Conventional or modular, kitchens have to be efficient and ergonomic, so you can get the most work done in maximum comfort, and with least waste of time and energy. There are some typical ergonomic kitchen dimensions that ensure good planning and an efficient kitchen layout, which we have enumerated here. So, if you plan to take up the challenge of designing your own kitchen, do not get nervous; instead, get confident. This article will tell you all you need to know about the standard kitchen measurements. 1. Height of kitchen countertop
The height of the gas stove should be such that a person does not exert any strain on their back while standing and working. The standard height of the kitchen countertop for Indian kitchens is around 34 inches. By rule of thumb, there should be a gap of 4 inches between the top of the countertop and the elbow when you are standing.

2. Depth of kitchen countertop
The standard depth of a kitchen countertop and the lower cabinets and drawer units should be 2 feet. Do note that the depth of the countertop may vary, depending on the size of the kitchen appliances such as the gas stove or cooking range that has to be installed.

Note: Kitchen ergonomics include standard kitchen dimensions that ensure one’s comfort and convenience while working in the kitchen. The dimensions for a kitchen island should be at least 4 feet long and 3 feet wide so that two people can work on the island countertop standing at the two longer sides, facing each other across the width (or the depth) of the island. Also, it can work as an ideal breakfast counter, especially for the little ones. Ensure that there is a minimum circulation space of 4 feet around the kitchen island so that there is enough space for one person to work and another person to pass by without their banging into each other.

Note: Consider a kitchen island only if you have a big kitchen with a minimum depth of 12 to 15 feet. 3. Distance between countertop and upper cabinets
The minimum clearance between the kitchen countertop and the upper cabinets ranges between 24 and 27 inches.

Tip: It is advisable to complete the tiling of the kitchen backsplash tiles first and then adjust the height of the overhead cabinets, so as to ensure minimum cutting and wastage of tiles.

4. Depth of overhead cabinets
The depth of overhead cabinets should range between 12 and 15 inches. These cabinets are given less depth so as to prevent the user from banging their head while working.

If you opt for an overhead cabinet above the refrigerator, it should be at least 24 inches deep or of the same depth as the refrigerator for a neat look. 5. Width of panels of upper and lower cabinets
The most common way to demarcate upper and lower cabinet sections is by dividing them equally (as in this image) such that the width of a double-door cabinet ranges between 30 and 36 inches. Sliding panels can go up to 2 feet per panel.

Tip: Consider creating organised storage in the lower cabinets with modular accessories. In such a case the dimensions of the shelves of the lower cabinets and of the drawers will be as per the size of the modular accessories.

6. Distance between stove and chimney
The distance between the bottom of the chimney and the gas stove should be about 26-30 inches. If this distance is more than 30 inches, it will compromise the performance of the chimney.

Note: Cross-check the required clearance with the company manual before final installation of the chimney

. 7. Dimensions for refrigerator
Refrigerators are available in multiple models and sizes. Hence, it is practical to finalise the refrigerator model first and make a note of the width, depth and height of the refrigerator. Make sure there’s a clearance of at least 2 inches between the fridge and the wall and of 2 inches above the refrigerator, to allow adequate ventilation and dissipation of waste heat that will be produced while it is working.

8. Maximum height of microwave
For efficient working, the base of the microwave should be 13-18 inches higher than the countertop. You can adjust this dimension as per your height and convenience.

9. Minimum width for circulation
When planning the kitchen layout, ensure that the circulation-cum-working space between two countertops is at least 4 feet wide. Any less, and it will be too narrow, making it difficult for two people to work together.

10. Kitchen sink clearance
Most sinks come with a drainboard on one side of the sink. There should be a gap of at least 3 feet on the other side to comfortably dry the utensils. Additionally, this helps in proper segregation of soiled and clean vessels.