A Simple Guide to Standard Kitchen Cabinets Dimensions

The Three Main Types of Cabinets You’ll Need

Before jumping into specific numbers, it helps to understand the three categories of types of cabinets found in most kitchens. Each serves a different purpose, and each follows its own sizing rules.

Base cabinets sit on the floor and support your countertops. These workhorses hold heavy items like pots, pans, and small appliances.

Wall cabinets (also called upper kitchen cabinets) hang above your counters. They’re perfect for dishes, glasses, and everyday items you want within easy reach.

Tall cabinets run from floor to ceiling and typically serve as pantries or utility storage. These maximize vertical space in your layout.

Why Consider Standard Kitchen Cabinets for Your Project

Over decades of kitchen design, manufacturers have landed on sizes that fit most homes, most appliances, and most people’s needs.

Going with standard kitchen cabinets offers some real advantages. First, they’re budget-friendly compared to custom options. Second, they’re readily available without long lead times. And third, local installers can work with them easily since they know these sizes inside and out.

Even within standard size options, you’ll find plenty of flexibility. Pull-out drawers, lazy susans for corners, and adjustable shelving let you customize storage to match your lifestyle.

Base Cabinet Dimensions: The Foundation of Your Kitchen

Your base cabinets do the heavy lifting in any kitchen design. They anchor your layout, support your work surfaces, and determine where appliances like dishwashers and ranges will go.

Here’s what standard base cabinets measure in most cases:

Height: 34.5 inches tall without the countertop, or 36 inches total once you add a standard 1.5-inch countertop. This creates a comfortable working height for most adults.

Depth: 24 inches from the wall to the front edge. Once you factor in the countertop overhang, the total depth reaches about 25 to 26 inches.

Width: This is where you get the most options. Standard base cabinets come in widths ranging from 12 inches all the way up to 48 inches, typically sized in 3-inch increments. Common widths include 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches.

According to Houzz, base cabinets are installed directly on the floor and form the foundation for the entire kitchen layout.

The toe kick at the bottom of each cabinet measures about 4.5 inches high. This recessed area gives you room to stand comfortably at the counter without stubbing your toes.

Sink Base Cabinets

If you’re installing a sink, you’ll need a specialty base cabinet. These typically come in 30-inch widths for single basin sinks or 36 inches for double basin sinks. The interior is modified to accommodate plumbing.

Wall Cabinet Dimensions: Storage Within Reach

Wall cabinets bring storage up to eye level, making them both functional and decorative. Since they’re visible the moment you walk into the kitchen, they often set the design tone for the whole space.

Here are the standard dimensions for wall cabinets:

Height: Options include 12, 15, 18, 30, 36, and 42 inches tall. The height you choose depends mainly on your ceiling height and how much storage you need.

• 30-inch cabinets work well with lower ceilings or when you want display space above
• 36-inch cabinets suit standard 8-foot ceilings nicely
• 42-inch cabinets extend to the ceiling in standard-height rooms, maximizing storage

Depth: The standard wall cabinet depth is 12 inches, though 24-inch deep cabinets exist for above-the-refrigerator placement. Wall cabinets should never be deeper than your base cabinets, or you’ll bump your head while working at the counter.

Width: Like base cabinets, widths range from 9 to 48 inches in 3-inch increments. However, cabinets wider than 36 inches are uncommon in most kitchen designs.

Installation Height: Standard practice places wall cabinets 54 inches from the floor to the cabinet bottom. This leaves 18 inches of open space between your kitchen cabinet countertop and the cabinet above, giving you room to work comfortably.

Tall Cabinet Dimensions: Maximizing Vertical Space

Tall cabinets stretch from floor to ceiling, offering massive storage capacity. They’re commonly used for pantries, broom closets, or housing built-in ovens and microwaves.

Here’s what to expect with cabinet size and dimensions for tall units:

• Height: Standard options include 84, 90, and 96 inches. A 96-inch cabinet reaches the ceiling in rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings. For a cohesive look, match your tall cabinet height to your wall cabinets. An 84-inch pantry pairs with 30-inch wall cabinets, while 96-inch pantries match 42-inch wall cabinets.
• Depth: Either 12 or 24 inches. A 12-inch depth works great for storing canned goods and dry pantry items. Go with 24 inches if you’re storing brooms, mops, or countertop appliances.
• Width: Common options include 12, 18, 24, and 36 inches. Narrower widths work well for tight spaces, while 24-inch or wider cabinets offer room for pull-out shelving.
• As noted by Angi, tall cabinets typically range from 84 to 96 inches and serve as utility cabinets for larger storage needs.

Stock, RTA, and Semi-Custom Options Explained

Now that you understand standard kitchen cabinet sizing, let’s talk about where to buy them. Three main categories exist, each with different pros and cons.

• Stock cabinets come pre-made in fixed sizes. They’re the most affordable option and often available for immediate pickup. The tradeoff? Limited style choices and no size modifications.
• RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets ship flat-packed, and you put them together yourself. They offer good value and come in many standard sizes, though assembly requires some DIY confidence.
• Semi-custom cabinets start with standard dimensions but allow modifications. You might adjust depth by an inch or two, choose from more finish options, or add specialty storage features. They cost more than stock but less than fully custom.

How to Measure for Standard Kitchen Cabinets

Getting accurate measurements prevents costly mistakes. Here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Start by sketching your kitchen layout on paper. Mark windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing locations.
2. Next, measure each wall from corner to corner. Write these numbers on your sketch. Measure ceiling height in multiple spots since older homes sometimes have uneven ceilings.
3. For base cabinets, measure from the wall outward to check that you have room for the standard 24-inch depth plus countertop overhang.
4. Consider the “work triangle” between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. Keeping these points 4 to 9 feet apart creates an efficient workflow.
5. Finally, note any obstacles like radiators, pipes, or uneven floors that might affect installation.

Ready to Start Your Kitchen Project?

Understanding standard kitchen cabinets and their dimensions puts you ahead of the game. You now know what sizes work for base, wall, and tall cabinets, and you can speak confidently with designers and installers.

At Cabinets City, we carry a wide selection of kitchen cabinets in all the standard sizes covered in this guide. Our team can help you figure out exactly which dimensions fit your space and your vision.

Have questions about your upcoming remodel? Ready to see cabinet options in person? Reach out to Cabinets City for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the process and help you find the perfect cabinets for your kitchen.