Worktop height, cabinet depth, the gap between base and wall units — the numbers you need before kitchen planning begins.
Base Cabinets
| Dimension | Standard | Range |
|---|
| Carcass height (without worktop) | 720 mm | 700–750 mm |
| Plinth / leg height | 100–150 mm | 80–200 mm (adjustable) |
| Worktop height from floor | 850–860 mm | 820–920 mm |
| Carcass depth | 560 mm | 450–600 mm |
| Depth including door | 600 mm | 500–650 mm |
| Standard module width | 300–1200 mm in 100 mm steps | — |
The 850–860 mm worktop height is the averaged standard for a user height of 165–175 cm. The rule of thumb: optimal worktop height = user height minus 90–95 cm, with elbows bent at 90°.
Wall Cabinets
| Dimension | Standard | Range |
|---|
| Carcass height | 720 mm | 300–960 mm |
| Carcass depth | 300 mm | 280–350 mm |
| Depth including door | 320 mm | 300–360 mm |
| Gap from worktop to underside of wall cabinet | 500–600 mm | 450–700 mm |
| Underside of wall cabinets from floor | 1350–1450 mm | — |
| Top of wall cabinets from floor | 2070–2150 mm | — |
The minimum gap between the worktop and the underside of wall cabinets is 450 mm. Less makes it uncomfortable to work and is a hazard for doors above the hob. The optimum is 550–600 mm: a blender and open jars fit comfortably.
Tall and Larder Units
| Dimension | Standard | Range |
|---|
| Height | 2000–2200 mm | To ceiling height |
| Depth | 560–600 mm | 350–600 mm |
| Width | 300–600 mm | — |
Built-In Appliances — Cut-Outs and Clearances
| Appliance | Opening width | Opening height | Clearance |
|---|
| 60 cm oven | 560 mm | 590 mm | per manufacturer spec |
| 45 cm oven | 446 mm | 590 mm | per manufacturer spec |
| 60 cm hob | 560 × 490 mm | — | 5 mm all sides |
| 30 cm hob | 260 × 290 mm | — | 5 mm |
| 60 cm dishwasher | 600 mm | 820 mm | — |
| Integrated fridge | 540–560 mm | 1220 / 1770 mm | per manufacturer spec |
Always check the installation manual for the specific appliance model — the required opening dimensions are stated there. Clearances exist for ventilation and heat dissipation. A centimetre too much is always better than a centimetre too little.
Worktop Height by User Height
| User height | Recommended worktop height |
|---|
| Under 160 cm | 800–820 mm |
| 160–170 cm | 820–850 mm |
| 170–180 cm | 850–880 mm |
| 180–190 cm | 880–920 mm |
| Over 190 cm | 920–950 mm |
If two people of significantly different heights share the kitchen, choose a compromise height or plan separate work zones at different heights — for example, an island at one height and the perimeter run at another.
Aisle and Work Zone Widths
| Zone | Minimum | Optimum |
|---|
| Aisle between two cabinet runs | 900 mm | 1100–1200 mm |
| Single-person passage | 600 mm | 900 mm |
| Work zone at the hob | 600 mm | 900 mm |
| Work zone at the sink | 600 mm | 800 mm |
| Gap between hob and fridge | 300 mm | 450 mm |
Cabinet Depths in Other Rooms
| Furniture | Standard depth |
|---|
| Sliding wardrobe (clothing) | 600 mm |
| Wall-hung bedroom cabinet | 350–400 mm |
| TV unit | 350–450 mm |
| Bookcase / shelving | 250–300 mm |
| Bedside table | 350–400 mm |
| Hallway wardrobe (coats) | 600 mm |
| Hallway shoe cabinet | 350–400 mm |
What to Watch for When Deviating from Standard
- Non-standard base cabinet depth — check that a standard dishwasher (600 mm) or fridge will still fit
- Worktop height above 870 mm — a standard dishwasher may not fit under the worktop
- Wall cabinets deeper than 350 mm — the door may foul an open base cabinet door below
- Tall unit with no ceiling gap — allow a minimum 20 mm ventilation gap at the top