Compatibility
- Cabinet opening—
- Drawer box width—
- Recommended slide—
- Clearance per side—
- Status—
Drawer Box Cut List
| Part | Qty | Size (W x H or W x D) |
|---|---|---|
| Sides | 2 | — |
| Front and back | 2 | — |
| Bottom panel | 1 | — |
| Drawer slides | 1 pair | — |
Assumes front and back captured between the sides, bottom in 1/4 in grooves. Adjust for your joinery.
Slide Length by Cabinet Depth
| Cabinet depth | Typical slide length |
|---|---|
| 12 in | 10 – 12 in |
| 15 in | 12 – 14 in |
| 18 in | 16 – 18 in |
| 21 in | 18 – 20 in |
| 24 in | 22 in |
Slides come in 2 in increments; pick the longest that fits with about 1 in of clearance behind the drawer.
Drawer Clearance by Slide Type
| Slide type | Clearance per side |
|---|---|
| Side mount ball bearing | 1/2 in each side |
| Euro roller | 1/2 in each side |
| Undermount | Manufacturer specific (often ~3/16 in) |
What Size Drawer Slide Do I Need?
Drawer slide size comes from two cabinet dimensions: the opening width sets the drawer box width and the clearance, and the cabinet depth sets the slide length. For the common side-mount ball-bearing slide you leave half an inch of clearance on each side, so the drawer box is simply the opening width minus one inch, and the slide is the longest standard length that fits the depth with about an inch to spare. This calculator turns your opening into a buildable drawer width, a recommended slide length, and a cut list, so you build a drawer that actually opens.
Drawer Box Width and Clearance
The single most common drawer mistake is getting the width wrong. Side-mount slides need exactly half an inch each side, no more and no less, because the slide body occupies that space and the ball bearings need room to travel. A 24 inch opening therefore wants a 23 inch drawer box. Undermount slides are different: the box width is set by the manufacturer and usually runs a little under the opening, with a required notch at the back, so you follow the Blum or Hettich chart rather than the half-inch rule.
Slide Length by Cabinet Depth
Slides come in two inch increments, and the rule is to choose the longest one that fits with roughly an inch of clearance behind the drawer so it does not bottom out on the back panel. A 24 inch deep cabinet takes a 22 inch slide, an 18 inch cabinet takes a 16 to 18 inch slide, and shallow 12 inch cabinets take 10 to 12 inch slides. The drawer box depth is then built to match the slide length so the slide is fully supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size drawer slide do I need? The longest standard slide that fits your cabinet depth with about an inch of clearance behind the drawer.
How much clearance is required? Half an inch per side for side-mount slides; undermount is manufacturer-specific.
Side mount vs undermount? Side mount is simplest and uses the half-inch rule; undermount hides the slide but needs the maker spec.
How deep should the drawer box be? Match the slide length, which is sized to the cabinet depth.