How to use the 32 mm system hole layout calculator
- Enter the panel height and depth in millimeters.
- Enter the front setback, and tick the box to add a back column with its own setback. Use the figures from your hardware maker.
- Set the first hole height from the bottom and the clear space at the top. The default spacing is 32 mm.
- Read the number of holes and the table of heights from the bottom and from the top, and print or copy it for the shop.
Formula
Hole k height = first hole + pitch x k, for k = 0, 1, 2 ...
Keep holes with height <= panel height - top clear space
Back column position from the front = panel depth - back setback
Holes per column = floor((panel height - top clear - first hole) / pitch) + 1
The 32 mm system places holes on a grid with a 32 mm pitch so that shelf pins, hinges and drawer slides all line up. The pitch is the only fixed number; the setbacks are set by the hardware.
A 720 mm side panel
A 720 mm tall panel with the first hole at 32 mm and 32 mm of clear space at the top has holes at 32, 64, 96 and so on up to 672 mm, since 704 mm would sit inside the top margin. That is 21 holes per column. With a front column 37 mm from the front edge and a back column 37 mm from the back edge on a 560 mm deep panel, the back column is at 523 mm from the front, and there are 42 holes in all.
A 2,000 mm tall side with the first hole at 96 mm and the same top space has holes from 96 to 1,888 mm, or 57 per column. A 600 mm panel with a single front column has 17 holes from 32 to 544 mm.
Using the table
Mark all heights from one reference edge, usually the bottom, using the same edge for every panel so that left and right sides match. The table also lists the distance from the top so you can check against the other edge. Use a line boring jig or a drilling template and a stop on the drill so the holes are the same depth.
To space shelves evenly between those holes, see the shelf spacing calculator. For the box that goes between them, use the drawer box size calculator.
Setbacks and hole sizes
A setback of 37 mm from the front edge is common and is shown as an example, but hardware varies. Check the instructions for your hinges and slides, and adjust the setback and the first hole height to match. Hole diameter and depth are not part of the layout and come from the fittings.
Assumptions and limits
- All positions are measured in millimeters from the bottom edge and the front edge of the panel.
- The pitch is constant, and the default 32 mm is the system pitch. The setbacks are examples to replace with your hardware figures.
- The first hole is a fixed height that you choose, and the last hole is limited by the clear space at the top.
- Hole diameter, depth and the type of fitting are not modeled.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 32 mm system?
It is a way of building cabinets where holes sit on a grid with a pitch of 32 mm, so that shelf pins, hinge plates and drawer slides can use the same row of holes.
How many holes fit on a 720 mm panel?
With the first hole at 32 mm and 32 mm of clear space at the top, 21 holes fit per column, from 32 to 672 mm.
How far from the front edge should the holes be?
37 mm is a common figure for the front column, but it depends on your hardware, so check the fitting instructions and enter your own setback.
Can I change the spacing from 32 mm?
Yes, in the advanced options. The standard pitch is 32 mm, and the page uses it by default.