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.
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.
For example, a 36" cabinet can accomodate a 30-32" sink. Next, measure front to back to find cabinet depth (standard cabinets have a 24" depth). If your countertop has a backsplash, subtract its thickness from this figure. In general, most cabinets can accommodate a sink that is 20 inches front to back.
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.
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 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.
Wondering why you can't fit a 36” sink in a 36” cabinet? That's because of how the sink attaches to the counter! Every undermount sink has a bit of a lip that gets siliconed to the underside of the counter – reinforced with metal clips. That lip and those clips take up an inch or two (and vary from sink to sink)!
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.
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 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.
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.
Standard sink base cabinets are 24″ deep (back to front), and most sinks are designed to fit that size. However, widths vary widely and sink widths vary accordingly.
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.
In general, the standard sink size is 22” x 30”. While single bowl sinks can have a width upto 36 inches, double bowl sinks can go upto 48 inches. The other thing that you need to consider is the depth of the sink. Sinks can have a depth between 6 and 12 inches.
The standard sink size is about 22 inches long to 30 inches wide, but once again it's crucial to take proper measurements. If you're replacing a drop-in sink with rims, start measuring from the outer lip of the sink, not the basin itself. If you have an undermount sink, start measuring where the edge meets the counter.
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.
A 33" cabinet is outside measurement. Figure 3/4" wall thickness, so the inside measurement of the cabinet is 31½". You can possible squeeze the sink in there. It will be difficult to get at the side clips.
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).
Consider the size of the sink. The base cabinet should be wide enough to accommodate the sink, with additional space on either side for plumbing and dish soap. It should also be deep enough to prevent water from spilling out onto the floor. Think about the type of material you want the cabinet to be made of.
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.
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.
Working space is the space around work areas such as cooktops or sinks. For example, a sink should have at least 18 inches of working space on at least one side. A cooktop should have at least 15 inches on one side, 12 inches on the other, and nine inches behind it.
If you frequently use large pans or baking trays, it might be worth getting a sink with an extra wide or extra deep bowl – or even a 1½ / double bowl. If you don't have a dishwasher in your kitchen, make sure you get a sink with a built-in drainer, so you have enough space to let items dry after you hand wash them.