How big is the typical kitchen sink?
This is an article for those looking to install a kitchen sink and want to know what the most common sizes are that they might have to work with. We'll use some specific examples, but we'll also give some general dimensions for single and double basin sinks.
Keep in mind, these are not necessarily exact in the context of your situation, which will concern not only the type of sink you're installing but also the surrounding cabinetry you're installing it in.
You'll want to pay particularly close attention to the section below on base cabinet width.
But first, we'll start with some "ballpark" measurements.
Read more: Checkout our roundup of best farmhouse sinks
How big is the typical kitchen sink? Ballpark
Let's look at four different sizing scenarios for your kitchen sink. These are meant to give you a range between a smaller and larger option for both single and double basins. Keep in mind, these are given for the width of the sink (we'll provide some more exact examples below).
- Smaller single basin: 26-30 inches
- Larger single basin: 36-40 inches
- Smaller double basin: 32 inches
- Larger double basin: 34 inches
Double basin sinks tend to follow a narrower scope of size, regardless of their material, usually falling between 32 and 34 inches. Single basin sinks vary more, getting close to 40 inches on the high end and 25 (or lower in more rare examples) on the low end.
However, there are still plenty of exceptions to these generalities. This is just meant to give you a ballpark to work with.
Let's get more specific with a few examples of common sink dimensions.
Undermount sinks typically need more care when installing a bit of a larger base cabinet width.
Specific Examples of Sink Size
Here we'll look at some of the more popular kitchen sink brands and models, and simply list their manufacturer-provided dimensions. Note that we'll use all three dimensions of each sink: Width x length x depth.
Also note that all dimensions are given in inches:
- Torva Stainless Steel Single Basin (wide): 28 x 18 x 10 inches
- Torva Dark Stainless Steel Single Basin (wide): 32 x 19 x 10 inches
- Kraus Standard Pro: 32 x 19 x 10 inches
- Kraus Quarza Double Basin: 33 x 22 x 9.5 inches
- Ruvati Granite Dual Mount (single basin): 33 x 22 x 9 inches
- Lordear Stainless Steel Drop In (single basin): 33 x 22 x 10 inches
- Modena Undermount Stainless Steel (single basin): 28 x 18 x 10 inches
What about minimum base cabinet?
Aside from the dimensions of the sink itself, you should also pay attention to a measurement that's referred to as the "base cabinet width." This refers to the width of the cabinet placed directly beneath the sink to be installed, which usually has two doors opening up for additional storage underneath the sink.
Generally, the base cabinet width should be about three inches longer than the width of the sink you're putting over top of it.
Below is is a super-helpful graphic from over at qualitybath.com that shows this for varying sizes.
Typical base cabinet width in relation to sink width.
However, it's important to check documentation of the sink you want to buy and to consult your contractor, because some undermount sinks will need a little more base cabinet room. For example, this graphic from Sarlai shows a sink that requires 3.8 inches, which is often the case for undermount sinks that need a little extra space.
For this reason, some manufacturers will provide multiple dimensions for a sink, particularly if they're of the undermount variety. But even drop-in sinks can have multiple widths. For example, the following diagram gives us a width of 29 inches for the actual basin, but then a full 33 inches for the furthest points of each side.
Does the sink material matter?
Is the size of a kitchen sink impacted at all by different types of sink materials?
In most cases, the answer is no, because the manufacturer size is going to be accurate, regardless of the material used. However, some materials are more commonly used in sinks that are installed a particular way.
For example, fireclay farmhouse sinks are almost always undermounted, which means they're going to be a little wider and require a wider base cabinet.
Again, this should be reflected (and clear) in the product's documentation.
Stainless steel sinks are often cheaper and are simply dropped in, though in either case, it doesn't dramatically impact the size of whatever sink you're considering.
Conclusion
The thing that people often miss in the base cabinet size, so make sure to take a mental note of that and check with your contractor.
Here are the three main notes you'll want to make and give to your contractor:
- Width x length x depth of the sink you want
- Undermount or drop-in
- Base cabinet size
If you have these three data points ready to hand to your contractor, he should be able to easily prepare your cabinets (new or existing) to accommodate the size of the sink you choose.
It seems complicated at first, but since the dimensions don't actually vary that much, you won't have trouble getting a good fit for your situation.
Good luck, and feel free to drop questions in the comments section below.
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AUTHOR: Ryan is a DIYer, homeowner, and general fan of a clean, good-smelling kitchen.