What are the Standard Server Rack Dimensions?

When organizing a data center or a small home office, everyone needs furniture for accommodating network equipment. It doesn’t matter how big your system is, still, special, durable bodies are manufactured for IT hardware.

The modern industry offers a wide range of models for any kind of data center. They differ in design and size, starting from compact models for desktop installation up to huge models for large data centers. It is important to pick the furniture of the optimal size to accommodate all the needed devices, route cables, and leave free space for air circulation.

Standard Server Rack Dimensions

IT hardware is used to store datum and cope with computing tasks. The size of a system can total from a dozen up to a hundred of active equipment. Thus, when selecting a suitable server rack size, system administrators should consider the following server cabinet dimensions:

Height

This dimension may be unclear for unskilled users. In system administration, height is identified in units (U). Usually, it is specified as 12U, 15U, or 42U in the specs. 1U is equal to 1,75 inches. To calculate the height of the cabinet in centimeters, users should multiply 1,75*12/15/42/etc.

Wall-mount models are usually smaller, while floor-standing furniture is bigger many times.

Width

This dimension does not cause problems. Modern manufacturers produce models of standardized widths. A 19” model is a standard server rack width. There are also 24-wide products. This width is chosen to accommodate all modern equipment and fasten devices to racks.

Depth

This dimension is variable and can range from 0 to 50 inches. Yet, the standard depth of server racks is 24 or 48-inches. When dealing with racks, it is possible to adjust the depth as you need, since posts can be reassembled.

Mounting cabinets with a depth of 23-31 inches are suitable for switches, patch panels, and other small-sized equipment, and models with a depth of 40-47 inches are suitable for servers.

2 VS 4 Post Rack Models

Modern manufacturers produce two main types of server furniture. According to the number of vertical uprights, they distinguish between 2- and 4-post models.

2-post models are limited in depth since only two vertical uprights are used for mounting. Usually, such models are used to fasten accessories and passive hardware, such as routers, switches, patch panels, etc.

When it comes to 4-post products, they are much deeper. They can house more hardware and house large servers and other active devices.

Yet, both models can be equally tall. 2-upright racks can be as tall as 4-post models. Moreover, it is easy to convert a 2-post rack into a 4-upright model with the use of a caster kit.

Examples of Standard Server Racks & Cabinets Sizes

Let’s see how server rack sizes explained to browse the catalog of offered products.

• 4U desktop and wall-mount rack. This is a compact 4-post rack with removable sidewalls and doors. It has a 19” width and 24-inch depth. Due to its small size, it is perfect for small rooms and offices.
• 24U 4-post floor-standing cabinet with removable panels and doors. This model has a bigger load capacity and can accommodate more devices. Yet, it is not suitable for fastening to the wall. The rack is equipped with casters to make it movable.
• 48U 4-post 19” cabinet. This is a huge box for large data centers. It has all the needed tech slots for cable routing and fan installation. The model allows accommodating multiple servers, routers, PCs, and other types of passive and active equipment.

The modern market offers a wide variety of models. So, it is possible to select a furniture piece to any demand. Yet, the main thing is to know what size you need.

How to Calculate the Correct Size of a Server Rack?

Here’s a guide on how to identify the required server rack cabinet dimensions:

1. Measure all devices that you plan to house inside the rack.
2. Think out the layout. If possible, make a 3D layout to visualize the scheme and identify possible mistakes.
3. Judging by the layout, calculate how tall, wide, and deep the needed cabinet should be.
4. When selecting the width, make sure that mounting rails will be exactly wide to fasten and support hardware.

Important Remarks to take into Account

Note that when defining the needed server rack size, several rules must be observed:

1. System administrators always leave free space in the cabinet. When the size is calculated, add a quarter of the figure (or even half of the size) to ensure leaving extra space. This is done due to two reasons:
   • Network systems usually expand over time. So, workers leave extra space for the future installation of additional equipment.
   • Sufficient cooling and free air circulation. Devices are never placed tightly; otherwise, they exchange generated heat and overheat quickly. It is necessary to leave space between operating units.
2. Foresee the rack cooling system when calculating server cabinet sizes. If it is an open-frame rack, the natural airflow will be enough to cool hardware. If it is an enclosed design, leave space for fan installation.
3. Think about cable management. How will cords be wired and where?

Modern manufacturers produce different types of furniture. The range of network rack dimensions differs greatly. It is possible to pick a model for any system and room. Yet, make sure to foresee all the aspects to arrange the best system and ensure its smooth and uninterrupted running.