What is the Standard Kitchen Sink Size?
Kitchen sinks come in a wide range of sizes, which can make it tricky to know which one is right for your space. While there are a few common options used in most kitchens, the best size tends to depend on your cabinet size, benchtop space, and how you use your sink day to day.
Here’s a quick guide to the most common kitchen sink sizes and how to choose the right fit.
Quick Summary
- There’s no single “standard” size. Australian kitchen sinks range from 550mm to 900mm in length.
- Single bowl sinks typically measure around 550–600mm long, 500mm wide and 180–200mm deep.
- Double bowl sinks run from 750–900mm in length at around 480mm wide.
- Your cabinet width and benchtop cutout dimensions determine which sizes will work – always measure before you buy.
Is there a Standard Kitchen Sink Size?
Not really. There used to be more standardisation, but today manufacturers offer sinks in a wide range of configurations to suit everything from inner-city apartments to large family homes. A few decades ago, 22×30″ or 22×33″ were common reference points – but those imperial measurements have little relevance to how Australian kitchens are designed and built today.
Most Australian kitchen sinks fall within a predictable range. For a single bowl, expect a length of 550–600mm, a width of around 500mm, and a depth of 180–200mm. Double bowl sinks typically span 750–900mm in length. The right choice depends on how you cook, how often you hand-wash, and how much bench space you can spare.
Understanding Sink Dimensions
It’s worth knowing exactly what each measurement refers to before you shop.
- Length is the side-to-side measurement – the longest figure you’ll see on a product listing.
- Width is the front-to-back measurement, from the tap end to the front edge.
- Depth is how far down the bowl goes, from the rim to the drain.
Shallower bowls (under 180mm) make washing large pots awkward. Deeper bowls (200mm and above) offer more capacity but need more water to fill and can be harder on your back if the bench height isn’t right for you.
One thing that catches people out is that a sink’s outer dimensions are not the same as the benchtop cutout dimensions. The cutout is always smaller. Check the manufacturer’s specifications carefully, or ask yourcabinet makers to confirm the correct cutout size before any work begins.
Single Bowl, Double Bowl, or 1.5 Bowl?
Single Bowl
Single bowl sinks (550–600mm long) suit compact kitchens well. Without a dividing wall, you can wash larger pots and baking trays more easily. If you have a dishwasher and mainly use the sink for rinsing and food prep, a single bowl is often more than sufficient.
Double Bowl
Double bowl sinks (750–900mm) suit busier kitchens or those without a dishwasher. One bowl can hold soaking dishes while you rinse in the other, or you can dedicate one side to food prep. Just confirm your benchtop is long enough to accommodate the sink without leaving awkward joins in your stone or laminate on either side.
1.5 Bowl
1.5 bowl configurations split the difference – a full-sized bowl alongside a smaller prep bowl. It’s a practical middle ground for kitchens with moderate bench space.
Drop-In or Undermount?
How a sink is installed also affects sizing. A drop-in (top-mount) sink sits on top of the benchtop with a visible rim. It’s more forgiving with cabinet and cutout tolerances, making it a solid option for standard renovations.
An undermount sink sits below the benchtop surface for a cleaner, flush look. It works best with stone benchtops and requires more precise cutout dimensions, so it’s worth discussing with your kitchen renovator before you commit to a model.
Before You Buy: Three Things to Check
- Measure your existing cabinet width first – this sets the maximum sink length you can fit.
- Keep the sink at least 300mm from any benchtop joins to reduce the risk of water seeping in and causing swelling over time.
- If you want an integrated drainer, factor in the extra length it requires – a drainer can add 150–200mm to the total footprint.
The same sizing principles apply when choosing a laundry sink. Bowl depth, cabinet clearances and installation type all matter just as much in a laundry renovation as they do in a kitchen.
Get Your Sink Choice Right
Planning a kitchen renovation in Melbourne?
The team at Mint Kitchen Group designs, builds, and installs kitchens from scratch. We help you choose and specify the right sink for your layout, cabinet configuration, and lifestyle – and we also handle bathroom renovations with the same end-to-end approach.
Visit one of our four Melbourne showrooms or get in touch to start the conversation.
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