size Comparisons Quick Reference Frequently Asked Questions

Cabinet Types & Dimensions

Understanding standard cabinet dimensions is essential for planning your kitchen, bathroom, or storage project.

Base Cabinets

Base cabinets form the foundation of your storage system and support countertops.

Pro Tip: Base cabinet height of 34.5" plus 1.5" countertop equals the standard 36" counter height. This measurement is ergonomically optimized for most users.

Width Height Depth Common Uses Notes
12" 34.5" 24" Narrow storage, fillers Minimal storage capacity
15" 34.5" 24" Small appliances, narrow spaces Good for compact kitchens
18" 34.5" 24" Standard storage, dishwashers Most common size
21" 34.5" 24" Generous storage Efficient use of space
24" 34.5" 24" Large storage, appliances Maximum standard width
30" 34.5" 24" Sinks, ranges Special applications
36" 34.5" 24" Large sinks, ranges Premium applications

Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets provide upper storage and define the visual upper boundary of your kitchen.

Important: Wall cabinets are typically installed 18" above the countertop (54" from floor) to provide adequate workspace while maintaining accessibility.

Width Height Depth Installation Height Applications
12" 30" 12" 54" from floor Small items, spices
15" 30" 12" 54" from floor Standard storage
18" 30" 12" 54" from floor Most popular size
24" 30" 12" 54" from floor Large storage needs
30" 30" 12" 54" from floor Range hoods, large storage
36" 30" 12" 54" from floor Maximum span applications

Tall Cabinets

Tall cabinets maximize vertical storage and can house large appliances.

Pantry Cabinets

12" Wide 84"-96"H × 24"D
18" Wide 84"-96"H × 24"D
24" Wide 84"-96"H × 24"D

Appliance Housing

Standard Oven 30"W × 84"H × 24"D
Refrigerator 36"W × 84"H × 25"D
Microwave 30"W × 30"H × 15"D

Specialty Cabinets

Corner Cabinets
  • Lazy Susan: 33" × 33" × 34.5"
  • Blind Corner: 42" × 24" × 34.5"
  • Diagonal: 36" × 36" × 34.5"
Island Cabinets
  • Standard: 36" × 24" × 36"
  • Extended: 48" × 24" × 36"
  • Large: 60" × 30" × 36"

Visual Size Charts

Visual representations to help you understand cabinet proportions and relationships.

Cabinet Height Comparison

Wall
30"H
Base
34.5"H
Tall
84"H
Pantry
96"H

Standard Width Increments

Standard Width Range: 3" increments from 9" to 48"

9" 12" 15" 18" 21" 24" 27" 30" 33" 36" 42" 48"

Colors indicate popularity: Blue (most common), Green (very common), Red (common), Purple (less common), Orange (specialized), Teal (custom/large)

Base Cabinet Depths

  • Standard: 24" ⓘ
  • Shallow: 21" ⓘ
  • Deep: 27" ⓘ

Wall Cabinet Depths

  • Standard: 12" ⓘ
  • Shallow: 9" ⓘ
  • Deep: 15" ⓘ

Tall Cabinet Depths

  • Pantry: 24" ⓘ
  • Appliance: 25" ⓘ
  • Shallow: 12" ⓘ

Cabinet Sizes by Room

Room-specific sizing considerations for optimal functionality and aesthetics.

Kitchen Cabinets

Small Kitchen (< 150 sq ft)

  • Base: 12"-18" widths preferred
  • Wall: Standard 30" height, 12" depth
  • Recommendations: Maximize vertical space, use narrow widths
  • Layout: Galley or L-shaped optimal

Large Kitchen (> 200 sq ft)

  • Base: 21"-36" widths for efficiency
  • Wall: 42" height options available
  • Recommendations: Include island, tall cabinets
  • Layout: U-shaped or island layout

Bathroom Cabinets

Vanity Cabinets

Type Width Height Depth Sink Compatibility
Single Vanity 24" - 36" 32" - 36" 18" - 21" Single basin
Double Vanity 60" - 72" 32" - 36" 18" - 21" Double basin
Floating Vanity 30" - 48" 20" - 24" 18" Wall-mounted sinks

Bathroom Storage Cabinets

  • Linen Cabinet: 18"W × 84"H × 21"D
  • Medicine Cabinet: 16"W × 26"H × 5"D
  • Over-toilet Cabinet: 24"W × 30"H × 9"D
  • Corner Cabinet: 24"W × 24"D × 84"H

Laundry Room Cabinets

Upper Cabinets

  • Above Washer/Dryer: 30"W × 15"H × 12"D
  • Storage: 24"W × 30"H × 12"D
  • Utility: 36"W × 18"H × 15"D

Base Cabinets

  • Utility Sink: 36"W × 34.5"H × 24"D
  • Storage: 18"W × 34.5"H × 24"D
  • Folding Counter: 42"W × 34.5"H × 24"D

Cabinet Styles & Size Considerations

How different cabinet styles affect dimensions and internal storage space.

Shaker Style Cabinets

Classic American style characterized by clean lines and functional design.

Door Frame Considerations

  • Rail Width: 2.25" - 3" typical
  • Stile Width: 2.25" - 3" typical
  • Panel Inset: 0.25" - 0.375"
  • Overlay: 1" - 1.25" standard

Size Impact

  • Frame width affects internal storage space
  • Overlay determines reveal between doors
  • Works well with all standard sizes
  • Proportions scale effectively

Modern/Contemporary Styles

Flat Panel (Slab)

  • • Minimal frame impact
  • • Maximum internal space
  • • Clean, uninterrupted lines
  • • Works with larger widths

Handle-less Design

  • • Integrated pulls save space
  • • Finger pulls at top/bottom
  • • Push-to-open mechanisms
  • • Sleek appearance

High Gloss Finish

  • • Reflects light, appears larger
  • • Best with standard sizes
  • • Shows fingerprints easily
  • • Modern aesthetic

Traditional Styles

Note: Traditional styles often feature more ornate details that can impact the effective internal dimensions of cabinets.

Style Frame Width Detail Impact Best Sizes Considerations
Raised Panel 2.5" - 4" Reduces internal space 18" and larger Avoid narrow widths
Cathedral 3" - 4" Significant space reduction 21" and larger Best for larger cabinets
Beadboard 2" - 3" Minimal impact All standard sizes Versatile option

Storage Needs & Size Selection

Optimize your cabinet selection based on storage capacity and efficiency.

Storage Capacity by Cabinet Size

Cabinet Size Internal Volume Shelf Capacity Ideal Storage Cost Efficiency
12"W Base 1.8 cu ft 2 shelves Spices, small items Low
18"W Base 2.9 cu ft 2-3 shelves Dishes, cookware Medium
24"W Base 4.0 cu ft 2-3 shelves Pots, large items High
30"W Base 5.2 cu ft 2-3 shelves Appliances, bulk storage High
36"W Base 6.5 cu ft 3-4 shelves Maximum storage Medium

Efficiency Rating by Cabinet Width

12" Low
18" Good
24" Excellent
30" Very Good
36" Specialized

Efficiency based on storage volume per dollar and ease of organization

Storage Solutions by Size

Small Cabinets (12"-15")

  • • Pull-out spice racks
  • • Narrow drawer organizers
  • • Vertical dividers
  • • Door-mounted storage

Medium Cabinets (18"-24")

  • • Lazy Susans
  • • Pull-out shelves
  • • Trash pull-outs
  • • Adjustable shelving

Large Cabinets (30"+)

  • • Multiple pull-out drawers
  • • Appliance garages
  • • Pantry organizers
  • • Custom divider systems

Custom Cabinet Options

When to choose custom sizes and what options are available.

When to Choose Custom Sizes

✅ Good Candidates for Custom

  • • Unusual wall dimensions
  • • Sloped ceilings
  • • Unique appliance requirements
  • • Specific storage needs
  • • Architectural features to work around
  • • Maximizing small spaces

❌ Consider Standard Instead

  • • Budget constraints
  • • Quick installation needed
  • • Standard layouts work well
  • • Future resale considerations
  • • Limited design experience
  • • Rental properties

Custom Size Ranges

Cabinet Type Minimum Size Maximum Size Increment Options Cost Impact
Base Width 6" 48" (single door), 60" (double) 1" increments 15-30% premium
Wall Width 6" 48" (single), 60" (double) 1" increments 15-30% premium
Height 12" 120" 1" increments 10-25% premium
Depth 6" 30" 1" increments 10-20% premium

Cost-Saving Tip: Custom sizes in 3" increments often cost less than 1" increments. Plan your layout around these measurements when possible.

Cabinet Size Comparisons

Compare standard vs. custom options, brands, and cost considerations.

Standard vs. Custom Comparison

Aspect Standard Sizes Semi-Custom Full Custom
Size Options 3" increments, limited heights 1" increments, more heights Any size within limits
Lead Time 2-4 weeks 6-8 weeks 8-12 weeks
Cost Range $100-300/linear ft $200-500/linear ft $400-1000+/linear ft
Installation Straightforward Moderate complexity Professional required

Major Cabinet Manufacturer Sizes

Brand Standard Widths Height Options Depth Options Custom Availability
IKEA 12", 15", 18", 24", 30", 36" 30", 40" 12", 15", 24" Limited
Home Depot (Hampton Bay) 9"-36" in 3" increments 30", 36", 42" 12", 24" Semi-custom
Lowe's (Diamond) 9"-48" in 3" increments 30", 36", 42" 12", 15", 24" Semi-custom
KraftMaid 9"-48" in 3" increments 30", 36", 39", 42" 12", 15", 18", 24" Full custom

Measurement & Planning

Essential measurements and planning considerations for cabinet sizing.

Before ordering cabinets, measure these critical dimensions:

Room Measurements

  • Wall length: End to end measurement
  • Ceiling height: Floor to ceiling
  • Window/door locations: From corners
  • Appliance locations: Existing or planned
  • Plumbing/electrical: Outlet and fixture locations

Clearance Requirements

  • Walkways: 36" minimum, 42" preferred
  • Work triangle: 12'-26' total perimeter
  • Appliance clearance: Per manufacturer specs
  • Door swing: Allow full opening
  • Drawer extension: Full access clearance

Professional Measuring Tips

  • • Measure twice, order once - accuracy is critical
  • • Check walls for square using 3-4-5 triangle method
  • • Note floor level variations (common in older homes)
  • • Account for baseboard and crown molding
  • • Document all measurements with sketches

Quick Reference Guide

Essential cabinet dimensions and planning formulas at a glance.

Most Common Sizes

  • Base: 18"W × 34.5"H × 24"D
  • Wall: 18"W × 30"H × 12"D
  • Tall: 18"W × 84"H × 24"D
  • Sink base: 30"W × 34.5"H × 24"D

Planning Checklist

  • ✓ Measure room dimensions
  • ✓ Note appliance sizes
  • ✓ Check electrical/plumbing
  • ✓ Consider storage needs
  • ✓ Review local codes
  • ✓ Plan installation sequence

Key Formulas

Linear Footage

Sum of all cabinet widths

Storage Volume

(W-3") × (H-3") × (D-3")

Cost Estimation

Linear footage × cost per foot

Filler Calculation

Wall length - cabinet widths

Industry Standards & Codes

Important standards and building code requirements for cabinet sizing.

Accessibility Requirements (ADA)

Feature Standard Height ADA Requirement Universal Design
Counter Height 36" 28"-34" work surface 32"-38" adjustable
Wall Cabinet Height 54" from floor 48" max reach 15"-48" reach range
Cabinet Depth 24" 25" max reach 20"-24" optimal

Important Code Considerations

  • • Minimum 30" clear width in front of cabinets
  • • Maximum 24" reach depth for wall cabinets
  • • Proper support for cabinets over 30" wide
  • • Electrical outlet spacing requirements
  • • Ventilation clearances for appliances

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about cabinet sizes, dimensions, and selection answered by our experts.

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Use our comprehensive sizing guide to plan your perfect cabinet layout, or get professional help from our design team.

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