Kitchen Wall Cabinet Sizes and Dimensions

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or building a new home, determining the right sizes for your wall cabinets is crucial for maximizing storage and achieving your ideal layout. With so many options to consider, measuring and planning for wall cabinets can seem daunting.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the standard kitchen wall cabinet sizes and measurements you need to know. We'll look at common heights, depths, and widths, as well as tips for customizing your kitchen design.

Kitchen Wall Cabinet Dimensions Overview

When planning your kitchen wall cabinets, the three main dimensions to consider are:

• Height - The vertical measurement from top to bottom.
• Width - The horizontal measurement from side to side.
• Depth - The measurement from the front of the cabinet to the back wall.

Standard cabinet sizes were created to maximize efficiency and meet the needs of most kitchens. The typical range for wall cabinets is:

• Height: 30" to 42"
• Width: 12" to 36"
• Depth: 12" or 24"

However, every kitchen is unique. Factors like ceiling height, window placement, and existing appliances can impact your cabinet dimensions. Many homeowners opt for customized sizing to perfectly fit their kitchen layout.

Base vs. Wall Cabinets

It's helpful to understand the difference between base and wall cabinets when planning your kitchen:

• Base cabinets sit directly on the floor, typically with heights of 34 1/2" or 36".
• Wall cabinets are mounted on the wall above countertops, usually around 12-18" above the counter.

While base cabinets provide storage and support for countertops, wall cabinets optimize vertical storage on walls. Knowing the role of each helps inform layout and sizing decisions.

Standard vs. Custom Sizing

Going with standard cabinet sizes allows you to easily mix-and-match components from various manufacturers. Customized sizing provides more flexibility to maximize your unique kitchen layout.

Consider your budget, design goals, kitchen size and flow when weighing standard versus customized options. Custom sizing may cost more upfront but can enhance functionality.

Standard Kitchen Wall Cabinet Heights

Wall cabinet height is measured from the top of the cabinet frame to the bottom. Standard heights account for the depth needed above and below to install cabinets.

30-inch Tall Wall Cabinets

30-inch tall cabinets are the shortest standard option. They work well above refrigerators and ranges. Limitations include:

• Restricted storage space inside cabinets.
• Difficult to incorporate crown molding.
• Leave a large gap between cabinet and 8ft ceiling.

Aim for 30-inch wall cabinets if you have a shorter ceiling or want to highlight an accent wall or window. Add a decorative element like a display shelf to fill open space.

36-inch Tall Wall Cabinets

At three feet tall, 36-inch wall cabinets are a popular standard height. Benefits include:

• Fit well with 8 ft. ceilings.
• Provide ample storage capacity.
• Allow room for molding along the top.

36-inch cabinets maximize vertical storage in most kitchens. Combine with 18 or 24-inch depths for increased capacity. Add glass doors to prevent a closed-in feel.

42-inch Tall Wall Cabinets

42-inch cabinets extend all the way to a standard 8 ft. ceiling. Pros and cons include:

• Maximize storage space.
• No room for crown molding.
• Require exact ceiling height calculations.

Make sure to account for flooring thickness and leave a gap between cabinet tops and ceiling. Consider detachable crown molding to soften the transition.

Considerations for Standard Cabinet Heights

When selecting a standard wall cabinet height, consider:

• Ceiling height.
• Wall space and room layout.
• Size and location of windows and doors.
• Molding and trim style.

Avoid gaps between cabinets and ceilings. Leaving a 2-3" gap above can help open up space visually. Always double check your measurements!

Standard Kitchen Wall Cabinet Depths

The depth of wall cabinets impacts storage capacity and kitchen ergonomics. Standard options include:

12-inch Deep Wall Cabinets

• Best suited for narrow kitchens.
• Limit interior storage space.
• Allow cabinets to open without hitting walls.

Go for 12-inch depth when space is tight. Optimize with pull-out shelves, lazy susans and other storage accessories.

15-inch Deep Wall Cabinets

• Compromise between storage and space.
• Accommodate most dinnerware comfortably.
• Require a minimum 18-inch counter depth.

15-inch provides modest storage that's workable for many kitchens. Pair with 15 to 24-inch wide cabinets for optimized space.

18-inch Deep Wall Cabinets

• Offer maximum storage capacity.
• Can make kitchen feel closed in.
• Require at least 24-inch deep countertops.

Carefully weigh 18-inch deep cabinets based on your space. Supplement with glass doors, mirrors or floating shelves to prevent a cramped feel.

Choosing the Right Depth

Consider existing floorplan, traffic areas, and countertop depths when selecting cabinet depth. Allow for 3-4 inches of space between the cabinet frame and wall. Deeper cabinets pair well with deeper countertops.

Standard Kitchen Wall Cabinet Widths

Wall cabinet widths typically range from 12 to 36 inches wide. Common options include:

12-inch Wide Wall Cabinets

• Ideal for small spaces between windows.
• Only large enough for spice racks or other limited storage.

Use 12-inch wall cabinets strategically for narrow spaces or near appliances. Most work well over refrigerators.

15-inch Wide Wall Cabinets

• Accommodate dishware side-by-side with some wasted space.
• Too small for pots and pans.

15-inch cabinets allow some dinnerware storage but limit capacity for cookware and larger items. Best utilized for targeted storage needs.

18-inch Wide Wall Cabinets

• Fit dinner plates comfortably.
• Standard width for many kitchens.

18-inches wide is a versatile standard size fitting dishes, glasses, and some cookware. Shallow shelves can add more usable space.

• Fit both plates and larger cookware.
• Require minimum 36-inch counters.

24-inch wall cabinets are ideal for kitchens needing substantial meal prep and cookware storage. Combine with pull-outs and racks.