SourceToHome · Make room for everyday things

DIY drawer divider template: cut interlocking cardboard dividers to fit

Turn your drawer measurements into a printable DIY drawer divider template. Use cardboard you already have to make interlocking strips, with a top view and full-size cutting pages.

Size your cardboard dividers

Measure inside the drawer. Counts mean compartments, not divider strips. Default cardboard is 3 mm (about 0.12 in); measure your own piece. All calculations run in your browser.

Unitsin cmPaper sizeA4 LetterInside drawer width (in)Inside drawer depth (in)Inside drawer height (in)Compartments across width (1–6)Compartments along depth (1–6)Cardboard thickness (in)

Calculate templatePrint cutting templates

How to make drawer dividers

1. Measure the inside width, depth and height; enter the cardboard thickness and desired number of compartments.
2. Check the top view and cut list. Choose Letter or A4, then print at 100% / Actual size with headers and footers off.
3. Measure the 20 mm control square before cutting. If it is not 20 mm, correct the print scaling and print again. Trim the dashed paper borders and align the matching tile corners without overlap.
4. Trace the solid outlines onto cardboard and cut each strip and slot. A strips have slots from the top; B strips have slots from the bottom. Slide the opposing slots together, then check the fit in your drawer.

Use cutting tools carefully and follow the tool manufacturer’s safety instructions.

How it’s calculated

The tool converts inputs to millimeters: 1 in = 25.4 mm; 1 cm = 10 mm.

Usable width W = inside width − 2 mm; usable depth D = inside depth − 2 mm. This leaves 1 mm clearance at each outer side. Strip height H = inside height − 5 mm. These are template design allowances, not a universal fit standard.

For n compartments across and m along: n − 1 A strips each have length D; m − 1 B strips each have length W. All have height H.

For a usable span L, count N and cardboard thickness t: clear compartment size c = (L − (N − 1)t) / N. Slot centers are pᵢ = i(c + t) − t/2, for i = 1 … N − 1, measured from the left end. A strips use the depth span; B strips use the width span.

Slot width = t + 0.2 mm; slot depth = H / 2. The 0.2 mm tolerance is a starting allowance; check a sample joint against your cardboard before cutting all strips.

Each tile covers 180 × 210 mm on either paper size. Pages per strip = ceil(length / 180) × ceil(H / 210). Total pages are the sum for all strips.

Example: 15 × 20 × 3 in drawer, 3 × 2 compartments

The table below is generated by the same calculator using 3 mm cardboard. Values are in inches; printed geometry uses unrounded millimeter values.

Questions about cardboard drawer dividers

How many strips do I need for 3 × 2 compartments?

You need three strips: two running along the depth and one across the width. The tool calculates their lengths and matching slots from your drawer measurements.

How do I print a drawer divider template at the right size?

Choose the matching Letter or A4 paper, print at 100% or Actual size, and disable headers and footers. Measure the 20 × 20 mm control square before using the template.

Can I use this template with different cardboard thicknesses?

Yes. Measure the cardboard and enter its thickness. The slot width is that thickness plus 0.2 mm. Check a sample joint before cutting the full set.

Shop related items

Prefer a ready-made organizer? Compare the product dimensions with your drawer before choosing.