Kitchen · March 14, 2026 · 5 min
The Kitchen Work Triangle and Ergonomics
The distance between the stove, sink and refrigerator directly determines how much time you spend in the kitchen. Correct measurements, counter height and storage planning.
The "work triangle" concept came out of kitchen-efficiency research in the 1940s and it still holds up: the shorter the distance between the stove, sink and refrigerator, the fewer unnecessary steps you take in the kitchen.
The triangle's ideal dimensions
The total distance between the three points is generally recommended to fall between 4 and 7.9 metres. Shorter makes the kitchen feel cramped; longer creates unnecessary walking distance while cooking.
No side of the triangle should sit in the main traffic path
If one side of the triangle crosses the kitchen's main walkway, other people passing through constantly get in the way of whoever is cooking. If there's an island, it's more functional to keep the triangle on the main work run rather than routed around the island.
Counter height should be set per person
The standard counter height is 90 cm, but the more accurate approach is to calculate it from the height of the home's main user. General rule: the ideal working height for a counter is 10-15 cm below elbow height.
Plan storage by frequency of use
Everyday plates, glasses and cookware should sit at eye-to-hand height (roughly 60-150 cm). Large pots used rarely and items reserved for special occasions can go on upper or lower shelves, in the harder-to-reach zones.
Circulation distance around a kitchen island
Leave at least 105-120 cm between the island and the counter, and 150 cm if more than one person will work there at the same time. Anything less makes it hard to open cabinet doors and move around comfortably.
Lighting is part of working safely
Under-counter task lighting should be positioned so the user's own shadow doesn't fall across the work surface (usually mounted under the upper cabinets). Relying only on ceiling lighting creates a safety risk when using a knife.
In Short
Nailing down these ergonomic calculations before aesthetic decisions is the detail that actually makes a difference in everyday use. If you'd like to talk about how your existing kitchen could be improved against these criteria, take a look at our kitchen design service or request a free consultation directly.