Kitchen Worktop Calculator

Q: How do I measure kitchen worktop?

Measure the total length of each run of base units, including any overhang at the end of a run (typically 40 mm overhang at the exposed end). For an L-shaped kitchen, measure each leg separately and note where the mitre joint falls. Standard worktop depth is 600 mm for base unit runs, or 900 mm for breakfast bar overhangs. Worktop is typically sold in 3.0 m and 4.1 m lengths. If a single run is longer than one length, a joint will be needed - joints should ideally fall over a unit division, never over a sink or hob cutout.

Q: What is the difference between laminate, solid wood, and stone worktops?

Laminate worktops (post-formed or flat-edged) are the most affordable and come in a huge range of finishes. They are easy to install with basic tools but are not heat-resistant and can swell at joints if not sealed. Solid wood worktops are warm and attractive but require regular oiling and are not suitable near sinks without careful waterproofing at joints. Quartz, granite, or composite stone worktops are extremely durable and heat-resistant but are heavy, expensive, and must be cut and fitted by a specialist. Solid surface materials (such as Corian) can be seamlessly joined and are fully waterproof.

Q: How do I join worktop at an internal corner?

The standard method for laminate worktop corners is a 45-degree scribed mitre joint, cut with a jigsaw or router using a proprietary worktop jig. The two pieces are pulled tight with connector bolts routed into the underside of both pieces at 150-200 mm intervals. The joint is sealed with worktop sealant or silicone. On site, always fit the longer run first, scribe the mitre, then fit the return. Never position a sink or hob cutout within 100 mm of a joint. Pre-mitre sets (angle joints) are available for standard 90-degree corners and make the job easier for non-specialist fitters.

Q: What overhang should a kitchen worktop have at the front?

Standard kitchen worktop has a front overhang of 20-30 mm beyond the unit door or drawer face, giving a total worktop depth of 600 mm for 560 mm deep units. A breakfast bar overhang for knee-room should be a minimum of 250 mm (ideally 300-350 mm) and must be supported with brackets or legs if the overhang exceeds 150 mm for laminate, or 200 mm for stone. Check the worktop manufacturer's recommendations for maximum unsupported overhang, as stone worktops are heavy and can crack if over-cantilevered without adequate support.

Q: How do I cut a sink or hob into a worktop?

Mark the cutout using the template supplied with the sink or hob (or the underside of the appliance if no template is provided). Drill a starter hole inside the cutting line using a 10-12 mm flat bit, then cut with a jigsaw fitted with a downcut blade (to minimise chipping of the laminate surface). For an inset sink, apply a bead of silicone to the rim before lowering the sink into the cutout and tightening the clips from below. For stone or quartz worktops, cutouts should only be made by the fabricator before delivery - do not attempt to cut stone on site without specialist tools.

Q: How much worktop do I need to order for waste and joints?

For a straight run: add the total run length, round up to the nearest standard length (3.0 m or 4.1 m), and order that. For an L-shaped kitchen: measure each leg. If one leg is longer than a standard length, you will need two pieces for that leg plus a joint. For a U-shaped kitchen: measure all three runs separately. Waste at cut ends is minimal (typically 40-80 mm per cut), but if you have an upstands or curved ends, add 150-200 mm. Always order at least one standard length as a spare for a large kitchen - damaged or mismeasured pieces are difficult to match later.

How much kitchen worktop do I need?

Kitchen worktop is measured by the linear metre and typically sold in 3.0 m or 4.1 m lengths. Measure each run of base units and add the depth of any return section at corners. Allow for joint positions when working out how many lengths you need. Our calculator handles straight runs, L-shapes, U-shapes, and peninsula sections, works out joint positions, and tells you exactly how many worktop lengths to buy.

Worktop area, board/slab counts, cutouts, upstands, and costs - calculated per run with standard size presets.

Worktop material

Thickness

Board / slab size 3000 x 600 mm

Worktop runs / sections

Include upstand Upstand runs along the back of each worktop section (typically 100 mm high).

Waste / offcuts (%) 5-10% laminate, 10-15% natural stone.

Job Costing (optional)

Worktop per m² ()

Per board / slab ()

Cutout (each) ()

Joint strip / joining kit ()

Upstand per LM ()

Edge profile per LM ()

Labour ()

Rate x total area

Delivery ()

UK Market PricesFills in the material cost fields with current UK market prices. You can review and edit each price before applying.

Results

Net area
-
m²

Buy area (inc. waste)
-
m²

Total length
-
linear metres

Boards / slabs
-
needed

Material

Cutouts

hob + sink openings

Joint strips

between sections

Upstand

Per-section breakdown

Section	Length (m)	Depth (mm)	Gross area (m²)	Cutouts	Net area (m²)

🚫 Estimate waste & skip size for this project →

Doing this as a homeowner?

Who do you actually need to hire for this?

Who do I need?

Not sure what some of these terms mean?

Browse all →

Skim Coat Tile Adhesive Grout Consumer Unit Ring Main Isolating Valve Stopcock Screed Datum Level Skirting Board Dry Lining Plasterboard Noggin Stud Wall Damp Proof Course Rising Damp Penetrating Damp Trap Condensation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure kitchen worktop?

Measure the total length of each run of base units including 40 mm overhang at exposed ends. Standard worktop depth: 600 mm for base unit runs; 900 mm for breakfast bars. Sold in 3.0 m and 4.1 m lengths. Joints should fall over a unit division - never over a sink or hob cutout.

What is the difference between laminate, solid wood, and stone worktops?

Laminate: most affordable, easy to install, huge range of finishes - not heat-resistant, can swell at unsealed joints. Solid wood: warm and attractive, requires regular oiling, needs waterproofing near sinks. Stone (quartz/granite): extremely durable and heat-resistant, heavy, expensive, must be cut by a specialist. Solid surface (Corian): seamlessly joinable and fully waterproof.

How do I join worktop at an internal corner?

Standard method: 45-degree scribed mitre cut with a jigsaw or router and a worktop jig. Pull tight with connector bolts routed into the underside at 150-200 mm intervals. Seal the joint with worktop sealant or silicone. Fit the longer run first, then scribe the mitre on the return. Pre-mitre angle sets make 90-degree corners easier for non-specialist fitters.

What overhang should a kitchen worktop have at the front?

Standard front overhang: 20-30 mm beyond the door/drawer face. Breakfast bar overhang for knee-room: minimum 250 mm (ideally 300-350 mm) - must be supported with brackets or legs if overhang exceeds 150 mm for laminate or 200 mm for stone. Check the manufacturer's maximum unsupported overhang - stone can crack if over-cantilevered.

How do I cut a sink or hob into a worktop?

Mark using the appliance template. Drill a 10-12 mm starter hole inside the cutting line, then cut with a jigsaw fitted with a downcut blade (minimises laminate chipping). Apply silicone to the sink rim before lowering in and tightening the clips from below. Stone/quartz: cutouts must be made by the fabricator before delivery - do not cut on site.

How much worktop do I need to order for waste and joints?

Straight run: measure total length and round up to the nearest standard length (3.0 m or 4.1 m). L-shape/U-shape: measure each leg separately. If a leg exceeds one standard length, you need two pieces plus a joint. Waste per cut: typically 40-80 mm. For a large kitchen, order one spare length - damaged pieces are difficult to match later.

Standard Worktop Depths

Depth	Typical use
300 mm	Narrow / utility run
600 mm	Standard kitchen run
650 mm	Deeper run (larder side)
900 mm	Island / breakfast bar
1200 mm	Large island (both sides)

Standard Sheet / Slab Sizes

Material	Typical size
Laminate	3000 x 600 mm 4100 x 600 mm
Solid wood	3000 x 620 mm 4000 x 900 mm
Quartz / Engineered	3000 x 1500 mm 3200 x 1600 mm
Granite	3050 x 1400 mm 3000 x 1500 mm
Corian	3658 x 760 mm
Stainless	3000 x 600 mm (bespoke)

Fitting Notes

Standard overhang at front: 20-25 mm beyond door/drawer face.
Leave 2-5 mm gap at walls; cover with upstand or silicone.
Laminate boards need joining strips at corners and butt joints.
Stone and quartz are template-measured on-site by the fabricator - order by m².
Allow 10-15% waste for stone; 5-10% for laminate/wood.
Hob cutout: check burner model specs before cutting.
Sink cutout: ensure worktop is 40+ mm from edges and at least 50 mm between cutouts.
Support rails every 500 mm under all worktop runs.

Reviews

★★★★★

Did you find this calculator useful? We would love to hear what you think - your feedback helps us improve.

Trade Terms

Not sure what a term means? Our plain-English glossary covers 200+ building and trade terms.

Trade Terms Dictionary

Kitchen Worktop Calculator

How much kitchen worktop do I need?