Most kitchen cabinets follow a small set of standard dimensions: 600 mm deep base units, a 900 mm counter, 300–350 mm deep wall units and 2,100–2,400 mm tall units. The errors that cost money are not wrong numbers but wrong reference points: measuring from the wall instead of the finished face, or forgetting the door and counter thickness. Agree the reference point before you measure.
Base cabinets are 600 mm deep, 720 mm carcass, 900 mm with counter.
Wall cabinets are 300–350 mm deep and 600–900 mm high.
Tall cabinets run 2,100–2,400 mm high and 600 mm deep.
Allow 450–600 mm between counter and wall cabinet.
Measure from the finished face, not the bare wall.
1. The three cabinet types
Every kitchen is built from three boxes: base, wall and tall. The dimensions below are the common starting point, not a rule. A project that follows them will fit standard appliances and counters; a project that departs from them needs a reason and a drawing.
2. Base cabinet dimensions
| Dimension | Metric | Imperial | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | 600 mm | 24 in | Includes door |
| Carcass height | 720 mm | 28 in | Excludes counter |
| Counter height | 900 mm | 36 in | Counter top surface |
| Width | 300–900 mm | 12–36 in | 600 mm most common |
| Toe kick | 100–150 mm | 4–6 in | Set back 50–75 mm |
The carcass height plus counter thickness equals the counter height. If the counter is 20 mm stone, the carcass is 880 mm to reach 900. That arithmetic is where most height errors start.
3. Wall cabinet dimensions
| Dimension | Metric | Imperial | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | 300–350 mm | 12–14 in | 350 mm for plates |
| Height | 600–900 mm | 24–36 in | 900 mm common |
| Above counter | 450–600 mm | 18–24 in | To cabinet bottom |
| Width | 300–1,000 mm | 12–40 in | Double door above 600 |
| Top to ceiling | 0–600 mm | 0–24 in | Bulkhead if over 300 |
Wall cabinet height is usually decided by ceiling height and whether a bulkhead is acceptable. A 900 mm cabinet with a 450 mm gap and a 2,400 mm ceiling leaves 1,050 mm above the cabinet, which usually needs a bulkhead or a second row.
4. Tall cabinet dimensions
Tall cabinets run 2,100–2,400 mm high and 600 mm deep, with widths from 300–900 mm. They house ovens, fridge housings and larder storage. The height is usually set by the ceiling and the appliance stack, not by a standard. Confirm the appliance dimensions before fixing the tall height, because a 5 mm error at the top is visible.
5. Depth, fillers and clearances
Fillers close the gap between the cabinet run and the wall. Allow 50–150 mm at each end, more if the wall is out of square. A 150 mm filler is normal; 300 mm usually means a design error or a wall that needs packing. The clearances guide covers appliance gaps and door swing.
6. Metric and imperial
| Item | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Base depth | 600 mm | 24 in |
| Counter height | 900 mm | 36 in |
| Wall depth | 350 mm | 14 in |
| Wall gap | 500 mm | 20 in |
| Tall height | 2,400 mm | 94 in |
The conversions are close but not exact. Pick one system for the drawing and note the other for reference. Mixing them in one schedule is how 36 in becomes 914 mm and a 900 mm gap becomes 886.
7. Adapting to a project
Standard dimensions fit standard appliances. A project with a professional range, an integrated fridge or an accessible counter will depart from them. Decide which dimensions are fixed (appliance, ceiling, door swing) and which are flexible (cabinet width, filler) before drawing. The sizes by type guide covers the widths in more detail.
8. Checking a drawing
Check five things on any cabinet drawing: the reference point, the counter thickness, the appliance dimensions, the filler allowance and the ceiling height. If all five are on the drawing, most dimension errors are already eliminated. If one is missing, ask before production, not after.
9. A checklist before you commit
Before you sign, confirm six things: the board grade, the hardware model, the finish system, the packing standard, the inspection scope and the payment schedule. Each should be in writing, not in a call. The quote checklist turns the six into a one-page comparison.
10. Common mistakes
The most common mistake is comparing a factory price with a landed cost. The second is leaving the inspection out of the budget. The third is paying the balance before the inspection is signed off. Each is avoidable with a written scope and a pre-shipment inspection.
11. How to measure the room
Measure each wall at three points, top, middle and bottom, and use the smallest. Walls are rarely square, and a 10 mm bow over three metres changes the filler. Measure the ceiling at each corner and note sockets, radiators and soil pipes before drawing. A measured survey saves more time than a faster drawing, and the measuring guide has a printable sheet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard base cabinet depth?
600 mm (24 in) including the door. The carcass is usually 560–580 mm to allow for the door and a service gap at the wall.
What is the standard counter height?
900 mm (36 in) in most markets, with a range of 850–920 mm depending on the user and the appliance. The carcass is typically 720 mm plus counter thickness.
How high should wall cabinets be?
600–900 mm high, with the bottom 450–600 mm above the counter. The exact height depends on ceiling height and whether a bulkhead is used.
What is the gap between counter and wall cabinet?
450–600 mm is common. Less than 450 mm crowds the worktop; more than 600 mm wastes storage and makes the top shelf hard to reach.
How wide can a cabinet be?
600–900 mm for base cabinets, 600–1,000 mm for wall cabinets. Above 900 mm, a single door becomes heavy and a double door is better.
Do dimensions change between countries?
Yes. The US uses inches and a 36 in counter; metric markets use 900 mm. The difference is small but matters for appliance and counter cut-outs.
