Kitchen Cabinets Calculator
How many kitchen cabinets do you actually need? This free kitchen cabinets calculator gives DIYers and contractors a complete cabinet take-off — cabinet count, door and drawer count, concealed hinges and undermount drawer slides, knobs, pulls, end panels, fillers, and crown / light rail / toe-kick trim — all from base / wall / tall linear footage.
The four market tiers — RTA, stock, semi-custom, and custom — define everything from door style and finish quality to lead time and width increment. RTA jumps in 3-inch widths and ships in 1–3 weeks; custom hits 1/16-inch precision with 8–16 week leads. The calculator surfaces all four so you can see what tier matches the level of detail you want.
Built on ANSI/KCMA A161.1-2017 cabinet construction & performance standards, NKBA Kitchen Planning Guidelines (the 31 Guidelines), IRC G2447.5 cooktop-to-upper clearance, ANSI/BHMA A156.9 hardware grades, and EPA TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 formaldehyde limits — runs in under a minute, no signup.
See 2026 kitchen cabinet cost ranges — stock to custom →
Cabinets in more than one room? Use the general cabinet calculator →
Kitchen Cabinets Calculator
Estimate cabinets, doors, drawers, hinges, slides, knobs, pulls, panels, trim, and install labor by tier â RTA, Stock, Semi-custom, or Custom.
Cabinet linear footage
Base, wall, and tall cabinet runs in linear feet. The bathroom remodel and kitchen remodel calculators give you these numbers if you don't have them.
Tier and construction
Drives door style, finish quality, sizing increments, and lead time
Semi-custom (KraftMaid Vantage, Schrock, Yorktowne, Fabuwood): 4–8 weeks · ¼–1 in. increments.
Door style, overlay, and finish
Slab vs Shaker vs Raised; full / partial / inset overlay; paint vs stain vs laminate
Hardware & trim choices
Soft-close, cabinets-to-ceiling, crown, light rail, panels
Crown is auto-skipped on 8 ft ceilings unless cabinets run to the ceiling â the spec rule. Light rail is auto-skipped when cabinets run to the ceiling (no underside to conceal).
Accessory upgrades
Roll-out shelves and pull-out trash bins
Layout and NKBA / IRC clearance check
Optional â flags non-fatal warnings against NKBA Kitchen Planning Guidelines and IRC G2447.5
How a cabinet take-off actually works
Three things decide your cabinet count more than the room’s square footage. These engineering-style diagrams show the standard cabinet sizes the estimate assumes, how the linear feet you enter turn into whole cabinets in 3″ steps (and why you need fillers), and why an L- or U-kitchen’s two walls don’t simply add up at the corner.
The cabinet-anatomy diagram is why the take-off is built on fixed box sizes. Base, wall, and tall cabinets come in standard depths and heights, hung at standard clearances, so the estimate works from those modules rather than free dimensions. Knowing the standard sizes is what turns a wall length into a cabinet list.
The linear-feet diagram explains why cabinet runs rarely divide evenly. Cabinets come in three-inch width steps, so a run seldom hits the wall exactly and fillers absorb the leftover at each end, while appliance openings are subtracted from the run. That is why the calculator rounds and adds fillers instead of dividing cleanly.
A corner is also why an L- or U-kitchen is not simply wall A plus wall B. One corner cabinet sits in both runs, so the depths overlap in a corner square, and adding both walls whole double-counts it. The calculator subtracts the corner overlap, which is why the cabinet run comes up short of the raw wall total.
Beyond the box count, the layout has to work to cook in — which is where the NKBA work triangle comes in. The sink, range, and refrigerator form a triangle whose legs should each run 4 to 9 feet and total 13 to 26 feet, with no leg cut through by an island or walkway by more than 12 inches. Planning the cabinet runs around that triangle is what keeps a kitchen efficient to move through.
Calculation Formulas
Divide total linear feet by the average cabinet width to estimate cabinet count. Defaults are 24 in. base, 24 in. wall, 30 in. tall — the typical mix of singles and doubles in a real kitchen.
Example:
15 LF base ÷ 24 in. avg = 7.5 → 8 base cabinets (rounded up to whole units).
Average per-cabinet door and drawer counts: base 1.4 doors + 1.3 drawers (mix of 1-door+1-drawer and 2-door+2-drawer cabs); wall 1.5 doors; tall 2 doors (split top/bottom pantry / oven configurations).
Example:
8 base cabs × 1.4 = 11 doors; 8 × 1.3 = 10 drawers.
Standard cup-hinge rule per BHMA A156.9. Most base and wall doors land at 24–36 in. tall (2 hinges). Tall pantry doors split top/bottom typically come in at 40–48 in. each — bumps to 3 per door once split height exceeds 40 in.
Example:
30-in. base doors take 2 hinges each; 42-in. pantry split-doors take 3 hinges each.
One pair of slides per drawer. Soft-close undermount (Blum TANDEM 563H, Hettich Quadro) is standard on semi-custom and most stock; side-mount epoxy or ball-bearing on RTA / basic stock.
Example:
10 drawers → 10 pairs of slides.
Default convention: one knob per door, one pull per drawer. For drawers > 30 in. wide, add a second pull. Modern handle-less mode swaps knobs to pulls (pulls = doors + drawers, knobs = 0).
Example:
11 doors + 10 drawers → 11 knobs, 10 pulls.
Pull overall length ≈ 1/3 of the drawer or door width on the controlling axis. Snap to nearest System 32 CC: 76, 96, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, 320 mm. Pantry / appliance pulls min 12 in.
Example:
24-in. drawer → 8-in. pull (≈ 192 mm CC); 36-in. wide drawer → 12-in. pull or two 6-in.
Uppers start 18 in. above the 36-in. counter (54 in. AFF). Add upper height to get top: 30 in. uppers reach 84 in.; 36 in. uppers reach 90 in.; 42 in. uppers reach 96 in. (8 ft ceiling). Crown defaults on when cabinets reach the ceiling or ceiling ≥ 9 ft.
Example:
8 ft (96 in.) ceiling + 30 in. uppers = 12 in. soffit gap. Use 42 in. uppers to reach the ceiling.
Crown is included only when cabinets reach the ceiling or the ceiling is 9 ft+ (otherwise the soffit gap is too small for crown to read). Light rail conceals undercabinet lighting on the underside of standard uppers — skip when cabinets are at the ceiling. Toe kick runs the full base + tall floor footprint.
Example:
11.5 LF wall + 2 LF tall, cabinets to ceiling = 13.5 LF crown. 11.5 LF light rail when uppers stop short.
Per-LF cabinet cost varies by tier (RTA $80–$200, Stock $150–$400, Semi-custom $400–$800, Custom $800–$1,500+) and depth. Inset overlay carries a ~1.20× multiplier; partial overlay 0.92×. Hardware tier-priced. Trim at $13/LF crown, $7/LF light rail, $5.50/LF toe kick installed.
Example:
15 LF base × $275 = $4,125 (stock tier); add 2 LF tall × $475 = $950.
Industry rule of thumb is 30–50% of material for installation. Per-LF method: $50–$300/LF (RTA $75, stock $125, semi-custom $175, custom $225 mid-of-range). Total typical kitchen install $2,000–$8,000.
Example:
$8,816 material × 0.35 = $3,086 labor → $11,900 project total over 28.5 LF ≈ $418/LF.
Standard Constants
| Constant | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Base Cabinet | 34½ in. tall × 24 in. deep | Add 1½ in. counter = 36 in. counter height. Counter overhang 1 in. = 25 in. finished counter depth. Toe kick recess 4 in. tall × 3 in. deep is the industry standard. |
| Standard Wall (Upper) Cabinet | 12 in. deep × 30/36/42 in. tall | Heights of 30, 36, 42 in. are the workhorses. Above-fridge / above-microwave cabinets use 24-in. depth to match the appliance. Mounted 18 in. above counter (54 in. AFF to bottom). |
| Standard Tall Cabinet | 84 / 90 / 96 in. tall | Match upper-cabinet top-of-line: 84 in. with 30 in. uppers (8 ft ceiling); 90 in. with 36 in. uppers (9 ft ceiling); 96 in. with 42 in. uppers (10 ft ceiling). Standard widths 18, 24, 30, 33, 36 in. |
| Width Increment by Tier | RTA/Stock: 3 in.; Semi-custom: ¼–1 in.; Custom: 1/16 in. | Stock and RTA jump in 3-in. width increments and top out at 48 in. Semi-custom adds ¼ in. or 1 in. modifications and reduced depths (12, 15, 18, 21 in. base). Custom is any size, any material. |
| Cooktop-to-Upper Clearance (IRC G2447.5) | 30 in. min (combustible above) | Code-controlling minimum from cooktop surface to combustible material above. Drops to 24 in. with a listed range hood OR with ¼ in. insulating millboard + sheet metal protection. Manufacturer hood instructions typically specify 24–30 in. for electric, 24–36 in. for gas. |
| Work Triangle (NKBA) | Sum ≤ 26 ft; each leg 4–9 ft | Sink–cooking surface–refrigerator. Sum of all three legs not to exceed 26 ft; each leg 4 ft min, 9 ft max. No leg may intersect island/peninsula by > 12 in. Major traffic should not cross the triangle. |
| Aisles and Walkways (NKBA) | 42 in. (single cook) / 48 in. (multi-cook) | Work aisle 42 in. min single-cook, 48 in. multi-cook. Walkway 36 in. min. Island/peninsula clearance 42 in. (48 in. heavy traffic). ADA pass-through 40 in. min; 60 in. turning circle in U-shape. |
| Landing Areas (NKBA) | Sink 24/18 · Fridge 15 · Cooktop 12+15 | Counter frontage adjacent to appliances: sink 24 in. one side / 18 in. other; refrigerator 15 in. handle side; cooktop 12 in. one side / 15 in. other; microwave 15 in. above/below/adjacent. Continuous 24-in.-deep counter frontage 158 in. recommended (Guideline 25). |
| European Hinge Cup | 35 mm | Industry-standard cup diameter for concealed cup hinges (Blum, Salice, Grass, Hettich, Häfele). System 32 hardware spacing increment is 32 mm — drives line-boring of all cabinet sides. |
| KCMA A161.1 Performance Pass Marks | 25,000 cycles / 600 lb / 250 lb / 65 lb | Door cycle test 25,000 open/close (50,000 in 2024 Severe Use). Wall cabinet hung-load 600 lb. Base front joint 250 lb (200 lb without drawer rail; 300 lb in 2024 Severe Use). Weighted door test 65 lb at 12 in. out from hinge. |
Note: All calculations include appropriate waste factors based on project complexity and material type. Results are estimates and should be verified by professionals before purchasing materials.
ANSI/KCMA A161.1 — Performance & Construction Standard for Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets(ANSI/KCMA A161.1-2017)
View StandardCornerstone US performance standard for residential kitchen and vanity cabinets, administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association under ANSI consensus rules. Certification awarded through third-party testing by KCMA-approved laboratories. A 2024 Severe Use Standard exists for HUD/multifamily applications. Construction requirements and 5-category, 8–14-test performance battery — passed equally by particleboard and plywood cabinets that meet the spec.
Key Requirements:
- •All wall cabinets fully enclosed with backs, bottoms, sides, and tops; base cabinets enclosed on backs, bottoms, and sides
- •Toe space at least 2 in. deep × 3 in. high on all floor-standing cabinets
- •All wood parts ≤ 10% moisture content at manufacture
- •Door cycle test: 25,000 open/close cycles through 90° (50,000 in 2024 Severe Use)
- •Wall cabinet mounting test: 600 lb load on a hung wall cabinet without failure
- •Base front joint loading: 250 lb with drawer rail / 200 lb without (300 lb in 2024 Severe Use)
- •Weighted door / hinge test: 65 lb at 12 in. out from hinge for 10 cycles + 10 min hold
- •Drawer cycle: 25,000 cycles loaded; finish hot/cold and chemical-resistance tests
KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP)(KCMA ESP 01-24)
View StandardVoluntary 5-category points-based environmental certification for cabinet manufacturers. Manufacturers must earn at least 70 points out of approximately 110 and score points in all five categories: Air Quality, Product Resource Management, Process Resource Management, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Relations. The 2024 update adds a ≥ 10% renewable-electricity threshold and KCMA Carbon Calculator reporting.
Key Requirements:
- •100% of particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood used must comply with TSCA Title VI emission limits (mandatory threshold)
- •≥ 80% of particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood meeting CPA ECC 4-19 or Benchmark CWSS
- •Chain-of-Custody certified lumber (FSC, SFI, PEFC)
- •Documented environmental management system and vendor review
- •Public reporting and no significant non-compliance citations
EPA TSCA Title VI / CARB Phase 2 — Composite Wood Formaldehyde(40 CFR 770 / CARB ATCM)
View StandardFederal formaldehyde-emission limits for composite wood products and finished goods containing them. Harmonized with California's CARB Phase 2 since June 1, 2018; mandatory labeling effective March 22, 2019. Cabinets, doors, drawers, shelves, end panels, and toe-kick assemblies that incorporate regulated composite wood products are covered. Test method ASTM E1333-10.
Key Requirements:
- •Hardwood plywood (veneer or composite core): ≤ 0.05 ppm
- •Particleboard: ≤ 0.09 ppm
- •Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): ≤ 0.11 ppm
- •Thin MDF (≤ 8 mm / 0.315 in.): ≤ 0.13 ppm
- •Compliance label on every package or finished cabinet, with certifier ID
- •NAF (No Added Formaldehyde) and ULEF (Ultra-Low Emitting) exemption categories permitted
ANSI/HPVA HP-1 — Hardwood and Decorative Plywood(ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2024)
View StandardAmerican National Standard for hardwood and decorative plywood used in cabinet doors, end panels, drawer bottoms, and box sides. Governs face/back/inner-ply grades, glue bond performance, moisture content, panel dimension tolerances, and formaldehyde emissions. Referenced by EPA TSCA Title VI as the test definition for hardwood plywood.
Key Requirements:
- •Face / back / inner-ply grade classification (AA, A, B, C, D, E)
- •Glue bond performance — Type I (waterproof) or Type II (interior)
- •Moisture content tolerances at manufacture and shipment
- •Panel dimension tolerances and squareness limits
- •Formaldehyde emissions per TSCA Title VI (≤ 0.05 ppm)
ANSI/BHMA A156.9 — Cabinet Hardware(ANSI/BHMA A156.9-2020)
View StandardAmerican National Standard for cabinet hardware — hinges, knobs, pulls, catches, shelf rests, brackets, drawer slides, rotating shelves, and sliding-panel tracks. Performance tests cover operational, cyclical, strength, and finish criteria. Three grades define typical applications: Grade 1 institutional / heavy-duty, Grade 2 premium residential, Grade 3 residential basic.
Key Requirements:
- •Grade 1 (institutional): highest cycle endurance — hinges 100,000+ cycles, slides equivalent
- •Grade 2 (premium residential): mid-range cycle endurance
- •Grade 3 (residential basic): minimum cycle endurance
- •Operational, cyclical, strength, and finish performance tests per product category
- •Reference: Blum TANDEM 563/569 series exceeds A156.9-2010 Grade 1
ANSI/AWI 0641 — Architectural Wood Casework(ANSI/AWI 0641 + AWS Section 10)
View StandardArchitectural Woodwork Institute standard governing custom architectural casework. Three aesthetic grades: Economy (utility, not in public view), Custom (default residential / commercial — defects indistinguishable at 48 in.), and Premium (highest visibility — defects indistinguishable at 24 in.). Modern AWS editions also include performance Duty Levels 1–4 backed by destructive lab testing.
Key Requirements:
- •Custom Grade — default when contract documents reference AWS without specifying a grade
- •Premium Grade — highest tolerance for high-visibility public / executive areas
- •Economy Grade — utility / mechanical / non-public locations
- •Duty Level 1–4 destructive testing for casework structural performance
- •Companion ANSI/AWI 0620 covers field installation tolerances
IRC G2447.5 / IFGC 623.7 — Cooking Surface Vertical Clearance(IRC G2447.5 / IFGC 623.7 / IRC M1901.1)
View StandardResidential code-controlling minimum vertical clearance from a cooktop surface to combustible material or metal cabinets above. Manufacturer hood instructions typically specify 24–30 in. for electric cooktops and 24–36 in. for gas. The calculator defaults to 30 in. when no listed hood is present, dropping to 24 in. with a listed hood.
Key Requirements:
- •Unprotected combustible (wood cabinet) above: 30 in. min
- •Combustible above protected with ¼ in. insulating millboard + sheet metal: 24 in. min
- •Listed metal range hood above: 24 in. min (per hood manufacturer)
- •Listed OTR microwave / cooking appliance above range: per manufacturer instructions
- •Hood width must be ≥ width of cooktop, centered
ICC A117.1 — Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities(ICC A117.1-2017 (Section 804 Kitchens))
View StandardControlling US accessibility standard for kitchens — 30 in. × 52 in. clear floor space (was 30 × 48 in 2009), 34 in. max work surface (or 29–36 in. adjustable), 27/30/17–25 in. knee/toe space at sink, 40 in. min pass-through galley, 60 in. U-shape turning space, 50% of freezer ≤ 54 in. AFF, operable parts within 15–48 in. AFF reach range. Removable base cabinetry permitted under work surface and sink with finished floor / walls.
Key Requirements:
- •Clear floor space 30 × 52 in. at each appliance and sink
- •Work surface 34 in. max AFF or adjustable 29–36 in.
- •Knee/toe space at sink/work surface: 27 in. min height, 30 in. min width, 17–25 in. depth
- •Pass-through galley 40 in. min between facing counters
- •Operable parts within 15–48 in. AFF reach range — D-pulls, lever, or touch latches (no knobs)
Standards Disclaimer: Standards and codes are subject to periodic updates. Always verify current requirements with local building authorities and professional engineers before beginning construction. Links provided are for reference only.
Regional Cost Variation by Tier
High-cost coastal markets vs Midwest / South
Cabinet material cost is roughly stable nationwide (cabinets ship from the same regional KCMA-certified manufacturers), but installation labor swings 30–50% by region. The biggest delta shows up in semi-custom and custom tiers where install labor is a larger absolute number.
Regional Examples:
Framed vs Frameless Market Share
Framed dominates US tract; frameless dominates modern and European-influenced markets
Framed (face-frame) construction remains the US default — KraftMaid, Aristokraft, Hampton Bay, Diamond, and most US-domestic manufacturers ship framed lines as their volume product. Frameless (full-access / European) is the default for modern designs and for IKEA SEKTION nationwide. Box materials and accuracy tolerances differ significantly between the two.
Regional Examples:
Climate, Material, and Wet-Area Selection
Particleboard vs plywood vs MDF — code-equivalent but performance varies
ANSI/KCMA A161.1 certifies cabinets equally regardless of substrate — a particleboard cabinet that passes the test is performance-equivalent to a plywood cabinet. But long-term durability under humidity, water exposure, and screw retention varies materially. Climate-zone substrate selection saves real money over a 15–20-year cabinet service life.
Regional Examples:
Soft-Close Hardware Tier Defaults
Now standard on semi-custom and custom; varies on stock; usually upgrade on RTA
Soft-close hinges (Blum BLUMOTION 38N or CLIP top 71B equivalent) and undermount soft-close slides (Blum TANDEM 563H, Hettich Quadro 25) are now the residential default. The 2025–2026 baseline is to expect them included on semi-custom and custom; verify on stock; and budget upgrade cost on RTA.
Regional Examples:
Lead Time and Pandemic-Era Compression
Normal supply ranges vs current snapshots
Cabinet lead times are the most volatile project-management variable in a kitchen remodel. Normal-supply ranges have held since the late 1990s — RTA in-stock or 1–3 wk; stock 1–3 wk; semi-custom 4–8 wk; custom 8–16+ wk. Pandemic-era data (2020–2022) showed semi-custom stretching to 16 wk and custom to 24+ wk; plywood-only lines were the worst hit. Always verify current lead times with the supplier before sequencing demolition.
Regional Examples:
Accessibility / Universal Design Mode
ICC A117.1-2017 for accessible kitchens
When a kitchen is specified to ADA, Fair Housing Amendments Act, or Universal Design, ICC A117.1-2017 governs. The 2017 edition increased clear floor space from 30 × 48 to 30 × 52 in. and added a 67-in. preferred turning circle in U-shape kitchens. Removable base cabinetry under sink and work surface is permitted with finished floor and side walls.
Regional Examples:
Before You Build
- •Contact your local building department for specific requirements
- •Verify frost line depths, wind zones, and seismic requirements for your area
- •Check if permits are required and schedule required inspections
- •Consult with a local contractor familiar with local codes
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Cabinet Calculator
Free cabinet calculator — estimate cabinets, doors, drawers, hinges, slides, knobs, pulls, fillers, and trim from your base, wall, and tall linear feet.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter cabinet linear feet: base (floor cabinets), wall (uppers), and tall (pantry / oven cabinets). If you don't have these numbers, use the Kitchen Remodel Calculator to derive them from room dimensions.
- Pick ceiling height (8 / 9 / 10 ft) — drives whether crown molding is included by default and what tall-cabinet height to use.
- Pick your tier: RTA / stock / semi-custom / custom. Drives per-LF base price, lead time, and width increment.
- Pick construction: framed (face-frame, US default) or frameless (full-access / European). Inset doors are framed-only.
- Pick door style (slab / shaker / raised / beadboard / glass), overlay (full / partial / inset), and finish (painted MDF / stained wood / thermofoil / laminate / veneer / acrylic).
- Toggle hardware and trim choices: soft-close, cabinets-to-ceiling, crown, light rail, refrigerator panel, dishwasher panel.
- Add accessory upgrades: roll-out shelves and pull-out trash bins.
- Optional — enter NKBA / IRC clearance values (work aisle, walkway, island clearance, cooktop-to-upper) and the calculator will surface non-fatal warnings against the published minimums.
- Click Calculate — see cabinet count, door / drawer / hinge / slide / knob / pull totals, panel and trim line items, and accessory upgrade counts.
How the per-tier sizing works
Cabinet size increments split by tier. RTA jumps in 3-inch nominal widths; stock typically jumps in 3-inch or 6-inch widths; semi-custom drops to 1-inch increments and adds modifications (depth changes, height changes, extended uppers); custom hits 1/16-inch precision with any door style or finish you can document. Inset overlay (face-frame only) gives the tightest reveal but requires perfectly square boxes. The calculator is cabinets only — countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and range hood ducting are scoped separately on a real kitchen project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kitchen cabinets cost per linear foot?
Per HomeAdvisor / Angi / HomeGuide / Fixr 2025–2026 aggregates: RTA / IKEA $80–$200/LF installed; stock $150–$400/LF; semi-custom $400–$800/LF; custom $800–$1,500+/LF. These are cabinets only — counters, appliances, plumbing, and electrical are excluded. Total installed kitchen cabinet cost commonly tracks $1,000–$3,000 per linear foot of total cabinetry (base + wall + tall) once trim, panels, hardware, and install labor are added on top of the per-LF cabinet number.
What is ANSI/KCMA A161.1 and why does it matter?
ANSI/KCMA A161.1 is the cornerstone US performance and construction standard for residential kitchen and vanity cabinets, administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association under ANSI consensus rules. The current edition is A161.1-2017; a 2024 Severe Use Standard exists for HUD/multifamily applications. Certified cabinets pass a 5-category battery of 8–14 tests including a 25,000-cycle door test, a 600 lb wall-cabinet hung-load test, 250 lb base front-joint loading, a 65 lb weighted door test at 12 in. out from the hinge, and finish hot/cold and chemical-resistance tests. A particleboard cabinet that passes the test is performance-equivalent to a plywood cabinet — the standard does not require specific materials, only specific behavior.
Should I buy framed or frameless kitchen cabinets?
Framed (face-frame) construction is the US default — KraftMaid, Aristokraft, Hampton Bay, Diamond, and most domestic manufacturers ship framed lines as their volume product. The face frame is a 3/4 in. × 1-1/2 in. solid hardwood frame applied to the front of the box, supporting full overlay, partial overlay, OR inset doors. Frameless (full-access / European) is dominant on modern designs and IKEA SEKTION nationwide — 4-sided 3/4 in. (19 mm) box with doors mounted directly to box sides, full-overlay only, ~10% greater interior volume on the same nominal width. Frameless requires precise square boxes and a thicker (3/4 in. min) panel for structural rigidity. Inset doors require face-frame construction — frameless cabinets are full-overlay only.
How many cabinet hinges and drawer slides will I need?
European concealed cup hinges (35 mm cup standard) — 2 per door ≤ 40 in. tall, 3 per door > 40 in., 4 per door > 60 in. or > 20 lb (per BHMA A156.9). Most base and wall doors are 24–36 in. tall (2 hinges); tall pantry doors split top/bottom typically come in at 40–48 in. each so they bump to 3 hinges per door. Drawer slides — one pair per drawer. For a 30 LF kitchen with ~12 base cabs + 8 wall cabs + 1 tall, expect roughly 30–40 hinges and 12–16 slide pairs depending on door / drawer mix. Soft-close (Blum BLUMOTION 38N or CLIP top 71B / TANDEM 563H, Hettich Quadro) is now standard on semi-custom and most stock; basic stock and RTA may still ship with self-close hinges and side-mount epoxy slides — verify the spec sheet line by line.
What size cabinet pulls and knobs should I order?
Industry default is 1 knob per door, 1 pull per drawer. Pull length follows the 1/3 rule — pull overall length ≈ 1/3 of the drawer or door width on the controlling axis: 12 in. drawer → 3–4 in. pull (96 mm CC); 18 in. → 6 in. (160 mm); 24 in. → 8 in. (192 mm); 30 in. → 10 in. or two 5 in. pulls; 36 in. → 12 in. or two 6 in. Pantry / appliance doors > 36 in. tall use 12–18 in. pulls. Center-to-center (CC) standard System 32 sizes are 76, 96, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, and 320 mm. Knob standard sizes are 1, 1-1/4, 1-3/8, and 1-1/2 in. diameter. Cup pulls (semicircular, mounted top center of drawer) are traditional drawer hardware and read more period than D-pulls.
What is the minimum clearance from a cooktop to the cabinet above?
Per IRC G2447.5 / IFGC 623.7 / IRC M1901.1: 30 in. min from cooktop surface to combustible material (wood cabinet) above when unprotected. Drops to 24 in. if combustible material is protected with 1/4 in. insulating millboard plus sheet metal, OR with a listed metal range hood, OR per the manufacturer's instructions for a listed OTR microwave. Manufacturer hood instructions typically specify 24–30 in. for electric cooktops and 24–36 in. for gas. The hood width must be at least equal to the cooktop width and centered. The calculator defaults to 30 in. clearance and warns if you specify less without a listed hood. The cabinet dimensions diagram shows the standard cabinet heights and clearances.
What is the NKBA work triangle and why does it apply to cabinet layout?
The work triangle connects the centers of the sink, cooking surface, and refrigerator. NKBA Guideline rules: sum of the three legs ≤ 26 ft; each leg ≥ 4 ft and ≤ 9 ft; no leg may intersect an island/peninsula by more than 12 in.; major traffic should not cross the triangle. Cabinet layout drives the triangle directly — a 36 in. sink base + 30 in. range + 36 in. fridge each become a fixed vertex you have to flank with cabinet runs. The calculator surfaces the triangle as a non-fatal warning if the optional input exceeds 26 ft. Other NKBA cabinet-related minimums: work aisle 42 in. (single cook) or 48 in. (multi-cook), walkway 36 in., island clearance 42 in. or 48 in. heavy traffic, sink primary landing 24 in. one side / 18 in. other, refrigerator landing 15 in. handle side, cooktop landings 12 in. and 15 in., total 24-in.-deep counter frontage 158 in. (Guideline 25). The work triangle diagram shows the sink-range-fridge legs and their limits.
Are kitchen cabinets required to meet formaldehyde emission standards?
Yes. Per EPA TSCA Title VI (40 CFR Part 770), harmonized with California's CARB Phase 2 ATCM since June 1, 2018, all cabinets containing composite wood products imported, sold, or installed in the US must be third-party certified and labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant since March 22, 2019. Emission limits (test method ASTM E1333-10): hardwood plywood ≤ 0.05 ppm; particleboard ≤ 0.09 ppm; MDF ≤ 0.11 ppm; thin MDF (≤ 8 mm) ≤ 0.13 ppm. Cabinets, doors, drawers, shelves, end panels, and toe-kick assemblies that incorporate these products are all regulated. NAF (No Added Formaldehyde) and ULEF (Ultra-Low Emitting Formaldehyde) exemption categories are permitted. Verify the compliance label on every package or finished cabinet — non-compliant imported cabinets continue to surface on the secondary market.