Kitchen Cabinet Cost Calculator
Cabinets are usually the biggest line in a kitchen. Estimate them from the total linear feet of cabinetry and the price per linear foot on your quote, then add installation if it is billed separately.
Calculator
Formula
total = linear feet × price per linear foot + installation
Cabinetry is quoted per linear foot of run, so multiply your total footage by the per-foot price and add any separate install charge.
Worked example
A galley kitchen has 12 linear feet of base cabinets and 8 of wall cabinets — 20 LF total. Your semi-custom quote is $250 per linear foot, with install already included.
total = 20 × $250 = $5,000.
Change the per-foot price to compare stock, semi-custom and custom lines on the same footage, or split out install to check a labor-only quote.
Measuring linear feet and reading a $/LF quote
Cabinets are priced by the linear foot of cabinet run measured along the wall, not by square footage. Base cabinets, wall cabinets and tall/pantry cabinets are each their own run: measure the length each occupies along the wall and add them up. A typical galley or small L-shaped kitchen lands somewhere around 18–25 linear feet, but yours is whatever you measure — the calculator uses your number.
The per-linear-foot price is where the three grades separate. Stock cabinets ship in fixed sizes and carry the lowest $/LF. Semi-custom adds size and finish options at a middle price. Custom is built to your exact dimensions and sits at the top. Rather than bake any of those numbers into the tool — they drift and vary by region and brand — enter the per-foot figure straight off your quote. That keeps the estimate correct no matter when you run it.
Watch how installation is quoted. Some suppliers fold install into the per-foot price; others bill it as a separate line. Put a $0 in the installation field when it is already inside your $/LF, or enter the labor figure when it is billed apart, so you are never double-counting or missing it.
Frequently asked questions
How is kitchen cabinet cost calculated?
By the linear foot: total linear feet of cabinetry multiplied by your price per linear foot, plus any separate installation charge. Twenty linear feet at $250/LF is $5,000.
What is a linear foot of cabinets?
One foot of cabinet run measured horizontally along the wall. Base, wall and tall cabinets are measured separately and added together to get your total linear feet.
Should installation be included?
It depends on your quote. If the per-foot price already includes install, leave the installation field at $0. If install is a separate line, enter it there so the total is complete.
Does the calculator assume stock, semi-custom or custom prices?
None of them. You enter the price per linear foot from your own quote, so the same tool works for any cabinet grade and never needs updating.