What Is a 60/40 Sink? | Bowl Split Explained

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A 60/40 sink is a two-bowl kitchen sink where one bowl takes up 60% of the width and the other takes 40%.

The name describes the proportional split between the two bowls, not a universal set of dimensions. One larger main basin handles pots, pans, and baking sheets, while the smaller side is built for prep work, draining, or a garbage disposal. Because the ratio is consistent but the overall size varies by model, a 60/40 sink isn’t one standard product — it’s a configuration you’ll find across many different widths, depths, and installations.

How the 60/40 Split Works

The larger bowl gives you room to wash bulky cookware, while the smaller bowl stays free for rinsing vegetables or holding a colander. That division of labor is the main reason homeowners choose this layout over an equal 50/50 double bowl. The bigger side becomes the workhorse; the smaller side handles the tasks that would otherwise clutter your main washing area.

Manufacturer spec sheets show how the split plays out in real products. The Elkay Copper 31-1/4″ x 20″ x 10″ Offset 60/40 Double Bowl Undermount Sink, for instance, pairs a deep main basin with a noticeably smaller secondary one. At the other end of the range, the Elkay Crosstown 47-1/4″ x 18-1/2″ x 10″ 60/40 Double Bowl Undermount Sink with Drainboard stretches the same ratio across a much wider footprint. The ratio stays constant; the numbers don’t.

Common Sizes and Specs

Because “60/40” is a ratio rather than a fixed measurement, overall sink dimensions vary widely across brands and models. Here’s what typical spec sheets list:

Spec Typical Range
Overall width 31″ to 47″
Front-to-back depth 18″ to 22″
Bowl depth 8″ to 10″
Drain opening 3-1/2″
Minimum cabinet size 33″ to 51″ depending on model

Materials matter too. Many stainless steel models, like the American Standard Portsmouth 31L x 20W-inch 60/40 Split Double Bowl, are made from 304 stainless steel in either 16 or 18 gauge. Finishes include satin brushed and polished satin. Some 60/40 sinks install as undermount, while others are dual-mount or include extra features like an integrated drainboard.

Installation and Compliance

Before you buy, check the model’s minimum cabinet requirement — it’s not optional. A 33″ cabinet won’t safely hold a 60/40 sink that calls for a 36″ base, and the published sink size is nominal, meaning it can vary slightly within ANSI A112.19.3 tolerance ranges. Matching the cabinet to the model’s stated minimum is the difference between a clean install and a costly return.

Most 60/40 sinks sold in the US carry certifications like ASME A112.19.3/CSA B45.4 or a Uniform Plumbing Code listing, which confirms they meet standard plumbing and safety requirements. If you’re ready to compare specific models, our roundup of the best 60/40 kitchen sinks breaks down the top options side by side.

FAQs

Is a 60/40 sink bigger than a standard double bowl?

Not necessarily. The 60/40 label describes the bowl split, not the overall size. You’ll find 60/40 sinks as compact as 31 inches wide and as large as 47 inches, so the actual footprint depends on the specific model rather than the configuration itself.

What’s the advantage of a 60/40 over a 50/50 sink?

The uneven split gives you one genuinely large basin for washing big cookware while keeping a smaller bowl for prep or draining. A 50/50 sink divides the space evenly, which can leave both sides too narrow for sheet pans and large pots.

What cabinet size do I need for a 60/40 sink?

It depends entirely on the model. Minimum cabinet requirements range from 33 to 51 inches across different 60/40 sinks, so you need to match the specific sink’s spec sheet to your existing cabinet before purchasing.

References & Sources

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