How Far Apart Should Shelves Be on Different Types of Shelving

When designing or installing a shelving system, one important consideration is how far apart the shelves (shelf levels) should be placed within the racking structure. Proper shelf spacing ensures better organization, efficient use of space, and easy access to stored items. The ideal spacing varies depending on the type of shelving used and the characteristics of the products being stored. Below is a guide to common shelving systems and recommended shelf intervals.

Long Span Shelving

Long Span Shelving is a heavy-duty storage solution commonly used in warehouses. It is ideal for storing bulky items, cartons, and medium-weight goods. The shelf levels are adjustable, typically in 50mm increments. For general warehouse goods, shelf intervals are usually set between 18 to 36 inches (45–90 cm). Items that are taller or less frequently accessed may require more vertical space, while standard goods are often best organized at 24-inch intervals for accessibility and airflow.

Slotted Angle Shelving

Slotted Angle Shelving is a flexible and cost-effective option for light to medium-duty applications, such as offices, workshops, or spare parts rooms. Shelf panels can be easily repositioned using pre-punched holes. For typical storage needs, shelf spacing ranges from 12 to 18 inches (30–45 cm). Smaller items like files, tools, or packages are best stored with closer shelf gaps to avoid wasted vertical space.

Boltless Rivet Shelving

Boltless Rivet Shelving offers tool-free assembly and supports moderate to heavy loads. It's suitable for archive storage, warehouses, and backrooms. Shelf spacing generally varies from 18 to 30 inches (45–76 cm). The spacing depends on the item height; large boxes or bins require more room between shelves, while smaller inventory can be stored more compactly.

Light Duty Shelving

Light Duty Shelving is used for small and lightweight items in environments such as home storage, hardware stores, or backrooms. Shelf levels are often spaced between 10 and 16 inches (25–40 cm). It’s important to adjust shelf height based on the height of stored goods to avoid unused space and maximize vertical capacity.

Supermarket Shelving

Supermarket Shelving is designed for retail environments, where visibility, reachability, and product height vary. The shelf spacing is typically adjustable and ranges from 8 to 14 inches (20–35 cm) depending on the product. Tightly packed products like canned food require narrow spacing, while taller products such as bottles need more room.

Conclusion

Each type of shelving system is designed with different storage goals in mind, so shelf spacing should be adjusted based on product size, weight, and accessibility needs. When planning your shelving layout, consider the flexibility of the system and the types of goods being stored to ensure optimal use of space and efficiency.