What is the standard drawer box height?

Common drawer box heights are 90mm for shallow drawers (cutlery), 120mm for standard drawers, 180mm for deep drawers, and 250mm+ for filing drawers. The drawer front panel can be taller than the box, creating an overlap for concealed slides.

What material is best for drawer boxes?

12mm or 15mm birch plywood is the most common choice for drawer boxes in the UK. It is stable, strong, and machines well. Solid hardwood (maple, beech) is used for dovetailed drawers. MDF is not recommended as it does not hold screws well at edges and swells with moisture.

How should the drawer bottom be fitted?

The bottom panel (usually 6mm plywood or MDF) should sit in grooves routed in the front and sides, typically 6mm wide and 6mm deep, positioned 10mm up from the bottom edge. The bottom slides in from the back and is pinned or screwed to the back piece.

What is the best joint for drawer boxes?

Dovetails are strongest and most traditional but slow to cut. Box/finger joints are nearly as strong and easier to machine-cut. Rebate joints with screws or nails are quick and adequate for most utility drawers. Butt joints with pocket screws are the fastest option.

WoodCalcs

Drawer Box Calculator — Box Dimensions & Cut List

Calculate drawer box dimensions, cut list, and bottom panel size for cabinet drawers.

Side Material

Joint Type

Cabinet Opening Width

Internal width of cabinet

Cabinet Depth

Internal depth of cabinet

Drawer Box Height

Total Slide Clearance

Both sides combined

Bottom Panel Thickness

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines drawer box component dimensions based on the cabinet opening, slide clearance, and chosen joint type.

Key formulas

Box outer width = Cabinet opening - Slide clearance

Box depth = Cabinet depth - 25mm (rear clearance)

Cut lengths for front, back, and sides depend on the joint type. Butt joints have shorter sides (box width minus two material thicknesses). Dovetail and box joints use full-length pieces on both axes. The bottom panel calculation accounts for groove depth on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.