What Kitchen Cabinet Size Do I Need? A Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions

The advantage of custom kitchen cabinetry is that you can get it in any size you want. But if you plan to purchase stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, or ready-to-assemble cabinets, you need to pick one from the standard dimensions manufacturers offer. 

As cabinets are available in an impressive range of sizes, it’s not a problem. You can fill every space using matching accessories. 

In fact, many homeowners prefer standard cabinets because they make the heights, depths, and widths far more predictable. Standard sizes are available for base, wall, and tall cabinets. 

Here’s how you can find the right cabinet size for your kitchen. 

Tips to Measure Kitchen Cabinets 

Homeowners generally replace the existing kitchen cabinets to enhance their appearance. They also look for a replacement if the cabinets give up after years of usage.

For the common kitchen unit sizes, measuring existing kitchen cabinet dimensions is required. 

Keep reading to check the average measurement of kitchen cabinets that you must consider before ordering new cabinets. 

#1 Kitchen Base Cabinet

Base kitchen cabinets are installed on the floor. These are workhorses of kitchen design as the counters are directly laid on them. In addition, dishwashers and sinks are installed within them, with pots and pans stored in them. 

In simple terms, kitchen base cabinets do a lot of work. 

Kitchen Base Cabinet Height 

The least variable dimension is the kitchen base cabinet height. Almost all the base cabinets are 34 1/2 inches tall. But there can be exceptions for disabled users or people of different heights. 

The wrong cabinet height can make the base cabinet inaccessible. Similarly, building codes and accepted design practices can stress accessibility. A kitchen cabinet for a wheelchair user should be custom-made. 

Once the countertop is added, the base cabinet becomes 35 to 3 inches tall. Depending on a user’s requirement, countertops can range from 32 to 38 inches. 

Kitchen Base Cabinet Depth 

The front outer edge of the cabinet to the wall is measured to determine the base cabinet depth.

Homeowners don’t prefer too deep kitchen cabinets, making it difficult to reach the plug-in appliances. 

After the countertops overlay the kitchen cabinet, the depth becomes 25 to 26 inches. But 12, 15, and 18 inches are also very common. 

Kitchen Base Cabinet Width

The kitchen base cabinet width varies greatly, ranging from 9 to 48 inches in 3-inch increments. 9 to 24 inches width cabinets are ideal for keeping spices. 

30 inches width cabinets are ideal for single basin sinks, and 48 inches width cabinets are the largest and are commonly found in kitchens. 

#2 Kitchen Wall Cabinet 

The wall kitchen cabinets are great for keeping food items and lightweight utensils.

These are directly attached to the walls using screws. In certain situations, wall cabinets can be attached to overhanging soffits or suspended from the ceiling. 

These are the most visible cabinets and get the most use. 

Kitchen Wall Cabinet Height 

The height of kitchen wall cabinets is limited as they are supposed to fit between the counter and ceiling. 

Homeowners commonly prefer 12, 36, and 42 inches kitchen wall cabinets. Some people also prefer 48-inch cabinets, running all the way to the ceiling, which is also a logical choice. 

Cabinets above the refrigerator are 12 or 15 inches in height because there is an ideal space between the fridge top and the cabinet’s bottom. 

Kitchen Wall Cabinet Depth 

24 inches seems to be the maximum depth for the wall cabinet. But many people prefer having shallower cabinets as it helps maximize the working space on the countertop. 

To have a good balance of storage space in the cabinets, you should choose 12 inches-deep cabinets. Shallower-depth cabinets can be safely attached to the walls.

If you want to place a cabinet above the microwave, 15 to 18 inches cabinets are ideal. 

Kitchen Wall Cabinet Width

The width of the wall kitchen cabinet runs from 9 to 48 inches with 3-inch increments. Remember that installing a cabinet that is wider than 36 inches invites complications.

Most common cabinets are 30 inches single or double-door cabinets. 

#3 Kitchen Tall Cabinet 

Tall kitchen cabinets are installed alongside the refrigerator. These are also called pantry cabinets, extending from floor to ceiling. 

Kitchen Tall Cabinet Height 

The height of tall kitchen cabinets is typically 84 or 96 inches.

Where a 96 inches tall cabinet is from floor to ceiling, the 84 inches cabinet offers a foot of breathing room. 

Kitchen Tall Cabinet Depth

The depth of tall kitchen cabinets is either 12 inches or 24 inches.

People usually prefer a 12 inches cabinet for the pantry to store canned goods.

On the other hand, 24-inch deep cabinets are great for keeping utilities like brooms, mops, and other appliances. You can get pull-out or slider hardware for a 24-inch deep kitchen tall cabinet. 

Kitchen Tall Cabinet Width 

The width for kitchen tall cabinets is 12, 24, and 36 inches.

• 12-inch cabinets are narrow and can hold a lot more food.
• The 24-inch cabinets are a good middle-of-the-road option that many homeowners prefer.
• Lastly, 36-inch cabinets are used for the pantry. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Cabinet 

No matter if you want a base, wall, or tall cabinet, there are a few things that you must never avoid.

The location and placement of the cabinet matter the most. For this, you must decide where to keep the appliances, spices, utensils, and other items for quick access. Unplanned kitchen cabinet placement is a total mess. 

Consider your needs. If the standard cabinets seem to be the right fit, you must pick them. Otherwise, you can also consider getting custom kitchen cabinets. 

The cabinets installed in the kitchen will be in use for a long time. So, it’s important to choose the ones that match the style of the home.

Read more on choosing the hardware for your kitchen cabinets in our another piece of article.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are constructing a new home or have taken over a new kitchen remodeling project, you can easily check the cabinet dimensions.

Before ordering the cabinets, you can also ask for a professional’s recommendation to avoid making any mistakes.