Cabinet guide
Standard kitchen cabinet sizes and dimensions
Standard base cabinets are 34.5 inches tall and 24 inches deep, which puts the countertop at about 36 inches. Wall cabinets are usually 12 inches deep and 30, 36 or 42 inches tall, hung so there's about 18 inches between the counter and the bottom of the uppers. Widths run from 9 to 48 inches in 3-inch steps.
These are the common US standard sizes. Exact sizes vary by brand, and designers use fillers to close small gaps, so treat this as a planning guide and confirm with the cabinet line you choose.
Dimensions chart
| Cabinet | Height | Depth | Common widths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base cabinet | 34.5 in (about 36 in with countertop) | 24 in | 9 to 48 in, in 3-in steps |
| Sink base | 34.5 in | 24 in | 30, 33, 36 in |
| Drawer base | 34.5 in | 24 in | 12 to 36 in |
| Wall cabinet | 30, 36 or 42 in | 12 in | 9 to 36 in |
| Over-refrigerator wall cabinet | 12 to 24 in | 12 or 24 in | 30 to 36 in |
| Tall pantry / utility | 84, 90 or 96 in | 12 or 24 in | 18, 24, 30 in |
| Oven tower | 84 to 96 in | 24 in | 30, 33 in |
Heights that work together
- Countertop: about 36 inches from the floor (34.5 in base + about 1.5 in for the countertop, depending on slab thickness).
- Gap between counter and wall cabinets: about 18 inches, which leaves room for small appliances and a backsplash.
- Wall cabinet height by ceiling: with an 8-foot ceiling, 30-inch uppers leave room for crown molding or a soffit; 42-inch uppers reach close to the ceiling. With 9-foot ceilings, 42-inch uppers or stacked cabinets reach the top.
- Toe kick: about 4 inches high and 3 inches deep, so you can stand close to the counter.
Appliance openings
- Dishwasher: 24 inches wide is standard (18 inches for compact).
- Range: 30 inches is standard; 36 and 48 inches for pro-style.
- Refrigerator: measure your model, and leave the clearance its manual asks for at the top, back and hinge side.
Questions
What is the standard height of kitchen base cabinets?
34.5 inches without the countertop, which puts the finished counter at about 36 inches.
How deep are upper kitchen cabinets?
Usually 12 inches. Cabinets over the refrigerator are often 24 inches deep so they're reachable and line up with the fridge.
How far apart should countertops and upper cabinets be?
About 18 inches is standard. Over the range, follow the hood or microwave manufacturer's required clearance.
What size cabinets for an 8-foot ceiling?
30-inch wall cabinets with crown molding, or 36-inch cabinets for more storage. 42-inch uppers reach close to the ceiling.