How To Choose Your Kitchen Sink Size

Learn how to determine your cabinet size and countertop depth. BLANCO provides tips to make your kitchen or laundry renovations a breeze!

What are the things you need to know before buying a kitchen or laundry sink

How do I choose a kitchen sink size?

Standard kitchen sink sizes may vary between design and manufacturers, so it’s important to know how to get your kitchen measurements to determine the correct size you need. You’ll need to measure the cabinet, countertop, and sink dimensions.

The kitchen sink size you choose will also depend on your budget and how much counter space you can spare. Remember that special features like integrated drainboards will take up more of this space. Keep reading to learn more about taking measurements and choosing kitchen sink sizes.

Cabinet size & countertop guidelines

Whether you are replacing your sink or renovating the kitchen, you must always know your cabinet and countertop dimensions. If you are only replacing the sink, it needs to fit the existing cutout space. And if you are renovating, you may be able to install a larger sink by expanding the cutout. It is not advised to add a smaller size sink to your existing countertop.

Correct measurements are very important to ensure that enough space is allocated for the faucet, fixtures and other materials behind the sink. For example, if your overhead cabinets hang low, you’ll want to stay away from faucet necks that are too high. Your installer will also consider the bowl depth to ensure there is adequate space underneath.

How to determine the minimum cabinet size

One of the most important criteria for choosing sink size is finding a sink that fits the cabinets.
  • Measure the cabinet size under the existing sink or where the new sink will go.
  • Measure from gable to gable (left to right). See diagram.
  • Be sure to measure from outside edge to outside edge.
  • To save time, double check your measurements.

This is the "Minimum Cabinet Size", and this size is noted next to each sink model in the BLANCO catalogue. Standard kitchen cabinets come in size increments of 3" (for example: 18", 21", 24", 27", 30", 33", 36" etc.).

How to measure the depth of your countertop

Countertop depth refers to the measurement from the front to the back of the countertop

The width (front-to-back measurement) of the sink that can be used is determined by this measurement.

DROP-IN SINKS:

  • For laminate countertops with a backsplash, you can install a drop-in sink that is up to 20 1/2" deep.
  • For laminate or stone countertops without a backsplash, you can install a sink that is up to 22" deep

UNDERMOUNT SINKS:

  • Consult your installer. These measurements are important to ensure that enough space is allocated for fixtures and backsplash material behind the sink.

Understanding kitchen sink dimensions

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.

Kitchen sink length:

This is how far a sink extends along the countertop. Fix your measuring tape to the left edge of the sink and stretch it over to the right. 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. A double bowl has two basins side by side, so you can use one bowl to set dirty dishes and the opposite bowl for washing dishes by hand or rinsing produce.

Kitchen sink width:

To find the width, measure from the back edge of the sink to the front edge. The standard size is 22 inches.

Kitchen sink depth:

Find your sink’s depth by measuring the top edge of the sink down to the bottom. The standard depth is around 8 to 10 inches. Anything shallower than 8 inches will make it difficult for you to have enough space to wash dishes. The extra depth can make it easier to wash oversize pots, which is helpful for anyone cooking for a big family or entertaining guests.