Normal Size Range for a Kitchen Sink

When remodeling a kitchen or building a new home, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right size kitchen sink. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know what size is considered standard for a typical residential kitchen.

We'll also discuss the factors that impact sink size selection, from the layout of your kitchen to the types of tasks you'll use your sink for on a regular basis.

Overview of Standard Kitchen Sink Dimensions

Kitchen sinks are available in a wide range of sizes, but most residential sinks tend to fall within a standard width range of 22 to 33 inches. Here's an overview of typical dimensions:

• Width: Standard residential kitchen sinks are usually 25 to 33 inches wide. The most popular width is 33 inches, which offers ample room for washing large pots and pans.
• Length: Common lengths range from 20 to 30 inches for single bowl sinks. Double bowl sinks can range from 30 to 48 inches long.
• Depth: Standard sink depths are usually between 5 and 10 inches deep. Deeper 10-inch sinks provide more room for soaking dishes.

In general, larger sinks are common in today's open kitchen layouts, especially as entertaining at home grows in popularity. But even smaller galley kitchens benefit from at least a 25-inch sink to have enough room for food prep tasks.

Variation in Sizes by Sink Type

While measurements vary across kitchen sink types and designs, here are some standard size guidelines:

• Single bowl sinks: 25 to 33 inches wide x 20 to 25 inches front-to-back
• Double bowl sinks: 30 to 48 inches wide x 20 to 25 inches front-to-back
• Bar or prep sinks: 12 to 18 inches wide x 10 to 20 inches front-to-back
• Farmhouse/apron front sinks: 25 to 36 inches wide x 10 inches deep
• Undermount sinks are typically 1 to 2 inches shallower than top-mount sink sizes.

The divided two-bowl design of a double bowl sink provides extra versatility for keeping clean and dirty dishes separate while washing. For small prep work, bar sinks offer a compact footprint.

Sink Dimensions for Residential vs. Commercial Use

Standard sink sizes also differ between residential and commercial kitchens.

• Residential sinks are commonly 22 to 33 inches wide and 5 to 10 inches deep.
• Commercial sinks are larger, usually 20 to 72 inches wide and 12 to 14 inches deep.

Commercial kitchens require larger sinks to keep up with the high volume of washing. Restaurant sinks are often made of heavy-duty stainless steel for durability with heat and heavy use.

Factors That Determine Kitchen Sink Size

Selecting your ideal kitchen sink size depends on several factors:

Kitchen Layout

Consider the existing sink base cabinet size and kitchen layout. Most residential sinks should be 3 inches smaller than the cabinet width for the proper fit. Allow a minimum of 4 inches from the sink edge to the side cabinets or walls. This provides clearance for installing supply lines and working at the sink.

Tasks and Usage

How you plan to use your kitchen sink also impacts size selection. If you frequently wash large pots and pans or entertain guests, a wider 33-inch sink provides more room. For an apartment or secondary prep sink, a smaller 18- to 24-inch width can suffice.

Number of Bowls

Double bowl sinks range from 30 to 48 inches wide. Make sure you have adequate cabinet or countertop space to fit a larger double basin sink. The divider also takes up some room. But the two bowls offer versatility for multitasking and keeping clean and dirty dishes separate.

Depth

Deeper sinks allow more room for stacking dishes and filling stockpots with water. But leaving 6 to 8 inches of countertop behind the sink edge is important for backsplash clearance. Most residential sinks are 8 to 10 inches deep.

Mounting Style

Undermount sinks install below the countertop surface for a smooth, contemporary look. Since the countertop overhangs the sink rim, the interior dimensions of undermount sinks are typically 1 to 2 inches smaller than a top-mount sink with the same exterior cutout size.

Material

Stainless steel is the most popular sink material due to its durable, antimicrobial, and heat-resistant properties. Enameled cast iron provides a classic, vintage look. Composite sinks offer sleek styling and can be molded into a range of shapes.

Faucet Holes

The standard is four faucet holes, but many sinks offer fewer holes for a sleeker look. Be sure your chosen faucet can accommodate your sink's specific hole configuration before purchasing.

Measuring for a New Kitchen Sink

When preparing to purchase a new sink, carefully measure the width of your existing sink base cabinet. This is the best reference for the maximum size sink that will fit the space. Standard sink base cabinets are usually 24, 30, 33, 36 or 42 inches wide.

Other key measurements to have on hand:

• Length from the sink cutout to the wall, including any backsplash.
• Depth of the cabinet sink base.
• Height of the cabinet opening.
• Distance between the sink edge and kitchen fixtures like the dishwasher, range or refrigerator.

Consult the manufacturer specifications for the sink you're considering to ensure the dimensions are compatible with your cabinetry. This helps ensure a seamless installation.

Installation Methods Based on Sink Type

Several factors impact the installation method and fit of your new kitchen sink.

Top-Mount Sinks

Also called drop-in sinks, top-mount sinks have a rim that rests on top of the countertop cutout. Make sure the countertop is cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch larger than the sink's exterior dimensions to support the weight. Allow space behind the sink for any deck-mounted kitchen faucet and backsplash clearance.

Undermount Sinks

As the name implies, undermount sinks are installed below the countertop surface. This creates an elegant, contemporary look, as the countertop flows seamlessly into the sink. The countertop opening should match the exterior sink dimensions exactly. The sink gets attached beneath using mounting clips or adhesive.

Farmhouse/Apron-Front Sinks

Farmhouse sinks have an exposed front face that replaces the cabinet door for a rustic, vintage-style look. Installation requires building a support frame inside the sink base cabinet to hold the weight. The frame gets fastened partially to the wall and countertop.

When selecting your kitchen sink size, keep this tip in mind: bigger is often better, as long as it fits appropriately with your cabinetry. The extra width and depth provides more room for stacking dishes, filling stockpots, and handling large cookware while washing.

Carefully measure your existing sink cabinet to determine the maximum dimensions that will fit the space. Allow several inches of countertop behind and on the sides of the sink for a proper installation and clearance.

While standard residential sinks range from 22 to 33 inches wide, opt for at least a 30-inch width if your space allows. For deep soaking and washing flexibility, choose a minimum 8- to 10-inch sink depth.

By factoring in how you use your kitchen and the available footprint, you can select the ideal sink size that provides the versatility, functionality and style your home needs.