Kitchen Unit Size Guide (2025 Update)
Planning a new kitchen can feel overwhelming, but understanding standard kitchen unit sizes makes the process far easier. Whether you're designing from scratch, replacing units, or updating an existing layout, this complete 2025 guide covers everything UK homeowners need to know.
We’ll break down base units, wall units, tall units, corner units, worktop sizes, spacing rules, ergonomic recommendations and measurement tips to help you design a perfectly functioning kitchen.
1. Why Kitchen Unit Sizes Matter
Kitchen cabinets may seem confusing at first, but the good news is that most UK kitchen units follow standardised dimensions. This helps:
- Maximise storage
- Ensure appliances fit correctly
- Make planning and installation easier
- Reduce wasted space and awkward gaps
Understanding unit sizes makes it MUCH easier to design around your key zones:
- Sink zone (washing)
- Prep zone (chopping & surface space)
- Cooking zone (hob & oven)
- Storage zones (dry goods, tall units, crockery)
2. Standard UK Kitchen Unit Sizes (2025)
Below are the most common cabinet dimensions used by UK manufacturers such as Howdens, Wren, Magnet, IKEA, Wickes and B&Q.
Base Units (Floor Cabinets)
- Height: 72cm (without legs), 87–92cm with plinth & adjustable legs
- Depth: 56–60cm (standard), 35–45cm for slimline units
- Width options: 150mm, 300mm, 400mm, 450mm, 500mm, 600mm, 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, 1200mm
Popular base unit widths:
- 600mm – standard for integrated appliances
- 800–1000mm – ideal for wide pan drawers
- 300mm – slim pull-out storage
Wall Units (Upper Cabinets)
- Height: 575mm, 720mm, 900mm (varies by manufacturer)
- Depth: 300mm (standard), 350mm (extra-depth)
- Width options: 150mm–1000mm (similar to base units)
Tip: Choose tall wall units (900mm) for extra storage in smaller kitchens.
Tall Units (Larder Units / Appliance Housings)
- Height: 2000–2300mm (depending on ceiling height & plinth)
- Depth: 560–600mm
- Width options: 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 1000mm
Tall units are ideal for: ovens, full-height larders, pull-out storage towers, fridge housings.
Corner Units
Corner units help maximise storage in L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens.
Corner Base Units:
- Width: 800mm–1200mm
- Depth: 900mm (when including corner return)
Corner Wall Units:
- Width: 600–900mm
- Height: as per standard wall units
3. Complete Kitchen Unit Size Table (2025)
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4. Worktop Sizes (2025 Guide)
Standard Worktop Dimensions
- Height (finished): 90cm (including cabinets and plinth)
- Depth: 600mm (to align with 560mm base unit depth)
- Length options: 2m, 3m, 3.6m, 4m (varies by retailer)
- Thickness: 20mm, 27mm, 38mm, 40mm (material dependent)
Material-Specific Notes:
- Laminate: 38–40mm (most common)
- Quartz/Granite: 20–30mm
- Solid wood: 27–40mm
- Solid surface (e.g., Corian): 12–30mm
Tip: Fewer joints = cleaner look + less risk of water ingress.
5. Appliance Size Guide (Important for Planning)
To avoid costly mistakes, plan your appliances around standard UK sizes.
Dishwasher:
- 600mm standard
- 450mm slimline
Oven Housing:
- 600mm internal width
- Tall: 2000–2200mm height
Fridge-Freezer Housing:
- 600mm width
- 2000–2150mm height
Washing Machine/Tumble Dryer:
- Standard: 600mm width, 850mm height
Hob Cut-Outs:
- Standard 600mm hobs fit worktops 600mm deep
6. How Many Kitchen Units Do You Need?
This depends on:
- Room size
- Appliance placement
- Storage needs
- Whether you need tall units
- Your workflow preferences
Basic Formula:
Plan your layout around the working triangle:
- Sink
- Hob
- Fridge
Keep each point 1.2–2.7m apart for efficient movement.
Minimum recommended units for small kitchens:
- 2–3 base units
- 2–3 wall units
- 1 tall unit (optional)
Medium kitchens:
- 4–6 base units
- 4–6 wall units
- 1–2 tall units
Large kitchens:
- 6–10+ base units
- 6–10+ wall units
- Multiple tall units
7. Planning Tips for Measuring Your Kitchen
Before choosing units:
✔️ Measure the entire room:
- wall-to-wall length
- ceiling height
- window / door placement
- radiator positions
- pipework / boiler locations
✔️ Mark out appliances first
Always fix the position of:
- hob
- oven
- fridge-freezer
- sink
- dishwasher
✔️ Consider ergonomics
- Wall units: bottom should be 450–500mm above worktop
- Hob: ideally 600mm beneath extractor
- Microwave height: 120–150cm from floor
✔️ Use online planning tools
Most major brands offer:
- 3D kitchen planners
- Augmented reality previews
- Unit customisation options
8. Tall Units & Larder Options (Maximising Storage)
Tall units are rising in popularity in 2025 thanks to their storage efficiency.
Popular tall unit types:
- Full-height larder with shelves
- Pull-out larder tower
- Double oven housing
- Integrated fridge-freezer housings
- Utility storage for ironing boards & vacuum cleaners
Why tall units are a smart choice:
- Great for compact kitchens
- Reduce clutter
- Hide appliances for a seamless look
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing wall units too deep (they should not exceed 350mm)
- Not leaving enough clearance for corner units
- Overloading with tall units (can make the room feel cramped)
- Forgetting plug socket placement
- Not accounting for filler panels or end panels
10. FAQs: Kitchen Unit Sizes (2025)
1. Are all kitchen units standard sizes in the UK?
Most are, but IKEA uses slightly different sizing. Always check before mixing brands.
2. Can I customise unit sizes?
Yes – bespoke kitchens can be built to any height, width or depth, but costs increase.
3. How deep are kitchen worktops in the UK?
Standard depth is 600mm, but 620–650mm is common for deeper appliances.
4. What height should wall units be installed at?
Typically 450–500mm above the worktop.
5. How do I avoid gaps between units and walls?
Use filler panels (usually 30–50mm wide).
6. Do tall units need to be fixed to the wall?
Yes, for safety and stability.
7. Are 600mm appliances universal?
Yes. Most are designed to fit 600mm gaps, but always check exact specs.
