Design shelves for neat storage and smooth access. Choose sizes, materials, and spacing options. Export cut details and keep projects perfectly organized.
| Cabinet (W×H×D) | Shelves | Material | Per-shelf cut size | Compartment height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18×26×5 in | 3 | Plywood | 17.75×4.25 in | 6.25 in |
| 20×30×6 in | 4 | Pine | 19.75×5.00 in | 5.40 in |
| 45×70×13 cm | 3 | MDF | 44.4×10.5 cm | 16.0 cm |
These examples assume typical clearances and rounded pin increments.
Shelf sizing starts with the cabinet’s true interior width, depth, and height. Measure surfaces, not door frames, and note any bumps from screws or clips. Subtract side, back, and front clearances so shelves slide in without scraping. Add door swing clearance when hinges, mirrors, or lips steal depth. Small gaps also allow liners, airflow, and wipe downs.
Compartment planning depends on shelf count, thickness, and top and bottom allowances. The calculator divides usable height into equal compartments, then rounds each compartment to your pin spacing. Use 1 inch spacing, or convert 32 mm systems by entering 3.2 cm. This aligns shelf locations with real holes, keeps spacing consistent, and leaves a margin for fine adjustments during installation.
Material choice affects weight, stiffness, and durability. Plywood typically stays flat and resists cracking, while MDF can sag more and dislikes repeated humidity cycles. Pine is light and economical but dents easily, and oak is strong yet heavier. Consider edge banding or polyurethane on exposed edges, because raw edges absorb moisture fastest. Sealed shelves clean better and reduce odor retention.
Load guidance uses a deflection limit. The tool models a shelf as a simply supported beam with uniform load and caps sag to a rule such as L/180 or L/240. A conservative factor accounts for fasteners, time dependent creep, and bathroom humidity, keeping recommendations realistic. If you store glass bottles, prefer thicker shelves, shorter spans, or stronger materials. Always mount shelves level so loads distribute evenly.
Finishing decisions depend on surface area. The calculator estimates face and edge area to plan paint, varnish, or liner coverage and reduce waste. For organization, place heavy bottles low, keep daily items near eye level, and reserve top space for light, used supplies. Group items by height, then set compartment spacing to avoid stacking, which often improves access and prevents spills.
Yes. Measure the clear interior width, height, and depth at several points. Walls can be out of square, so use the smallest measurement to prevent shelves from binding.
Match your hardware. Many cabinets use 1 inch spacing, while some systems use 32 mm. Enter the spacing that matches your drilled holes so compartment heights round cleanly.
Reduce the shelf span, increase thickness, or choose a stiffer material like plywood or oak. Using a stricter deflection rule also reduces sag for the same stored weight.
Hinges, door lips, and mirrors can reduce usable depth. Adding door swing clearance prevents stored items from rubbing the door and keeps the door closing smoothly.
MDF can work if sealed well, but it is sensitive to moisture and can swell at edges. If humidity is high, plywood or a sealed hardwood shelf is usually safer.
Save the per shelf cut size, compartment height, and load guidance. The CSV helps track multiple cabinet plans, and the PDF is handy to bring to the workshop.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.