Drawer Size Calculator

Calculate Drawer Dimensions

Use this calculator to determine optimal drawer dimensions based on your cabinet opening and desired clearances.

Cabinet Opening Dimensions

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Standard thicknesses: 1/2" (0.5), 5/8" (0.625), or 3/4" (0.75)
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Typical clearance: 1/2" (0.5) total, 1/4" (0.25) per side
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Typical clearance: 1/8" to 1/4" (0.125-0.25)
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Typical overlap: 1/2" (0.5) on all sides
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Typical groove depth: 1/4" (0.25)

Drawer Size Guide

Common drawer sizes for different applications:

  • Kitchen drawers: 3-6" height for utensils, 8-12" for pots/pans
  • Bathroom drawers: 4-6" height is typical
  • File drawers: 9-14" height for letter/legal documents
  • Dresser drawers: 6-8" height is standard

Recommended clearances:

  • Side clearance: 1/2" total (1/4" per side)
  • Bottom clearance: 1/8" to 1/4"
  • Front overlap: 1/2" on all sides

About Drawer Size Calculations

Properly sized drawers are essential for functionality and aesthetics in cabinetry. When designing drawers, consider these factors:

Drawer Box vs. Drawer Front

The drawer box is the container that slides in and out, while the drawer front is the decorative face that's visible when the drawer is closed. The drawer front is typically larger than the drawer box opening to provide overlap.

Slide Types and Clearances

Different drawer slides require different clearances:

  • Side-mount slides: Require clearance on both sides of the drawer box
  • Undermount slides: Require clearance at the bottom of the drawer box
  • Center-mount slides: Require minimal side clearance

Material Considerations

The thickness of your drawer material affects the interior capacity. Common materials include:

  • Plywood: Available in 1/2", 5/8", and 3/4" thicknesses
  • Solid wood: Typically 1/2" to 3/4" thick
  • MDF: Available in various thicknesses

Weight Capacity

Consider the intended contents when designing drawer sizes:

  • Light-duty: Utensils, linens (75 lbs capacity)
  • Medium-duty: Cookware, tools (100 lbs capacity)
  • Heavy-duty: Files, books (150+ lbs capacity)

Ergonomic Considerations

For optimal usability:

  • Keep drawer heights between 4" and 10" for most applications
  • Limit drawer width to 36" to prevent sagging
  • Consider drawer depth based on reach (typically 16"-24")