Plan pantry shelving. Enter the pantry size and shelf spacing to get the number of shelves, total shelf length, and rough capacity.
Total Shelf Length
— ft
Combined length of all shelves.Usage Tip
Shallow shelves (about 12 in) beat deep ones for a pantry — you can see and reach everything. Use the deep, hard-to-reach spots for bulk and backup stock.
THE MATH
Shelves = floor(height ÷ shelf spacing)
Linear shelf feet = shelves × width ÷ 12
Shelf area = shelves × width × depth
Linear shelf feet = shelves × width ÷ 12
Shelf area = shelves × width × depth
Shelf spacing is the vertical gap between shelves — about 12 to 16 in for cans and boxes, more for tall bottles, small appliances, or cereal.
The bottom shelf is usually higher off the floor for bulk items; this assumes evenly spaced shelves.
The bottom shelf is usually higher off the floor for bulk items; this assumes evenly spaced shelves.
Vary spacing in real life: short shelves for cans and spices, taller ones for appliances and cereal — this estimates even spacing.
Keep shelf depth around 12 to 16 in; deeper shelves bury items at the back where they expire forgotten.
Heavier loads need more supports or thicker material to avoid sagging — see the shelf weight calculator for spans.
Keep shelf depth around 12 to 16 in; deeper shelves bury items at the back where they expire forgotten.
Heavier loads need more supports or thicker material to avoid sagging — see the shelf weight calculator for spans.