How many worktop slabs do I need?

Standard worktops come in 3m or 4m lengths. Divide your total worktop run by the slab length and round up. Each joint requires 2 mason mitre bolts (also called worktop bolts) and colour-matched sealant. Allow 50mm extra per joint for the mitre cut. Complex L or U-shaped kitchens may need additional cuts.

How many hinges per kitchen door?

Standard kitchen doors up to 720mm tall need 2 hinges (110° or 170° soft-close). Tall unit doors (over 720mm) should have 3 hinges for proper support and alignment. Total hinges = (base doors × 2) + (wall doors × 2) + (tall doors × 3). Blum and Hettich are the most common hinge brands in UK kitchens.

How much plinth do I need for a kitchen?

Plinth (kickboard) runs along the front of all base units. Measure the total frontage of base units — this equals the plinth length. Standard plinth height is 150mm. Plinth is attached with plinth clips (2 per unit) and can be cut to length from 2.4m or 3m strips. Include return pieces at each end of the run.

How many leg adjusters per base unit?

Each standard 600mm base unit needs 4 adjustable legs — one at each corner. Wider units (800mm+) may need 6 legs. The legs allow levelling on uneven floors and create the space behind the plinth for services. Use a laser level to set all units to the same height before fitting worktops.

When do I need end panels in a kitchen?

End panels (decor panels) are needed wherever a unit side is visible — typically at the ends of runs, next to appliances, and where units meet tall fittings. They match the door finish and give a complete look. Standard end panels are 2400mm × 600mm. You may also need filler strips where units meet walls at angles.

TradeCalculator

Kitchen Fitting Calculator

Calculate worktop lengths, joints, plinth and cornice metres, hinge count, leg adjusters and end panels for kitchen fitting.

Total Worktop Length

Total run of worktop

Number of Joints

Where worktop slabs meet

Base Units

Wall Units

Tall Units

Larder, oven housing, etc.

End Panels

Visible unit sides

Include plinth

Kickboard along base units

Include cornice/pelmet

Trim above wall units

Price Per Hinge (optional)

Price Per Leg Adjuster (optional)

How We Calculate This

This calculator tallies all the fitting materials for a kitchen installation: worktop slabs and joints, plinth and cornice metres, hinges per door type, leg adjusters per base unit, and end panels.

The formula

Worktop slabs = Run length ÷ 3m (rounded up)
Joint bolts = Joints × 2
Hinges = (Base + Wall doors × 2) + (Tall doors × 3)
Leg adjusters = Base units × 4

Kitchen fitting essentials

Level all base units before fitting worktop
Use colour-matched sealant at all worktop joints
Leave 3mm expansion gap at walls
Plinth clips at 2 per unit for secure fixing

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Staircase Calculator

Calculate stair dimensions compliant with UK Building Regulations Part K.

Stud Wall Calculator

Calculate studs, plasterboard and fixings for partition walls.

Door Lining & Architrave Calculator

Calculate door lining sets and architrave for multiple doors.

Spindle Spacing Calculator

Calculate baluster spacing compliant with 100mm sphere rule.

Shelving Calculator

Calculate shelf lengths, brackets, fixings and load capacity for wall shelving.

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.