Wherever you find the specifications, you want to look for something called a “minimum cabinet size”. Each sink (regardless of whether we're talking kitchen, bathroom or utility sinks), will have a minimum cabinet size (which is the exterior measurement of the cabinet that the sink sits in).
The reason for this is to allow for adequate room to work when installing the sink, as well as to avoid potential water damage or mold growth in the cabinetry. The minimum cabinet size needed for your sink will be found on the product page from our website once you search the model like the example shown below.
A typical 33 x 22-inch sink will fill a 36-inch base cabinet. If you're replacing a sink, make sure it fits the existing cutout. If the cabinet allows, you may be able to install a larger sink by expanding the cutout. A farmhouse sink may require a special cabinet size.
A 36" sink will fit into a 36" cabinet easily if you strap it in place. Manufacturer's allow for chubby plumber fingers to access clips to tighten. If you eliminate the clips, you eliminate the need for access.
Measure the opening width under your existing sink (or where the new one will be installed) from left to right. This measurement is your cabinet size. Then, allow at least 2-3 inches on both sides for mounting hardware. For example, a 36" cabinet can accomodate a 30-32" sink.
Base cabinet size
To determine the maximum sink size for your base cabinet, measure the interior of your cabinet and subtract two to three inches from each dimension. A 36″ base cabinet can handle a 33″ sink at most; a 30″ cabinet should be fitted with a sink no larger than 27″ wide.
The length of the sink you order needs to be less than the width of the interior of the cabinet, with a little room to spare. For example, 36'' wide cabinets are often outfitted with 33'' sinks.
Another larger option, that provides more variety in its use is a 29" double bowl sink. This sink will fit in your 30" kitchen sink base cabinet and provide you with two 16x13"basins.
TIP: Standard cabinet sizes are in 3” increments. I.E.: 27”, 30”, 33”, 36”, etc. In general your sink should be at least 2-3” smaller than your cabinet size.
Measure the opening width under your existing sink (or where the new one will be installed) from left to right. This measurement is your cabinet size. Then, allow at least 2-3 inches on both sides for mounting hardware. For example, a 36" cabinet can accomodate a 30-32" sink.
A 33" sink will undermount into a 33" cabinet if you strap or harness, not clip or block, the sink in place. Disregard the sink manufacturer's instructions please; I've done this hundreds of times.It is not a difficult process at all.
Depth: A cabinet's depth is typically either 12 or 24 inches. The 24-inch depths are commonly used for base cabinets, while the 12-inch deep boxes are used for wall cabinets.
If a 1-inch buffer of counter space is left in front of the sink, 3 inches more is available behind it to mount the faucet. As long as the faucet base is less than 3 inches wide and the total width of the sink is 20 inches or less, the faucet will comfortably fit on the countertop.
Dawn 22" Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
This little gem measures overall at a little less than 22" left to right. This allows this sink to very easily fit in a 24" sink base cabinet.
The most common sink sizes for a 30-inch cabinet are 24 to 27 inches wide. These sizes offer a comfortable fit within the cabinet and provide enough room for daily use.
Kitchen Cabinet Kings
General rule of thumb is actual sink should be 3" in actual width less than the sink base for smooth fit. However if you notch the sides of the cabinet, you should be able to get something as tight as 1.5 less than cabinet to fit.
The most common sizes for a kitchen sink are 30" or 33", however a standard size could measure anywhere between 24" and 36" in length. Generally, sinks up to 30" will contain one large single bowl.
Standard-sized kitchen sinks measure 22 inches by 30 inches.
While the front-to-back measurement of the sink typically remains the same (roughly 22 inches) due to the size of most cabinets, the length of various kitchen sinks can vary immensely.
30 inches- Used for single basin sinks. 33 inches- Used for offset sinks, or double basin sinks. 36 inches- Used for double basin sinks. 42 inches- This is the largest width in a base cabinet.
Standard Kitchen Sink Sizes to Know
On average, customers who purchase single-bowl sinks prefer 30-inch-long dimensions at most. Experts recommend at least 22 to 27-inches in length, which also works for small kitchens.
Corner Sink Base Cabinet Options
It is easiest to find corner kitchen sinks to fit into stock or semi-custom corner sink cabinet base options. For many of our projects we used have used 36” corner sink base cabinets and were able to have the 24” wide undermount sinks fit in perfectly.
The least amount of space that should exist between the countertop and upper kitchen cabinets is 18 inches, but it may even go up to 20-22 inches. But if you are someone of a shorter height, then you may consider bringing them down a bit to be able to successfully access the top shelves of the upper cabinets.