Estimate the countertop cutout for a kitchen or bath sink and the cabinet width it needs. Enter the sink size and mount type.
Cutout Size
— in. (L x W)
Opening to cut in the counter.Usage Tip
Tape the template down, mark it, and dry-fit before cutting. Drill a starter hole inside the waste area for the jigsaw, and on laminate cut from the top with masking tape to limit chipping.
THE MATH
Cutout length = Sink length − allowance
Cutout width = Sink width − allowance
Drop-in allowance ≈ 1″ (rim overlap); undermount ≈ 0 (cut to the bowl)
Cutout width = Sink width − allowance
Drop-in allowance ≈ 1″ (rim overlap); undermount ≈ 0 (cut to the bowl)
Drop-in (top-mount) sinks drop into the hole and the rim rests on the counter, so the cutout is a little smaller than the sink. Undermount sinks hang below, so the cutout matches the bowl opening.
The sink base cabinet must be a few inches wider than the sink to fit the bowl and clips.
The sink base cabinet must be a few inches wider than the sink to fit the bowl and clips.
Always cut to the template supplied with your sink — this is a planning estimate, not a substitute for the manufacturer dimensions.
Keep the cutout at least about 1.5″ from the front edge, back wall, and any seam so the counter stays strong.
Undermount cutouts in stone or solid surface must be smoothed, sealed, and the sink supported from below; drop-in cutouts can be rougher since the rim hides the edge.
Keep the cutout at least about 1.5″ from the front edge, back wall, and any seam so the counter stays strong.
Undermount cutouts in stone or solid surface must be smoothed, sealed, and the sink supported from below; drop-in cutouts can be rougher since the rim hides the edge.