Furniture · Reference
A standard bookshelf is about 80 cm (31.5 in) wide, 28 cm (11 in) deep and 202 cm (79.5 in) tall (IKEA Billy). Library shelves run 20–30 cm (8–12 in) deep with at least 20 cm (8 in) between shelves.
A bookshelf is specified by outside width, depth and height; shelf depth and vertical spacing govern what actually fits inside.
| Configuration | Width | Depth | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow, tall (5-shelf)1 fixed + 4 adjustable shelves | 40 cm / 15 3/4 in | 28 cm / 11 in | 202 cm / 79 1/2 in |
| Standard / wide, tall (5-shelf)Max load 30 kg / 66 lb per shelf | 80 cm / 31 1/2 in | 28 cm / 11 in | 202 cm / 79 1/2 in |
| Standard / wide, short | 80 cm / 31 1/2 in | 28 cm / 11 in | 106 cm / 41 3/4 in |
| Wide, extra-tall (with height extension) | 80 cm / 31 1/2 in | 28 cm / 11 in | 237 cm / 93 1/4 in |
Source: Dimensions.com — IKEA Billy Bookcases (corroborated by IKEA US/UK product pages)
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Section width | 24, 30 or 36 in | 61, 76 or 91 cm |
| Section heightA 90 in / 229 cm section holds ~10 adjustable shelves at 8 in spacing | 42–93 in | 107–236 cm |
| Shelf depth, single-faced (nominal)Actual adjustable-shelf depth is ~1 in / 2.5 cm less | 8, 9, 10 or 12 in | 20, 23, 25 or 30 cm |
| Min. spacing, standard adjustable shelf | 8 in | 20 cm |
| Min. spacing, fixed periodical shelf | 9 in | 23 cm |
Source: Borroughs Wilsonstak Bookstack Planning & Layout Guide
| Content type | Shelf depth (nominal) | Volumes per linear ft |
|---|---|---|
| Fiction / general circulation (paperbacks, hardcovers) | 20 cm / 8 in | ~8 |
| Reference | 20–25 cm / 8–10 in | ~6 |
| Technical & scientific | 20–30 cm / 8–12 in | ~6 |
| Bound periodicals (large books) | 25–30 cm / 10–12 in | ~5 |
| Art quartos & folios (oversized) | 25–30 cm / 10–12 in | ~7 |
Source: Borroughs Wilsonstak Bookstack Planning & Layout Guide
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Residential bookcases are about 28 cm / 11 in deep (IKEA Billy). Library shelving uses 20 cm / 8 in nominal depth for fiction and up to 30 cm / 12 in for oversized volumes; the actual adjustable-shelf depth is ~1 in / 2.5 cm less than nominal.
The standard IKEA Billy is 202 cm / 79.5 in tall, with the line ranging 106 cm / 41.75 in short to 237 cm / 93.25 in with a height extension. Library sections come in 107–236 cm / 42–93 in.
Standard adjustable library shelves require at least 20 cm / 8 in between shelves; fixed periodical shelves need 23 cm / 9 in. A 229 cm / 90 in section fits about 10 shelves at 8 in spacing.
IKEA Billy is 40 cm / 15.75 in wide (narrow) or 80 cm / 31.5 in wide (standard). Library shelving sections are typically 61, 76 or 91 cm / 24, 30 or 36 in wide.
Fiction and paperbacks fit a 20 cm / 8 in nominal shelf (~8 volumes per linear foot). Bound periodicals and art folios need a 25–30 cm / 10–12 in deep shelf.
A standard 80 cm / 31.5 in IKEA Billy shelf is rated for a maximum load of 30 kg / 66 lb per shelf.
Every figure on this page is traced to a named source, linked under each table. Standard sizes come from published standards and established industry references; where a size is a typical range or varies by manufacturer, we say so. Sizes vary by region, model and revision — treat these as the standard reference, and confirm the exact spec of the item you are selling.
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