Kitchen Island Size Calculator

How this is calculated

We subtract your chosen walkway clearance from both sides of the kitchen's width and length to find the largest island footprint that still leaves a comfortable path around it. Seating capacity assumes roughly 24 inches of counter width per stool along one long edge.

Recommended clearances

The National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends a 42-inch work aisle for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches where two people cook at once, where the island has seating, or where wheelchair accessibility matters. A 36-inch walkway is the bare minimum for spaces where no one works, so treat it as a last resort rather than a target.

What this doesn't account for

Door swings, appliance clearances (dishwasher, oven), and irregular room shapes aren't factored in — walk the space with painter's tape at your proposed island size before finalizing.

Planning estimate only — verify final dimensions on site.