Average Kitchen Size: a Comprehensive Guide

The average size of a kitchen in the U.S. is between 161 and 169 square feet. This square footage translates to a kitchen that's about 13 feet by 13 feet.

The average of 161 to 169 square feet applies to homes that are between 1,500 and 4,000 square feet.

In homes under 1,500 square feet, the average kitchen size is 103 square feet. In homes over 4,000 square feet, the average kitchen size is 238 square feet.

Average Kitchen Size Expanding

The size of an American residential kitchen has increased over the years as the overall footprint of the average newly built home has increased. But at all points in time, these averages are more governed by home style and affluence than by historical design norms.

Large, luxury homes generally have larger and more modern kitchens. Suburban homes tend to have larger kitchens than urban homes.

One thing fueling the expansion of the average U.S. kitchen is buyers' desire for more, and larger, amenities. According to the National Association of Home Builders' report What "Home Buyers Really Want," most buyers want a double sink, a walk-in pantry, table space for eating, a central island, and drinking water filtration.

Most of those amenities (in particular, the walk-in pantry), require significantly more kitchen space.

Generally, residential kitchens in the U.S. have gradually evolved into expanded spaces that serve social functions as well as food preparation.

Breakdown of Average Kitchen Sizes

When all homes are considered (separate residential homes of all ages, as well as condos and townhomes) the average home size in the U.S. is about 1,500 square feet, according to U.S. Census Bureau.

The average size of today's newly built home is about 2,600 square feet, up a full 1,000 square feet from the average new home built in the 1970s. This discrepancy between newly built vs. existing homes leads to a wide variance in estimates of kitchen sizes, depending on the source.

The size of your kitchen is likely dependent on the age of the home, and on what kind of major remodeling has been done over the years.

The most reliable statistics are provided by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA):

• Overall, average kitchens in the U.S. are about 161 square feet in single-story homes and 174 square feet in multi-story homes.
• In homes under 1,500 square feet, the average kitchen is 103 square feet.
• In homes over 4,000 square feet, the average kitchen is 238 square feet.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), average sizes of kitchens in new homes tend to be proportionate to the overall footprint of the home itself:

• Homes under 2,000 square feet: average kitchen size, 195 square feet
• Homes 2,000 to 2,900 square feet: average kitchen size: 288 square feet
• Homes 3,000 square feet plus: average kitchen size 424 square feet

Residential Kitchens Over the Years

Kitchens Before the 20th Century

Average home size was smaller than it is today, and the kitchen occupied a small area of the home. Appliances, including stoves, were huge free-standing appliances that took up most of the space; much of the food storage was done in separate pantries.

The kitchen was largely a hidden space, not used for dining or socializing. An exception is found in the rural farm kitchen, which was often a very large space where meals were served.

Kitchens in the Early 20th Century

Homes remained fairly small, on average, very gradually increasing until 1950. Kitchens also remained fairly small rooms, but space-saving gas, electric appliances, and efficient cabinetry began to make kitchens more functional.

Small informal dining areas within the kitchen space became more common. This led builders to construct somewhat larger kitchens.

Kitchens From 1950s to 1980s

Home sizes gradually increased. With the increase in house size, kitchen sizes gradually increased, as well. As built-in appliances and efficient cabinetry grew more common, this made the kitchen more usable. Informal family meals are now often served at a small table or breakfast nook.

Kitchens From 1980s to Today

Sizes of newly built homes gradually increased to the current average of 2,600 square feet. Kitchen sizes in new homes have increased since the trend has been for kitchens to serve more as a social gathering place.

In newly built homes, kitchens may have large dining areas and open space for entertaining. Older homes may see more major remodeling projects that devote more space to the kitchen.

Kitchens that are 400 square feet or larger are more common in large homes. Kitchens now are often part of open-concept room designs, blurring the distinction between the kitchen and living room.