Kitchen cabinets can be classified according to their placement in the kitchen: base, wall, and tall cabinets. With these classifications, you need to learn the different sizes of all three, especially when planning to update your kitchen.
While exploring standard cabinet sizes, I sought advice from Tracy Jones, a kitchen design and sales specialist at Colorado-based Cabinets To Go. She shared expert insights on choosing the ideal cabinet dimensions based on kitchen size and layout.
“In general, we try to use the largest cabinets we can fit into a kitchen, as smaller cabinets mean less storage,” Tracy explained. “If you have to use a smaller cabinet, we have a variety of pull-out organizers to make the best use of the space. If there is an island, our standard is to have a 42″ walkway around it – 48″ is preferable if space allows.”
These recommendations highlight the importance of selecting cabinet sizes that maximize storage while maintaining functionality and proper spacing to ensure a well-balanced and efficient kitchen layout. Here’s a guide to standard kitchen cabinet sizes to help you choose the right fit.
Base Cabinets
Base cabinets are installed on the floor and provide essential structural support for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. These cabinets often include shelves, drawers, or pull-out racks for organizing pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials. Base cabinets are designed for bulk storage and ease of access.
Dimensions:
| Base Cabinet | Dimension |
| Height | 34.5 inches (without countertop) 35 or 36 inches (with countertop) |
| Depth | 24 inches (without countertop) 25 to 26 inches (with countertop) |
| Width | 12, 18, 24, 30, 33, 36, 48 inches |
The standard height of kitchen base cabinets is 34.5 inches. If you include the countertop, the height increases to 35 or 36 inches. Meanwhile, the base cabinet’s width varies and can range anywhere from 30 to 48 inches. Smaller base cabinets are also available, measuring from 9 to 24 inches.
On the other hand, base cabinets have a depth of 24 inches. The depth of base cabinets measures 25 to 26 inches if you include the countertop. They typically don’t exceed 24 inches in depth because deeper cabinets make it difficult to reach items stored at the back.
Pro Tip: To ensure a perfect fit for your cabinets, Bryan Son, an account manager at Northwest Cabinet & Floor, advises using fillers or narrow strips to bridge gaps between cabinets and walls for a professional finish.
Read more about kitchen cabinets:
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets are installed above the countertops and mounted to the wall. These upper cabinets provide valuable storage space for items that need to be easily accessible while standing. Wall cabinets complement base cabinets for a cohesive look while maximizing vertical storage and keeping everyday items easily accessible.
Dimensions:
| Wall Cabinet | Dimensions |
| Height | 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 inches |
| Depth | 12, 15, 18, 24 inches |
| Width | 12 to 36 inches |
Kitchen wall cabinet widths vary from 12 to 36 inches. The height is 12 to 42 inches, and the depth ranges from 12 to 24 inches. Wall cabinets are generally installed 18 inches above the base cabinets, measured from the top of the countertop to the bottom of the cabinet to have proper clearance. The cabinet above a kitchen sink usually hangs 24 to 36 inches above the countertop to provide plenty of space overhead.
Wall cabinets above the refrigerator typically have a depth of either 12 or 24 inches. If you opt for the 24-inch depth, you will need either a side wall for mounting or a refrigerator panel to help support its weight. These dimensions help create a functional and well-organized kitchen layout.
Pro Tip: Make depth adjustments when needed. Bryan explains that “standard cabinets can often be trimmed to match specific spatial requirements.” He also recommends maximizing add-ons like decorative crown moldings, light rail moldings, or toe-kick drawers to enhance both functionality and appearance.
Tall Cabinets
Tall cabinets, often floor-length and narrow, are ideal for maximizing storage space in the kitchen. Sometimes used as pantries, they offer ample room for bulk food supplies and large items like brooms and mops.
They are frequently installed near refrigerators or in alcoves to optimize kitchen layout. With their versatile storage options, tall cabinets can be customized with pull-outs and extra storage doors for even more functionality.
Dimensions:
| Tall Cabinet | Dimension |
| Height | 84, 90, 96 inches |
| Depth | 12 or 24 inches |
| Width | 12, 24, or 36 inches |
Tall cabinets can reach a height of up to 96 inches. Their depth generally ranges from 12 to 24 inches and comes in standard widths of 12, 24, and 36 inches.
The tall cabinet category also includes both pantry and oven cabinets. The pantry cabinet’s width ranges from 12 to 30 inches, while oven cabinets typically start at 30 inches and go up to 33 inches. These sizes fit most cabinet-mounted ovens available today.
Pro Tip: To make the most efficient use of your space, Tracy Jones suggests consulting a kitchen designer and emphasizing the importance of accurate measurements. She advises, “Measure your walls, not your current cabinets – existing cabinets may have different dimensions than what is available.”
Call In a Pro to Make Your Life Easier
If you’re considering a major kitchen remodel or a cabinet upgrade, you should know ahead of time that these projects can get complicated very quickly for the average DIYer. Unless you’re an experienced woodworker, consider calling in a professional to make sure the job is done right the first time.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Read More:
- Types of Kitchen Cabinets: What’s the Difference?
- Kitchen Cabinet Construction Grades
- Why Are Kitchen Cabinets So Expensive?
- How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinets
Main Photo Credit: starush / Adobe Stock Free / License
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