Kitchen Triangle Distance Calculator for Garden Homes

Input method

Direct distances

Coordinates

Unit

Decimals

Sink ↔ Stove distance

Straight walking path, not counter length.

Stove ↔ Fridge distance

Avoid crossing major traffic routes.

Fridge ↔ Sink distance

Measure between center points of stations.

Formula used

Direct method: Total = (Sink–Stove) + (Stove–Fridge) + (Fridge–Sink).
Coordinate method: Distance = √((x₂−x₁)² + (y₂−y₁)²) for each leg.
Checks: Each leg targets 4–9 ft; total targets 13–26 ft (converted to your unit).

How to use this calculator

Select a unit that matches your tape measure or plan.
Choose Direct distances or Coordinates.
Enter three distances, or enter all six coordinate values.
Press Calculate to see totals and guidance.
Use CSV or PDF exports for sharing and records.

Example data table

Kitchen	Sink–Stove (ft)	Stove–Fridge (ft)	Fridge–Sink (ft)	Total (ft)	Status
Compact patio kitchen	4.5	5.0	4.0	13.5	Within target
Garden farmhouse layout	7.0	8.0	7.5	22.5	Within target
Overspread workstations	10.5	9.5	8.5	28.5	Needs adjustment

Work triangle targets and why they matter

The kitchen work triangle connects the sink, stove, and refrigerator to reduce wasted steps. A widely used target is 4–9 ft per leg and 13–26 ft total (or equivalent in your selected unit). These ranges help balance speed and comfort: shorter runs can feel cramped, while longer runs often create tiring, inefficient movement during prep and cleanup.

Measuring distances with tape or plan coordinates

For the direct method, measure the clear walking path between station centers, not along countertops. For plan-based work, enter coordinates from a scaled drawing. The calculator uses the distance formula √((x₂−x₁)²+(y₂−y₁)²) for each leg, then adds all three legs for the total triangle.

Garden kitchens and outdoor constraints

Outdoor and garden kitchens often include grills, smokers, sinks, or beverage fridges placed along walls or pergolas. Wind, rain exposure, and routing for gas, water, and power can force wider spacing. When the total is large, consider grouping prep and washing near the sink and keeping cold storage closer to the main prep zone.

Interpreting flags and improving the layout

If a leg is short, you may see congestion around doors, drawer swings, or island corners. If a leg is long, shift one station closer or add a secondary feature such as a small drink fridge. Also check that traffic to patios or garden paths does not cut through the triangle, which can disrupt cooking flow.

Using exports for contractors and documentation

The CSV export is useful for logging iterations while you compare multiple layouts. The PDF export creates a simple shareable report for contractors, designers, or permit notes. Save the same unit across revisions so the target ranges remain consistent, then record the final dimensions before ordering cabinets and appliances.

FAQs

1) What points should I measure between?

Measure between the center of the sink bowl, the primary cooktop front edge, and the refrigerator door centerline. Keep the tape on the walking path, not the countertop edge.

2) Can I use meters or centimeters?

Yes. Select your unit first. The calculator converts common target ranges so the assessment stays consistent regardless of feet, meters, centimeters, or inches.

3) Why does my layout show “Needs adjustment”?

One or more legs, or the total, is outside the target range. Short runs can be tight, while long runs increase steps. Use the flags as a guide, not a strict rule.

4) Is the triangle rule required for every kitchen?

No. Galley kitchens, one-wall layouts, and large outdoor setups may not form a perfect triangle. Still, checking distances helps you spot inefficiencies and congestion early.

5) How do coordinates help in planning?

Coordinates let you calculate distances from a scaled sketch or CAD grid. You can compare multiple station positions quickly without remeasuring each time on site.

6) What should I do if traffic crosses the triangle?

Try to move entries, widen circulation paths, or reposition an island so family or guests can pass without cutting between sink, stove, and fridge during cooking.