Over the years, kitchens have transformed from being an open fire in the ground outdoors to enclosed spaces within homes. Walls have come up, counters have been installed and storage has been added to make the kitchen as humanly-optimum as possible. Standing in a well-ventilated kitchen with cabinets and a sink to make a quick meal is the result of a tried and tested yet, complex research.

Engineers have spent years perfecting standard kitchen dimensions for humans to have a pleasant cooking experience. With that, ergonomic kitchens were introduced, in order to avoid, unnatural postures that are harmful to our health. 

Having designed over 1000 kitchens till date, our designers have a few key measurements regarding standard kitchen size that they follow to make cooking a pleasant experience for our clients.

Standard Kitchen Dimensions #1: Countertop & Sink

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Utilisation of a deep kitchen sink

To understand the standard kitchen size, let’s look at the kitchen slab height and sink. The sink and countertop were the first elements of a modular kitchen to get standardised. However, the kitchen dimensions like the kitchen counter height may vary according to the height of the person using the kitchen. Between your elbow height and countertop, there should be an approximate gap of 15cm. Subsequently, the sink is almost always the same height as the kitchen counter height for obvious reasons. However, the ideal depth of a sink is 56 cm.


Standard Measurements

Height: 72 cm

Width: 60 – 90 – 100 – 120 cm

Depth: 56 cm


Also Read: 10 FAQs That Will Help You Design the Perfect Indian Kitchen

Standard Kitchen Dimensions #2: Overhead Cabinets

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Don’t break your back!
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Different heights to reach different cabinets

We, at Livspace, always consider the minimum kitchen size and design wall cabinets according to the user’s height in order to avoid excessive stretching or bending. We wouldn’t want our clients to be reaching out for utensils that land in a heap on them or get a catch in their back in the process. In fact, we maintain the depth of the wall modules at 32 cm so that you don’t bump into cabinet shutters while cooking!

Kitchen size also includes loft space. The loft space is meant to stow away items that are used seldom. On the other hand, the wall cabinets are used for frequently used ingredients and utensils. Lastly, the lowest rung of the wall cabinets is where we typically keep cooking spoons and spatulas as well as basic ingredients like salt and sugar. While calculating kitchen dimensions, you need to consider all these factors.


Standard Measurements

Height: 30 – 36 – 60 – 72 – 90 cm

Width: 40 – 45 – 50 – 60 – 80 – 90 cm

Depths: 32 cm


Standard Kitchen Dimensions #3: Base Cabinets

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Easy-to-use base cabinets
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Optimum measurements for kitchen cabinets

To know the standard size of a kitchen, you must consider the base cabinets. In most kitchens, base cabinets are used to store pots and pans. Moreover, if you’re getting a modular kitchen for your home, then you should know that there are kitchen dimensions for base cabinets. Contrary to its evident function, which is storage, base cabinets also play a major role in easy accessibility in a kitchen. Keeping in mind kids and elderly people, Livspace kitchens have base units that range from 36cm to 85cm, including the countertop.


Standard Measurements

Height: 36 – 85 cm

Width: 15 -20 – 25 – 30 – 40 – 45 – 50 – 60 – 90 – 100 – 120 cm

Depth: 41 – 56 cm


Standard Kitchen Dimensions #4: Tall Units

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Tall units that are perfect for storage

Nobody likes stepping out for groceries every time they cook. That is where tall units come into play. Used for storing non-refrigerated grocery items, these units can be ergonomically designed for anybody, with minor height adjustments. Thus, while calculating kitchen standard dimensions, tall units also play a role.


Standard Measurements

Height: 1960 – 2080 cm

Width: 450 – 600 cm

Depth: 560 cm


Standard Kitchen Dimensions #5: Kitchen Island

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A multipurpose element with the right dimensions

If you want an island in your kitchen, you need to accommodate the same while standard kitchen dimensions. In case you are wondering why island counters are usually accompanied by high chairs or bar stools, we have some interesting trivia! Kitchen islands are supposed to be the same height as the countertop. Therefore, the height of a kitchen island should be ideal for standing and working.


Standard Measurements

Height: 72 cm

Width: 60 – 90 – 100 – 120 cm

Depth: 56 cm


Standard Kitchen Dimensions #6: Breakfast Counter

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A necessity in modern kitchens

A modern kitchen standard size also includes the breakfast counter design. The breakfast counter should be 15 to 30 cm higher than the counter for a number of reasons. Subsequently, tt acts as a cover up for a messy countertop and in some cases, it can double up as a room partition. Ergonomically, the breakfast counter is higher to accommodate your knees while being seated for a hurried meal.

Standard Kitchen Dimensions #7: Backsplash

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The space between the wall and the lower cabinets is the backsplash

Backsplashes add more than just aesthetics to a kitchen as they help protect your walls from grease, oil, and water stains. Ideally, a backsplash should be made of materials that are easy to clean since the space between the wall cabinets and base cabinets are prone to water and oil splashes. To calculate the standard kitchen size, the ideal height of a backsplash should be 60 cm. 

Standard Kitchen Dimensions #8: Aisle Width

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The aisle width is important in parallel kitchens

There are different types of kitchen layouts available for you – L-shaped, parallel, one wall, peninsula and more. However, irrespective of the kitchen layout, the space should be convenient and ergonomically designed. When it comes to parallel kitchens, the aisle width comes into play. Not enough space can make it difficult for you to move around. A kitchen’s minimum aisle width should be at least 1,020 mm and can go upto 1,200 mm.

Standard Kitchen Dimensions #9: Stove to Chimney Distance

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Also consider the distance between your chimney and stove

Nobody likes a smoky and smelly kitchen! The distance between your stove and chimney can determine how fast and the amount of fumes expelled out of your kitchen. In addition, the right distance can ensure that your chimney works properly and does not require too much of maintenance. The ideal chimney to stove distance should be between 660 mm and 750 mm.

Standard Kitchen Dimensions #10: Refrigerator

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Follow the golden triangle rule while placing the refrigerator

While calculating the standard kitchen size, you also need to consider the refrigerator. There are multiple types and sizes of refrigerators available in the market. The option you choose will depend upon the space available and your requirements. Generally, there should be at least two inches of space above the refrigerator and two inches of space between the walls and the fridge.

Standard Kitchen Dimensions #11: Golden Triangle

For a kitchen that is ergonomically enhanced and comfortable to cook in, it should follow the golden triangle rule. The golden triangle rule says that the sink, stove and refrigerator should be placed in such a manner so that they form a triangle. This should be the case for all types of kitchen layouts. The best option is to place the stove and refrigerator opposite to each other with the sink in the middle of the triangle.

Just like clothes, Livspace kitchens are custom-made to match the person using them. Gone are the days where kitchens came in standard kitchen dimensions that could not accommodate really short or unusually tall people. To top it off, Livspace kitchens can be kid-friendly as well as elder-friendly

You can also learn more about How to Make Your Kitchen More Efficient to make your kitchens work for you.

Also Read: 15+ Stunning Parallel Kitchen Designs for Homes of All Sizes

How Can Livspace Help You?

We hope you found our ideas useful! If you want your home to be just as beautiful, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today.

Send in your comments and suggestions at editor@livspace.com

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability.