The complete guide to kitchen cabinet dimensions
How many kitchen units do you need?
Once you have decided on the type and style of kitchen you want fitting you then need to think about how many units you need and unit sizes matter. The measurements of the units and cabinetry and how many you need depends on quite a few different factors. Most importantly, you need to think about where the key kitchen work centres will be located These tend to be around the cooking and washing areas. So think about where you are going to put your sink and cooking appliances such as ovens, stoves and microwaves and then begin to think about the available space once you have taken that step.
Kitchen unit sizes matter
Isn’t the choice of units, doors and worktops bewildering? It doesn’t have to be so confusing though, as once you start looking more closely at the separate elements, you’ll find they come in standard sizes which make planning a whole lot easier.
What size are kitchen base units?
Kitchen base units can vary in size. The width of kitchen cabinets is normally worked out in a multiple of 10 or 15 cm between 30 cm and 60 cm. The height of base units will again vary if you include a worktop and reach up to 90 cm. Adjustable legs on base units can make the base units higher, plus the addition of the worktop which can add either 2cm, 3cm or 4cm due to its thickness.
Kitchen unit sizes - kitchen cabinets - base & wall units
| Height | Width | Depth | |
| Base Units | 72cm plus any plinth | 15-120cm | 60cm |
| Wall Units | 72cm to 91cm | 15-10cm | 30cm |
| Corner Wall Units | 60-90cm | ||
| Full Height Tall Units | Up to 2.1metres | 30-100cm | 60cm |
Different Kitchen Unit Widths
Base Units Widths: 150mm, 300mm, 350mm, 400mm, 450mm, 500mm, 600mm, 700mm, 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, 1200mm
Corner Base Unit Widths: 800mm, 900mm, 950mm, 1000mm
Wall Units Widths: 150mm, 300mm, 350mm, 400mm, 450mm, 500mm, 600mm, 700mm, 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm (Available in 3 heights)
Corner Wall Unit Widths: 600mm, 700mm, 800mm, 900mm
Tall Unit Widths: 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 800mm, 1000mm
Working out measurements for kitchen base and wall units
All kitchen retailers will have details of the sizes of their products on their website, so start by measuring the space available and plan how best to use the space by using planning tools and old fashioned pen and paper. Some of the well known kitchen manufacturers and suppliers have their own interactive, online kitchen design tools where you can take your own kitchen measurements and then add units online and move units around to see what fits into the available space with the best design.
Designing a fitted kitchen is made easier as units and cabinets are made in standard sizes and dimensions.
For example, kitchen cabinets at floor level are typically 60cm deep, and come in widths of anything from 30cm to 60cm. Adjustable legs on cabinets allow for some difference in height on the base units.
Having a cabinet of a standard depth and height but which comes in a variety of widths helps maximise the storage space available in the kitchen and fill all the wall space.
Cabinets which are fitted to the wall above any worktop space are generally less deep but also come in a variety of widths. Tall “larder” cupboards and units are designed to reach the full height of the kitchen.
Any good kitchen designer will be able to show you how to put the different elements of the kitchen together and there are several software packages which allow you to play around at home with various layouts and combinations.
Kitchen worktop sizes
In the UK, the standard height of a kitchen worktop is 90cm.
You are of course free to have your worktop higher or lower if you prefer, but remember that appliances such as fridges which are designed to slot under the worktop may not fit under a lower worktop, or if your worktop is higher, you’ll be left with a gap. Buying worktops for your new kitchen is simple too, as worktops are produced in a standard range of sizes.
Worktops can always be cut to size, but joins can be unsightly and awkward, and it’s easier to plan your kitchen with as few joins and corners in the worktop as you can.
600mm is the standard depth of a worktop, which matches with the 600mm standard depth of your base cabinet.
Most worktop manufactures produce their products in 3m lengths, but some will produce up to 4m lengths.
It may be better to buy a longer section of worktop and have it cut to size than two shorter lengths which you must join together.
Take advice from your kitchen planner and fitter about how best to do this.
If you are buying a very expensive granite worktop, then it may be possible to get a bespoke piece cut with no joins, but this will depend on the size and weight of the piece of worktop required.
Kitchen worktop sizes table
| Depth | Length | Thickness | |
| Standard | 600mm | 3m | 40mm |
| Minimum | 400mm | 1.5m | 26mm |
| Maximum | 600m | 4m | 40mm |
