Learn the standard dimensions to expect from your cabinet remodel
Purchasing stock cabinets is a budget-friendly option compared to custom cabinetry, and most manufacturers follow standard dimensions.
Standard kitchen cabinet heights include 34½ inches for base cabinets, 30 to 42 inches for wall cabinets, and 84 to 96 inches for tall cabinets.
Base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep, with an overall depth of 25 to 26 inches when including the countertop.
Wall cabinets have depths of 12 to 24 inches, with 15 to 18 inches being common above microwave ovens.
From kitchen cabinet colors to hardware and other details, there’s a lot to consider when shopping for a cabinet remodel. However, size is the key factor, and while you can always opt for custom cabinetry, purchasing at standard kitchen cabinet height is a far more budget-friendly route. Factory cabinets come in a limited variety of standard dimensions that most manufacturers follow across the board, making it easy to hire a local cabinet installer to place them with ease.
Fortunately, a wide variety of sizes are available to suit nearly any space. Let’s take a look at standard kitchen cabinet height and other dimensions for base, wall, and tall cabinets.
While cabinet size can vary depending on the intended use of your cabinets and your needs, standard cabinets are 34 1/2 inches tall and 24 inches deep. Common widths of kitchen cabinets are 12, 24, 30, or 36 inches.
| Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 34 1/2 inches | 12 to 30 inches | 24 inches |
| Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 12 to 36 inches | 12 to 36 inches | 12 inches |
| Height | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 84 to 96 inches | 12 to 36 inches | 12 or 24 inches |
Here are the standard kitchen cabinet heights for base and wall cabinets, as well as tall cabinets. Be sure to stay mindful of the placement of cabinet hardware when installing cabinets higher up or closer to the ground, as placing hardware too high or low can make cabinets less ergonomic to use.
The standard height for base cabinets is 34 1/2 inches from the floor to the countertop, or 36 inches, including the countertop. Base cabinets are typically installed on the floor, serving as a foundation for countertops and other kitchen or bathroom fixtures. You can also build a kitchen island to add additional space for base cabinets.
The standard kitchen cabinet height for wall cabinets is 30 inches, 36 inches, or 42 inches from bottom to top. These cabinets are mounted above base cabinets or counters, providing additional overhead storage while making efficient use of extra wall space.
Since they need to be short enough to fit between the countertop and ceiling, wall cabinet heights are often limited. Also, if you’ve got big design plans for a kitchen backsplash, be sure to take these into account when selecting a wall cabinet height.
Tall cabinets are typically around 84 inches, 90 inches, or 96 inches tall, but custom options are also available in other heights. Tall cabinets are commonly used to maximize storage capacity and can even extend as high as the ceiling. These cabinets are versatile and can be used to store pantry items, cleaning supplies, or appliances.
To keep things ergonomic and reachable, cabinet depths typically don’t go deeper than a couple of feet. Here are the standard depths for base, wall, and tall cabinets.
Standard base cabinets are typically 24 inches deep, excluding any countertop overhang. Deeper base cabinets can make it challenging to access the back of the counter or plug in appliances. Since countertops typically extend beyond the front of the base cabinets, the overall depth, including the countertop, usually measures between 25 and 26 inches, depending on the edge detailing.
There are also 12-inch, 15-inch, and 18-inch deep cabinets available, although not all manufacturers carry them in stock. Keep in mind that seeking custom or uncommon widths can drive up the cost of kitchen cabinets, which run between $2,000 to $10,200.
Wall cabinet depths are usually 12, 15, 18, or 24 inches. Typically, wall cabinets have a depth of 12 inches, striking a good balance between effective storage space and usable countertop area. When positioned above microwave ovens, it is common to have wall cabinets with a depth of 15 to 18 inches.
Tall cabinets typically come in either 12-inch or 24-inch depths. A 12-inch depth is the standard for basic tall cabinets that store canned foods, dry goods, and other nonperishable food items. On the other hand, a 24-inch depth works well as a utility cabinet that stores brooms, mops, and countertop appliances.
Cabinet widths are much more customizable, with measurements spanning across a wide variety of numbers. These are the standard widths to consider when factoring cabinets into your total kitchen remodel cost.
Standard base cabinet widths range from 9 to 48 inches, with measurements in three-inch increments. Base cabinets and wall cabinets will typically come in the same width sizes.
Similar to base cabinets, wall cabinets come in standard widths ranging from 9 to 48 inches, with measurements going in three-inch increments. However, widths that go any higher than 36 inches are far less common.
Tall cabinets are commonly offered in widths of 12 inches, 24 inches, and 36 inches. A 12-inch cabinet is suitable for a narrow pantry in a tight space, with 24-inch widths being the most common and versatile size.
Kitchen cabinets cost $6,195 on average to install, but the size, material, and type of cabinets will greatly impact the price. Prefabricated cabinets cost $100 to $300 per linear foot, while custom cabinets cost between $13,000 and $30,000 to install. Wood veneer is a less expensive cabinet material, but stainless steel is extremely costly.
Labor for cabinet installation costs between $50 and $150 per linear foot, so if you choose to DIY, you can save some money. However, you’ll need tools and experience to install your own kitchen cabinets, as well as some help. Leveling, cutting, and hanging cabinets is a big job, and many homeowners find hiring a local cabinet contractor is well worth the cost.
Standard kitchen cabinet drawers measure between 12 and 36 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and between 4 and 10 inches tall. Drawers are designed to fit with your cabinets, so a 36-inch-wide cabinet would have a 36-inch-wide drawer. The finished height of your cabinet should be 34 ½ inches to the top for a base cabinet, so if you have a 4-inch deep drawer, the cabinet below will be 30 ½ inches tall.
There should be at least 18 inches of space between the upper wall cabinets and your countertop in order to have enough room to use your countertops. If you have a kitchen island, you should allow 42 to 48 inches between the base cabinets and the island for door clearance and walking space.
