What is the standard worktop depth in the UK?

The standard UK kitchen worktop depth is 600mm, which aligns with standard base unit depths of 570mm plus a small overhang. Deeper worktops of 650mm or 900mm are available for breakfast bars or island units. Most laminate worktops from UK suppliers like Howdens, Wickes, and B&Q come in 600mm depth as standard.

How long are standard worktop slabs?

Standard UK laminate worktop slabs are typically 3.0m or 3.6m long. Solid surface and quartz worktops are usually templated and cut to exact measurements. For runs longer than a single slab, joints are required using worktop bolts (typically 150mm bolts with biscuit joints) and colour-matched sealant.

How many joints will my worktop have?

Each corner in an L-shape or U-shape kitchen requires one mitre joint. Additional joints are needed if any straight run exceeds the slab length (typically 3.0m or 3.6m). Joints should be positioned away from the sink and hob where possible, and mason mitre joints are standard for laminate worktops.

What size cut-out do I need for a sink?

Sink cut-outs vary by model but typical undermount sinks need a cut-out of approximately 480mm x 380mm for a single bowl or 810mm x 380mm for a 1.5 bowl. Always follow the manufacturer template. Inset sinks sit in a larger hole with a lip that covers the cut edge. Allow at least 50mm from the front edge of the worktop to the cut-out.

Do I need upstands or splashbacks?

Upstands (typically 100mm high matching worktop material) provide a seal between the worktop and wall. They are cheaper than tiled splashbacks but less protective. Building Regulations do not mandate splashbacks, but they are recommended behind hobs. Many fitters install upstands everywhere except behind the hob where a full splashback or glass panel is fitted.

Kitchen Worktop Calculator — Lengths, Joints & Cut-Outs

Calculate worktop lengths, number of joints, sink and hob cut-outs, edging strips, upstands and mastic for any kitchen layout.

Kitchen LayoutSelect your kitchen configuration

Worktop Depth600mm is standard for base units

Run A Length

Longest worktop run

Run B Length

Second run length

Worktop MaterialAffects thickness and slab sizes

Sink cut-out required

Include a cut-out for an inset or undermount sink

Sink Cut-Out Width

Typical single bowl: 500mm, 1.5 bowl: 810mm

Hob cut-out required

Include a cut-out for an induction or gas hob

Hob Cut-Out Width

Typical 4-zone hob: 560mm, 5-zone: 750mm

Include upstands

Matching worktop material upstands along walls

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines total worktop length based on your kitchen layout, then calculates the number of joints, slabs, cut-outs, edging strips, upstands and mastic tubes needed.

How it works

Total length: Sum of all run lengths for your layout type
Joints: One per corner plus one for each run exceeding 3.6m slab length
Cut-outs: Sink and hob cut-outs counted for mastic and template purposes
Edging strips: Applied to exposed worktop ends (not against walls)
Mastic: Calculated from joint lengths plus cut-out perimeters at the selected bead width

Standard UK worktop slabs are 3.0m long. Joints use worktop connecting bolts (dog bolts) and colour-matched laminate sealant. All measurements follow standard UK kitchen fitting practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.