Metal filing cabinets are a staple in many offices and organizations for storing and organizing important documents, files, and records. When purchasing a new metal filing cabinet, one of the key considerations is the size – both in terms of the exterior dimensions as well as the interior drawer capacity. Understanding standard metal filing cabinet sizes can help you select the right option to suit your storage needs.
Overview of Standard Metal Filing Cabinet Sizes
Metal filing cabinets are available in a range of standard widths, depths, and drawer configurations to accommodate different document types and volumes. Some key standard sizes include:
2-Drawer Vertical File Cabinets
- Width: 15 inches
- Depth: 25 inches
- Drawer height: 10.5 inches each (total cabinet height around 28 inches)
- Drawer capacity: Approx. 6,000 sheets of paper per drawer
This is one of the most common standard filing cabinet sizes. The two shallow but wide drawers provide ample space for storing files, folders, and documents.
4-Drawer Vertical File Cabinets
- Width: 15 inches
- Depth: 28 inches
- Drawer height: 10.5 inches each (total cabinet height around 52 inches)
- Drawer capacity: Approx. 6,000 sheets of paper per drawer
With two times the number of drawers as 2-drawer models, these 4-drawer cabinets provide abundant vertical storage capacity while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.
5-Drawer Lateral File Cabinets
- Width: 30 inches
- Depth: 18.75 inches
- Drawer height: 10.5 inches each (total cabinet height around 53 inches)
- Drawer capacity: 8,000 sheets of paper per drawer
Lateral filing cabinets feature drawers that open from the side rather than front-to-back. The shallow but wide 30-inch width can fit neatly against walls and in tight spaces.
3-Drawer Lateral File Cabinets
- Width: 36 inches
- Depth: 18.75 inches
- Drawer height: 10.5 inches each (total cabinet height around 36 inches)
- Drawer capacity: 8,000 sheets of paper per drawer
With the same depth but wider width than 5-drawer lateral cabinets, 3-drawer lateral files offer substantial side-to-side filing capacity.
There are many other sizes and configurations available, including mini 2-drawer vertical files, oversized 5-drawer lateral files, and options with locking drawers. But the sizes above represent the most popular standard dimensions.
Key Measurements and Terminology
When comparing different models, take note of these key measurements and specifications:
- Overall exterior dimensions (H x W x D): The height, width, and depth measurements of the full assembled cabinet.
- Drawer dimensions (H x W x D): The interior height, width and depth capacity of each drawer.
- File drawers vs. box/card drawers: File drawers have rails for holding hanging folders. Box drawers have an open configuration without rails.
- Locking drawers: Some models have drawers with locking mechanisms for securing sensitive documents.
- Fireproof cabinets: Insulated cabinets rated to withstand high internal temperatures from fires.
- Lateral vs. vertical: Lateral cabinets open from the side and vertical cabinets open front-to-back.
Consider the above standard sizes and terminology when shopping for a filing cabinet best suited for your needs. Consulting with office furniture experts can also help narrow your selection.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Size
Here are some key considerations when determining the right metal filing cabinet size for your needs:
- Room dimensions – Make sure the cabinet you choose fits properly within your office or storage space. Measure the room’s dimensions and layout.
- File and document types – What types of records will be stored? Files, hanging folders, larger blueprints? Select drawer depths, heights and widths accordingly.
- Current and future storage needs – Consider both your current and potential future storage requirements when selecting cabinet size.
- Frequency of access – If certain records will need to be accessed often, consider placing them in a top drawer rather than buried in bottom drawers.
- Available space between cabinets – If positioning multiple cabinets side-by-side, make sure there’s enough space to fully open drawers.
- Mobility needs – Mobile cabinets with rolling casters offer convenience. But stationary cabinets provide more stability.
Choosing the right filing cabinet size involves balancing current storage needs with potential future requirements, while making sure the cabinet properly fits the physical space.
Advantages of Standard Sizing
Opting for standard size metal filing cabinets offers several benefits:
- Interchangeable components – Standard drawer sizes allow interchangeability between lateral and vertical cabinets.
- Find replacement parts – Replacement drawers, locks and accessories are easy to find.
- Mix and match – Standard lateral and vertical cabinets can be combined in customized configurations.
- Use existing office systems – Files, folders and accessories designed for standard sizes will fit seamlessly.
- Maximize office space – Standard dimensions optimize storage density.
- Used market value – Buying/selling used cabinets is easier when standard sizes are involved.
While custom cabinet sizes are an option, standard dimensions make adding, reconfiguring and replacing filing cabinets much simpler.
Standard Metal Filing Cabinet Sizes: FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about standard metal filing cabinet sizes:
What are the most common standard vertical filing cabinet sizes?
The most popular standard vertical cabinet sizes are 2-drawer (15W x 25D inches) and 4-drawer (15W x 28D inches). Both typically have drawers 10.5 inches high.
What is the standard width for lateral filing cabinets?
Lateral filing cabinets usually come in 30, 36, or 42 inch width options. Thirty-inch wide 5-drawer lateral files are the most common.
What are the different standard drawer heights?
Most standard vertical and lateral file cabinets have drawers 10.5 inches high. Mini cabinets may have 5-inch high drawers. Some models offer 12-inch high drawers for additional capacity.
What is the deepest standard filing cabinet size?
Four-drawer vertical cabinets with a 28-inch depth are the deepest among all standard vertical and lateral filing cabinets. Lateral cabinets max out at about 20 inches deep.
How much paper can standard file drawers hold?
Standard letter-size file drawers can hold approximately 6,000 sheets of paper in vertical cabinets, and 8,000 sheets in lateral cabinets. Legal-size drawers hold about 5,000 sheets.
What are the main differences between lateral and vertical filing cabinets
Lateral filing cabinets open from the side and vertical cabinets open front-to-back. Lateral files are wider and shallower, maximizing side-to-side space efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Standard metal filing cabinet sizes include 2 and 4-drawer vertical cabinets in 15-inch width, and 3 to 5-drawer lateral cabinets in 30 to 36-inch widths.
- Important measurements include overall exterior dimensions, drawer height, width and depth capacity, and weight loads.
- Consider room layout, document types, current/future needs and accessibility when selecting cabinet size.
- Opting for standard sizes offers benefits like interchangeable components and optimized office space.
- Common vertical cabinet drawers are 15W x 25D inches while lateral drawers are 30-36W x 18.75D inches.
- Understanding the standard metal filing cabinet sizes can help businesses and organizations select optimal storage solutions to organize records and free up valuable office space.