Calculator inputs
Formula used
1) Usable run length
Usable length is the gross run length minus appliance and filler allowances. A waste factor is then applied to add planning contingency.
2) Mix-based sizing by module width
Each module width receives a share of the planned length. Quantities are sized by flooring the share to whole units. Remaining length is reduced using a greedy pass.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the cabinet runs along walls for base, wall, and tall units.
- Enter appliance allowances for sinks, cookers, ovens, and towers.
- Add filler allowances for panels, scribes, and end gaps.
- Set corner cabinet counts if you have L-shaped corners.
- Adjust the module mix to match your typical cabinet sizes.
- Add a waste percentage for planning tolerance.
- Click calculate, then export CSV or PDF if needed.
Example data table
Sample inputs and planning outputs for a medium kitchen. Values are illustrative and should be verified on site.
| Scenario | Base run | Wall run | Tall run | Waste | Base corners | Wall corners | Estimated total cabinets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | 6.20 m | 5.20 m | 1.80 m | 5% | 1 | 1 | ~ 26 |
| Example B | 4.80 m | 4.20 m | 2.40 m | 7% | 1 | 0 | ~ 24 |
| Example C | 7.50 m | 6.40 m | 2.00 m | 4% | 2 | 1 | ~ 34 |
The estimate depends on your module mix and allowances. For a more exact schedule, model each wall segment and appliance width separately.
Professional notes for cabinet quantity planning
1) Field measurements that reduce rework
Record wall-to-wall dimensions at floor level and at finished counter height. Note window trims, skirting, and out-of-plumb corners. For fast checks, split long runs into segments and confirm each segment closes back to the total run.
2) Allowances for appliances, panels, and fillers
Reserve linear space for sinks, hobs, dishwashers, hood zones, and appliance towers before sizing modules. Many sites also need 100–250 mm (4–10 in) of fillers per run for scribes, end panels, and door swing clearances near walls.
3) Typical module widths used by suppliers
Standard base and wall modules often follow a repeating set, such as 300, 400, 450, 500, 600, 750, and 900 mm (or 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, and 36 in). Adjust the mix to match your catalog so the schedule aligns with real stock sizes.
4) Waste and contingency as a controlled factor
A small planning waste percentage can prevent under-ordering when measurements are rounded or when runs include minor offsets. Many teams use 3–8% for standard work and increase it when site tolerances are unknown, walls are uneven, or design changes are likely.
5) Reading the schedule and checking practical fit
The schedule is a quantity estimate built from usable length and module widths. Confirm that corner units, blind corners, and tall cabinets meet clearance rules, handle alignment, and appliance service gaps. Use the leftover length figures to plan final filler sizes and end panels.
FAQs
1) Does this replace a detailed cabinet shop drawing?
No. It provides an estimating schedule for planning and budgeting. Always confirm final sizes with detailed drawings, site checks, and appliance manufacturer clearances before fabrication.
2) Why do my mix percentages change after calculation?
If totals are not 100%, the calculator normalizes your entries so the mix sums to 100%. This keeps the distribution consistent while still reflecting your relative preferences.
3) How should I set appliance allowance?
Enter the combined width reserved for appliances on that run, such as sink base, dishwasher, cooker, hood zone, or tower. Use the appliance specification sheet widths for best accuracy.
4) What does “leftover length” mean?
It is the planned run length that remains after placing whole modules based on your mix. It often becomes fillers, scribes, end panels, or small layout adjustments near corners.
5) How are corner cabinets handled?
Corner units are added as separate counts because their geometry varies widely. Set base and wall corner counts to match your layout, then verify each corner’s required clearance on site.
6) Can I estimate cost with this tool?
Yes. Choose a rate per cabinet or a rate per linear length and enter a currency label. The estimate is high-level and should be validated against your supplier’s pricing rules.
7) What mix is a good starting point?
A common starting mix favors 600 mm (24 in) modules, then adds some 450 and 300 for flexibility. Adjust the mix after reviewing storage needs, drawer stacks, and appliance positions.