Gondola Shelving Dimensions and Standard Supermarket Shelf Sizes

Standard gondola shelving dimensions generally run as follows: height 120–225 cm, base shelf depth 47–50 cm, upper shelves stepping back from 40 to 27 cm, and a module (bay) width of 100 cm. Mid-floor runs (double-sided gondolas) are usually kept at 120–180 cm high, while wall-type (single-sided) shelving goes up to 210–225 cm. Below you'll find the standard dimensions of supermarket and store shelving systems laid out in tables.

What is gondola shelving, and why are its dimensions standardized?

Gondola shelving is a double-sided display unit positioned as an island in the middle of the store. The reason dimensions are standardized is modularity: when uprights, bases and shelves share the same measurements, units line up side by side to extend the run, parts are interchangeable, and spare parts are easy to source.

Standard gondola shelving dimensions table

Dimension	Mid-floor gondola (double-sided)	Wall shelving (single-sided)
Height	120 / 150 / 180 cm	180 / 210 / 225 cm
Module width	100 cm (65 / 90 / 125 cm options)	100 cm (65 / 90 / 125 cm options)
Base shelf depth	47 cm (each side)	47–50 cm
Upper shelf depth	30–40 cm (stepped)	27–37 cm (stepped)
Base/plinth height	10–12 cm	10–12 cm

Why does depth decrease as you go up?

Upper shelves get shallower the higher they sit (for example 47 → 40 → 37 → 30 cm). This stepped structure does two jobs: it keeps upper shelves from shading the products below, so customers can see everything from above; and it reduces the risk of products tipping onto you when reaching for the top shelves.

Shelf load capacity and sheet thickness

A standard store shelf carries between 60 and 150 kg per shelf. The deciding factors are sheet thickness, shelf width and the strength of the upright profile.

• Shelf sheet thickness: usually 0.7–1.0 mm. For heavy goods (detergent, canned food, housewares), 1.0 mm is the right choice.
• Upright (column) hole pitch: most often 25 mm, letting shelves adjust up and down in 2.5 cm increments.
• Base/kickplate: the closed base under the bottom shelf adds static strength and makes floor cleaning easier.

Choosing dimensions by sector

Standard dimensions are a starting point; the right choice varies by sector. In pharmacy shelving systems, shallow depth and many closely spaced levels matter most, while heavy and fragile categories such as housewares need high-capacity, wide-based shelving. In big-package sectors like pet shops, a deep base shelf (50 cm) is a real advantage. That's exactly why we never ship a one-size-fits-all rack: after a free on-site measurement, each unit is manufactured to your store's dimensions.

Practical tips for aisle planning

• Eye level (140–160 cm) is the most valuable display zone; put your best-earning products there.
• Leave at least 90–120 cm of aisle width for comfortable circulation.
• Keep mid-floor gondolas around 150 cm high to preserve sight lines across the whole store.

Choosing the right dimensions also depends on which shelf type goes in which aisle; you can compare the options on our products page. For the broader selection criteria, our guide on what to consider when choosing store shelving systems points the way.

Get a free site visit and quote for your project

At Kare Raf, our Ataşehir-based team handles store shelving systems, 3D store design, production and installation from a single source, in Istanbul and across all of Türkiye. Our shelving is never mass-produced off a rack: every project starts with a free on-site measurement, and the units are made to your store's exact dimensions and your sector's needs. Request a free site visit and measurement and we'll come back with a transparent, line-item quote. Call now: +90 506 411 71 90 or message us on WhatsApp.