Counter Height vs Bar Height
Counter height is 36 in (91 cm), the height of a kitchen worktop. Bar height is 42 in (107 cm), 6 in higher. Table height, for comparison, is 28–30 in (71–76 cm). Each needs its own seat: counter stools have a 24–26 in seat, bar stools a 28–30 in seat, so there are always 10–12 in between the seat and the top for your legs.
Counter, bar and table height
| Height | Top | Stool or chair seat | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table height | 28–30 in (71–76 cm) | 17–19 in chairs | Dining tables, desks |
| Counter height | 35–37 in, usually 36 in (91 cm) | 24–26 in counter stools | Kitchen worktops, islands, counter-height tables |
| Bar height | 40–42 in, usually 42 in (107 cm) | 28–30 in bar stools | Raised island ledges, bars, pub tables |
| Extra tall (spectator) | 44–47 in (112–119 cm) | 33–36 in stools | Rare at home |
The rule behind the stools: 10–12 in (25–30 cm) between the seat and the underside of the top. Measure the top, subtract 10–12 in, and that is your seat height.
Counter height or bar height for an island?
| Compared | Counter height (36 in) | Bar height (42 in) |
|---|---|---|
| Work surface | One big flat surface | Split: 36 in work side, 42 in ledge |
| Seating | Counter stools, easier for children | Bar stools, harder to climb |
| View | Open, everything on show | Hides the sink and the mess from the living room |
| Build | One level of base cabinets and one top | A riser wall or tall cabinets behind the base cabinets |
| Accessibility | A 34 in section can be added | Hard for wheelchairs and children |
For most kitchens, a counter-height island is the more useful choice: it is one big work surface and the stools fit everyone. A raised bar makes sense when the island faces a living room and you want to hide the work area. See kitchen island dimensions for lengths, depths and aisles.
Overhang and space per seat
| Height | Knee overhang | Width per person |
|---|---|---|
| Table (30 in) | 18 in (46 cm) | 24–30 in |
| Counter (36 in) | 15 in (38 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) |
| Bar (42 in) | 12 in (30 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) |
Stone tops overhanging more than about 10 in need steel brackets or corbels; a raised bar ledge is usually 12–15 in deep.
How each height is built
A counter-height island is a row of standard base cabinets: 34 1/2 in of box and toe kick plus a 1 1/2 in top makes 36 in. For a bar, build a short wall or a row of 6 in taller cabinets along the back and put a narrow top on it at 42 in. See standard countertop height for the details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between counter height and bar height?
Counter height is 35–37 in (usually 36 in, 91 cm), the height of kitchen worktops. Bar height is 40–42 in (usually 42 in, 107 cm), 6 in higher. Each needs its own stools.
Is 36 in counter height or bar height?
Counter height. Bar height is 42 in; table height is 28–30 in.
What stool height for a 42 in bar?
A bar stool with a 28–30 in (71–76 cm) seat. For a 36 in counter, use counter stools with a 24–26 in (61–66 cm) seat.
How much overhang do you need for seating?
About 15 in (38 cm) at counter height and 12 in (30 cm) at bar height, and 24 in of length for each person.