Many people are not aware that there are some standard sink sizes that are used in kitchens as well as bathrooms in homes and businesses. This makes it easier to find the right sink for any space in a home or office, and it helps to eliminate the need for custom sink ordering every time sinks are needed for a project of some kind. Custom orders are not always ideal due to the cost and limitations that can come with this kind of sink design process.
If you are looking into ordering sinks, you should be aware of the most common sizes so that you can be sure that you are shopping for the right sink for your needs. These standard sizes are offered by all major sink manufacturers, so you can count on them being an option when you are looking to order. The more that you know about common sink sizes, the better when it comes to placing orders, particularly bulk orders.
Common Kitchen Sink Sizes
The most common kitchen sink sizes are 25 inches, 27 inches, 30 inches, 33 inches, and 36 inches. These are the standard options that will be offered at sink makers when you are placing an order. You should be sure that you know what these sizes mean for your ordering needs before placing an order. The more that you know about which sink size is right for your goals, the better.
How Are Sink Sizes Measured?
The shape of the sink impacts the way that it is measured. Round sinks will be measured differently than square or rectangular sinks will. Double bowl sinks will also have to be measured in a unique way due to their design.
In most cases, the size of the sink is obtained by measuring from one outer edge of the sink to the sink lip lengthwise. When there is no lip in the sink design in question, you will measure from the edge of the countertop to the other edge.
The width of the sink is then measured the same way but in the other direction. This is how you know what the size of the sink will be and what the size of the insert space must be to accommodate the sink. The depth of the sink is measured from the top of the sink lip to the deepest part of the sink.
Common Sink Sizes, Options and Applications
- Undermount sinks
These sinks come in two common sizes:
Single Bowl: 30” x 18” x9”
Double Bowl: 32” x 18” x 9”
Most people want to have enough space to get work done in the kitchen, but they do not want to lose a lot of counter space to a sink insert. The double bowl design is ideal for those who cook a lot or who need a lot of sink space to work with but who do not want to give up countertop working surfaces to get it. These are the most common sizes for kitchen sinks of the undermount variety for a good reason, as they are the most efficient sizes to install and offer the right amount of working space as well as design benefits.
Undermount sinks are by far the most commonly installed kitchen sinks in most markets. This is a very practical and affordable design that answers the needs of most customers without issue.
- Drop-In Sinks
The two most common sizes for drop-in sinks are:
Single bowl: 25″x22″x9″
Double bowl: 33″x22″x9″
This is a self-rimming sink style that is set into a cutout in the countertop. This is not like an undermount sink design because the drop-in sink rests on the kitchen countertop once it has been lowered into the space in the counter that was cut out to fit it. This is a harder sink style to use for large sinks because of the strain that would be placed on the edges of the sink by water volume and items in the sink without an undermount to support it.
These are usually sinks that are not as large, but they can be perfect for smaller kitchens or wet bar areas where the demand on the sink is much lower on a day-to-day basis.
- Apron-Front Sinks (Farmhouse Sinks)
The most common size for apron-front sinks is:
Single/double bowl: 32″x20″x9″
Apron-front sinks are very stylish, and they can be a great idea when a large sink is needed that has a lot of visual appeal. This sink has one set standard size due to the complexity of installation for these sinks. The exposed surface at the front of the sink is very attractive, but it does somewhat limit the cabinetry that can be used in tandem with the sink, and it necessitates a different and more complex installation arrangement than other sink types.
This is not always a common choice for various kinds of projects due to the greater expense for installation, but these are really beautiful sinks that make a statement when they are installed in a kitchen space.
Common Sink Sizes Assist in Ordering and Installation
When you know what the most common sink sizes are, you are much more likely to find the right sinks for your ordering needs. It is much easier to install sinks that are standard in size than to work with custom sinks. This is one of the reasons that most manufacturers offer a set of standard sink sizes for each style that they make. Knowing how to measure the sinks to figure out their size can help you to order the right sinks, and it can also help explain why certain sinks are sized the way they are.
When you are educated about the reasons for the selection of the common sink sizes, it helps you to understand the ordering process and the installation process more clearly as well. These common sinks sizes will suit the needs of almost any project, and you can trust that these standard sizes are a good choice for most needs.
