Typical Kitchen Counter Height

Standard

• Three feet, or 36 inches, is typically the optimum, most ergonomic height for kitchen counters. It may not be the best for a specific task or for a tall or a short individual, but most average-height Americans find this to be adequate. Different counter surfaces such as granite, solid surfacing, ceramic tile and laminate have varying thicknesses, so the standard height is slightly higher or lower depending on what surface is used.

Work Stations

• Kitchens that have enough room can be designed with task-specific work stations that have comfortable counter heights. For instance, a baking center will have slightly lower counters so that you can lean forward when rolling dough or hand mixing to use your back muscles, not just your arms and shoulders. Islands are often designed with an eat-in bar, which is raised to 42 inches. This height is comfortable for someone standing up or seated on tall bar stools. Adding a 30-inch-high counter with open knee space below it will allow someone to sit in a chair to perform a specific task.

Multiple Users

• Kitchen counters should be designed so that anyone who uses them will be comfortable. If a tall person and a short person or a child will be using the room, include counters set at different heights. Doing so will prevent individuals from having to bend over or stand on a stool to prepare food.

Your Ideal Height

• When counters are at your ideal height, your arms will be bent at a 45-degree angle when your hands are placed on the counter. You will find this to be the most comfortable height for chopping, slicing and most food preparation. To calculate your ideal counter height, start with a flat, even surface 30 inches off the ground if you are short, 36 inches if you are very tall. Stack books one at a time that are each about one inch thick. Check the angle of your arm after each additional book until your arm is at a roughly 45-degree angle. Measure the total height; this is your ideal counter height.

Considerations

• Standard base cabinetry is premade so that the countertops will be 36 inches tall. If you require taller or shorter counters, custom cabinets can be made to your specifications. Avoid this extra expense by removing the kick-plate base under standard cabinets to easily remove a couple of inches; add an extra platform underneath to raise the height. Appliances such as a freestanding range, dishwasher and trash compactor are all built to fit 36-inch counters. If the height of yours varies, use a separate cooktop and wall oven and opt for a dishwasher and compactor that will fit properly.