Kitchen Island Dimensions
A standard kitchen island is 36 in (91 cm) tall, 24–42 in (60–107 cm) deep and 4–8 ft (1.2–2.4 m) long. The most common size is about 6 × 3 ft (180 × 90 cm), enough for storage on the kitchen side and three stools on the other. What really decides the size is the space around it: you need 42 in (107 cm) of aisle where you cook. To put one together, see how to build a kitchen island.
Kitchen island sizes
| Island | Length | Depth | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 4 ft (120 cm) | 2 ft (60 cm) | None, or 2 at the end |
| Small | 4–5 ft (120–150 cm) | 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) | 2 |
| Standard | 6 ft (180 cm) | 3 ft (90 cm) | 3 |
| Large | 8 ft (240 cm) | 3.5–4 ft (107–120 cm) | 4 |
| With a sink or cooktop | 6–8 ft | at least 3–3.5 ft | Behind the sink, not facing it |
The depth comes from the cabinets: a 24 in (60 cm) base cabinet, plus 12–15 in of overhang if people sit on the other side, or back-to-back cabinets for storage on both sides.
Height
| Top | Height | Stools |
|---|---|---|
| Counter height (standard) | 36 in (91 cm) | 24–26 in seats |
| Bar height (raised ledge) | 42 in (107 cm) | 28–30 in seats |
| Table height (dining end) | 30 in (76 cm) | Chairs, 18 in seats |
A single-level island at counter height is the most useful: it is one big work surface. A raised bar hides the mess of the kitchen from the dining side but halves the work surface. See standard countertop height for how the cabinet, legs and top add up.
Seating and overhang
Allow 24 in (61 cm) of counter for each person, 30 in at a table-height end. The top must overhang far enough for knees:
| Counter height | Overhang (knee space) |
|---|---|
| 30 in (table) | 18 in (46 cm) |
| 36 in (counter) | 15 in (38 cm) |
| 42 in (bar) | 12 in (30 cm) |
A stone or quartz top overhanging more than about 10 in needs steel brackets or corbels underneath.
Clearance around the island
| Aisle | Minimum width |
|---|---|
| Walkway where nobody works | 36 in (91 cm) |
| Work aisle, one cook | 42 in (107 cm) |
| Work aisle, two cooks | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Behind seated people | 36–44 in (91–112 cm) |
So a kitchen needs about 13 ft (4 m) between two facing walls of cabinets to fit even a 2 ft island with 42 in aisles: 24 + 42 + 24 + 42 + 24 in. In a narrower room, a peninsula or a table on wheels works better than an island.
Building an island
An island is a row of base cabinets with finished panels on the back and ends, a countertop, and a kick plate all round. Fix it to the floor with cleats screwed down inside the cabinets, so it cannot move when people lean on the overhang. Our island plan works out the cabinets, the back panel and the shelves from the length, depth and height you type:
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard size of a kitchen island?
About 36 in (91 cm) tall, 24–42 in (60–107 cm) deep and 4–8 ft (1.2–2.4 m) long. A common size is 6 ft × 3 ft, which seats three on one side.
What is the minimum size for a kitchen island?
About 4 ft long and 2 ft deep (120 × 60 cm), with at least 36 in (91 cm) of floor clear on every side, 42 in where someone cooks.
How much space do you need per seat at an island?
24 in (61 cm) of counter length per person and 15 in (38 cm) of knee space under a 36 in counter; 12 in (30 cm) under a 42 in bar.
How much space should be around a kitchen island?
36 in (91 cm) at the very least, 42 in (107 cm) for one cook and 48 in (122 cm) where two people cook or a dishwasher door opens into the aisle.