Kitchen Cabinet Calculator

Please fill in the required fields with values greater than 0.
–cabinet run (linear feet)
–base cabinets
–wall cabinets
–countertop area (sq ft)

Estimate only. Real layouts use different cabinet widths, corners and fillers. Measure carefully and ask your supplier for a plan.

How to use this calculator

Measure the length of each kitchen wall that will have cabinets. Subtract the width of the fridge, range, dishwasher and windows. Enter the average cabinet width and press Calculate to see the cabinet run and the number of base and wall cabinets.

The formula

Cabinet run = total wall length − appliances and openings
Cabinets = run (in) ÷ average cabinet width (in), rounded up
Countertop area = run × 25.5 in depth ÷ 12

Example: A kitchen with walls of 12 ft and 10 ft and 7.5 ft of appliances has 14.5 ft of cabinet run. With 30 inch cabinets that is 6 base cabinets, 6 wall cabinets and about 30.8 sq ft of countertop. At $250 per linear foot the cabinets cost about $3,625.

Planning your kitchen cabinet layout

The cabinet calculator turns your wall measurements into a cabinet run, a cabinet count and a countertop area. The run is the length of wall that will actually hold cabinets. The count is a starting point for how many boxes to order. The countertop area helps you price stone, laminate or butcher block.

What changes the numbers

  • Wall lengths. L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens add a second and third wall, which adds run quickly.
  • Appliances and openings. A range, refrigerator, dishwasher, doorway or window all take wall space away from cabinets.
  • Average cabinet width. Smaller widths raise the cabinet count. Wider boxes mean fewer doors and a lower count.

A worked example

Say you have one 12 foot wall and one 10 foot wall, for 22 feet total. Subtract a 30 inch range (2.5 feet) and a 36 inch refrigerator space (3 feet). That leaves a 16.5 foot run, or 198 inches. With 30 inch cabinets, 198 ÷ 30 = 6.6, which rounds up to 7 base cabinets and 7 wall cabinets. The countertop is 16.5 × 25.5 ÷ 12, or about 35 square feet. At $250 per linear foot, the cabinets come to about $4,125.

Tips and common mistakes

  • Corners use space twice. A blind corner or lazy Susan cabinet takes part of each wall, so plan corners first.
  • Remember the dishwasher. It sits under the counter and takes about 24 inches of base cabinet space.
  • Wall cabinets do not go over a window, and the space above the range is usually a hood. You may need fewer wall cabinets than base cabinets.
  • Leave room for filler strips next to walls and appliances so doors and drawers open fully.
  • Measure twice at counter height and near the floor. Walls are rarely perfectly straight or square.

Budget and ordering advice

Treat the price result as a rough budget. Stock cabinets are usually the least expensive and ship fastest. Semi-custom and custom lines cost more and can take weeks to arrive. Countertops, hardware, installation and any plumbing or electrical changes are extra. Before you order, draw the layout to scale or ask the supplier for a free design, and confirm every measurement on site.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure for kitchen cabinets?
Measure each wall from corner to corner, mark windows, doors and appliances and subtract their widths from the cabinet run.
What are standard cabinet sizes?
Base cabinets are 24 inches deep and 34.5 inches high. Wall cabinets are 12 inches deep and 30 to 42 inches high. Widths go from 9 to 48 inches in 3 inch steps.
How deep is a kitchen countertop?
About 25.5 inches, which is a 24 inch cabinet with a small overhang.
How much do kitchen cabinets cost?
Prices depend on the style, wood and whether they are stock, semi-custom or custom. Get quotes from several suppliers.
Do I need filler strips?
Often yes, to close small gaps against walls and corners.
How much space do you need between cabinets and an island?
A common guideline is about 42 inches of walkway between a counter and an island in a one-cook kitchen. About 48 inches works better when two people cook at once. Less space makes it hard to open the dishwasher and oven doors while someone walks past.
How high should upper cabinets be above the counter?
Upper cabinets are usually hung so their bottoms sit about 18 inches above the countertop. With a standard 36 inch counter height, that puts the bottom of the wall cabinets about 54 inches above the floor. Taller people sometimes go a little higher, but most stock cabinet layouts assume 18 inches.
Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Refacing is usually cheaper when the existing cabinet boxes are solid and the layout works. It replaces doors, drawer fronts and the outer veneer. Replacing costs more but lets you change the layout, fix damaged boxes and add features like deep drawers. Get quotes for both options before you decide.