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.
Some sinks will be labeled 30" Kitchen sink, but the basin size is in fact 28". [This sink will fit!] While other sinks are named after their TRUE 30" basin size [This will NOT fit]. Which means you CAN fit some "thirty" inch sinks in a 30" kitchen sink base cabinet.
You need a 36" cabinet. A 33" cabinet will only fit a 30" sink.
The recommended size for a 36" base cabinet is a 33" farmhouse sink or smaller. It is recommended that your base cabinet be 3 inches larger than the size of the farmhouse sink you are considering to install.
I.E.: 27”, 30”, 33”, 36”, etc. In general your sink should be at least 2-3” smaller than your cabinet size. For example, a 36” sink base cabinet can easily fit a 33” sink.
Start by measuring the depth of your cabinet. Place your tape measure along the bottom of the cabinet and measure from the back to the front edge. Next, measure the total width. Place your tape measure along the bottom of the cabinet to measure from the left edge to the right edge.
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.
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 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.
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.
What is the standard size for a kitchen sink? The standard size for a kitchen sink can vary, but a typical size for a single-bowl sink is around 30 to 33 inches in width and 20 to 22 inches in depth. Double-bowl sinks can range from 30 to 48 inches in width, depending on the bowl size and configuration.
Kitchen sink length:
The standard length is 30-33 inches, but varies whether you have 1 or 2 bowls. Some double bowl models range up to 48 inches. A single bowl sink will have one basin.
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.
No matter what you do, you will most likely need a special or custom cabinet to accommodate your new farmhouse or apron sink. This is because there are many styles of sink designs and how they need to be installed, typically requires a non-standard cabinet. The two most common types are Drop-in or Undermount.
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.
Besides, in order to avoid backsplash spots at the bottom of the upper cabinet, please leave more space between the upper cabinet and the sink. Usually, the upper cabinets should be at least 12 inches above the sink.
Sink Landing Counter Space
The landing space requirement at a main sink is 24″ on one side and 18″ on the other side. The countertop landing area beside the main sink helps with Clean-up duties. With the dishwasher typically places on one side of the main sink the 24″ landing counter is taken care of.
Never Place a Full-Height Cabinet Above the Sink
We strongly recommend that a full-height IKEA cabinet above the sink must have an open space that's at least 12”(H) and 30”(W). The reasons why are two-fold. First, it's pretty awful to work over a sink with a full cabinet inches away from your face.
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.
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. This size range will cover most of the options you'll find when shopping.
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.
If your countertop is exposed, you have an under-mount sink. Use inside measurements to find a sink with similar measurements. Ensure you place your measuring tape at the top of the sink and measure the length (side to side), width (front to back), and depth (from the middle of the basin to the top of the sink).
Most sink manufacturers provide a template. Position the template so it is centered on the sink cabinet and is at least 1 1/2 inches back from the countertop's front edge. If your countertop is deeper than 24 inches, place it farther back, but not more than 4 inches.
As a general rule of thumb, you will want at least a 1/2" of clearance on both sides between the lip of the sink and the inside walls of the cabinet (1/4" is tight, but doable!).