What Depth Locker Do I Need? 300mm, 450mm and 600mm Locker Depths Explained

The locker depth you need depends on what users store, how much room you have, how the locker doors open and how people move around the space. Shallow lockers save floor space. Deeper lockers give more storage. The best choice is the depth that gives enough usable storage without making aisles, benches or access routes too tight.

This guide explains how to choose the right locker depth for schools, workplaces, gyms, changing rooms, offices, factories and staff areas. It compares common 300mm, 450mm and 600mm locker depths, explains when each size works best, and shows how depth affects room layout.

Use this page as a practical decision guide before choosing a locker range. For a wider size and layout overview, read our Locker Depth Guide UK. For spacing around lockers, see the locker room spacing guide.

What does locker depth mean?

Locker depth is the measurement from the front of the locker to the back of the locker. It tells you how far the locker projects from the wall, row or frame once installed.

This measurement matters because it affects both storage capacity and room space. A deeper locker can hold larger items, but it also takes more floor area. A shallow locker saves space, but it may not suit coats, bags, boots, tools or workwear.

Depth is often overlooked because buyers focus on height, number of compartments and colour. However, depth can have a bigger effect on how usable the locker area feels every day.

A locker that is too shallow may frustrate users. A locker that is too deep may narrow circulation space. The correct depth balances storage, access and movement.

Common locker depths in the UK

Most commercial lockers are available in several standard depths. The most common depths are around 300mm, 450mm and 600mm. Some specialist lockers may be shallower or deeper, but these three sizes cover most workplace, education and leisure applications.

Locker depth	Best for	Main benefit	Main limitation
300mm	Small personal items, phones, wallets, keys, light bags	Saves floor space	Limited storage capacity
450mm	General workplace, school and staff storage	Good all-round choice	May not suit bulky kit
600mm	Coats, PPE, uniforms, sports bags, workwear and larger items	High usable capacity	Needs more room depth

For many sites, 450mm is the safest general-purpose depth. It gives more usable storage than a shallow locker without projecting as far as a 600mm deep unit.

However, there is no single depth that works everywhere. A school corridor, staff changing room, warehouse, swimming pool, office and gym all place different demands on locker storage.

Quick answer: what depth locker do I need?

Choose a 300mm deep locker when space is tight and users only need to store small personal items. Select a 450mm deep locker for most everyday workplace, school and staff storage. Choose a 600mm deep locker when users need to store coats, uniforms, PPE, sports bags, boots or bulky workwear.

If you are unsure, start with what users need to store. Then check how much clear space remains in front of the lockers once doors, benches and circulation routes are included.

The correct locker depth is not just a product choice. It is a layout choice. A deeper locker may be better for storage, but only if the room can support it.

Choose locker depth by what users need to store

The first question should always be simple: what will go inside the locker?

Small items need less depth. Coats, bags and equipment need more depth. Bulky items need enough depth to fit without being forced, crushed or blocking the door.

A locker may look large from the outside, but usable internal space is affected by compartment height, shelves, hooks, door design and the way items naturally sit inside.

Small personal items

For phones, wallets, keys, purses, small tools, medication bags or personal effects, a shallow locker may be enough. In these cases, 300mm depth can work well.

This type of locker is common in offices, visitor areas, staff rooms, schools and controlled-access environments where users only need secure storage during the day.

Shallow personal effects lockers can also help in narrow corridors or compact rooms where deeper lockers would create access problems.

Bags and everyday storage

For general bags, packed lunches, folders, shoes and light clothing, 450mm depth is usually more practical than 300mm. It gives users more flexibility without needing the footprint of a deep locker.

This makes 450mm a strong choice for schools, offices, staff areas, colleges, leisure centres and general workplace storage.

It is often the best compromise when different users store different items and the site needs one standard locker specification.

Coats, uniforms and workwear

Coats and workwear need more usable depth, especially if they are hung rather than folded. A 600mm deep locker is usually better where users need to store jackets, uniforms, overalls or protective clothing.

Depth becomes more important when lockers are used at shift change. If many users open lockers at the same time, poorly sized lockers can slow the whole area down.

For staff changing areas, industrial sites and facilities with uniform storage, deeper lockers often provide a better daily experience.

PPE and equipment

PPE can be bulky. Helmets, boots, high-vis clothing, gloves, respirators and site equipment often need more space than a standard personal locker provides.

Where PPE is involved, 600mm depth should usually be considered first. It allows better separation of items and reduces the chance of equipment being crushed or left outside the locker.

If boots or helmets are stored separately, 450mm may still work. However, this depends on the full storage process, not just the locker size.

When 300mm deep lockers work best

A 300mm deep locker is a shallow locker. It is useful where space is limited, where users only need compact storage, or where the room cannot support deeper units.

This depth is often selected for personal effects lockers, visitor lockers, phone lockers, small staff lockers, corridor lockers and space-saving storage walls.

The biggest advantage is reduced projection. A 300mm deep locker takes less floor space and leaves more room for movement in front of the unit.

This can be valuable in small rooms, existing buildings, awkward corners and areas where the route must remain clear.

However, 300mm lockers have a clear limitation. They are not ideal for bulky bags, thick coats, motorcycle helmets, work boots or PPE. Users may end up forcing items inside or leaving items outside the locker.

Choose 300mm lockers only when the storage need is genuinely light. Do not choose them simply because they fit the room better if users actually need larger storage.

When 450mm deep lockers work best

A 450mm deep locker is the most useful all-round option for many UK sites. It suits everyday storage while remaining easier to plan than a 600mm deep locker.

This depth is often suitable for schools, offices, staff rooms, dry changing areas, warehouses, light industrial sites, leisure facilities and shared workplace storage.

The main benefit is balance. A 450mm locker gives users enough depth for normal bags and personal items, while keeping projection moderate.

It is also a good option where the site needs a standard locker size for mixed users. Some users may store bags. Others may store clothing, shoes or work items. A 450mm depth covers many of these needs without becoming excessive.

However, it may not be enough for every setting. Thick winter coats, bulky PPE, large sports bags or full workwear sets can feel cramped in a 450mm locker.

Choose 450mm lockers when you need a reliable general-purpose depth and the room has enough space for comfortable access.

When 600mm deep lockers work best

A 600mm deep locker gives the most usable storage of the common depth options. It is best where users need to store larger items, hang clothing, separate clean and dirty kit, or keep equipment secure.

This depth is common in changing rooms, industrial workplaces, sports facilities, warehouses, factories, fire stations, healthcare support spaces and staff welfare areas.

Deep lockers are especially useful when users arrive with outdoor clothing, change into workwear, store PPE or leave bags on site during a shift.

The drawback is projection. A 600mm locker takes more room from the wall. Once the door opens, the working space in front of the locker becomes even more important.

In a generous room, 600mm lockers can be excellent. In a narrow room, they can create bottlenecks, tight aisles and difficult door clearance.

Choose 600mm lockers when storage need is high and the layout can support the extra depth.

How depth works with locker height

Locker depth cannot be judged on its own. Height and compartment layout also affect how much a locker can hold.

A tall single-door locker at 450mm deep may hold a coat better than a short multi-door locker at 600mm deep. A six-door locker may be deep, but each compartment may still be limited by height.

This means the number of doors matters. Single-tier lockers suit coats and full-length storage. Two-tier lockers suit bags and folded clothing. Four-tier and six-tier lockers suit smaller personal items.

Depth gives horizontal storage space. Height gives vertical storage space. The right design uses both correctly.

For example, a workplace changing room may need full-height lockers at 450mm or 600mm deep. A school may use two-tier lockers at 450mm deep. A visitor centre may use smaller multi-compartment lockers at 300mm deep.

How locker depth affects door clearance

Locker depth affects the space taken by the locker body. Door clearance affects the space needed in front of the locker when the door opens.

Both measurements matter. A shallow locker with wide doors may still need careful planning. A deep locker with narrow compartment doors may project more from the wall but have less door swing per opening.

Door clashes happen when open doors hit benches, opposite lockers, walls, columns or other users. They are common in rooms where depth has been chosen without considering the full operating space.

Before choosing deep lockers, check the aisle width in front of the units. Also check whether users need to stand, sit, change clothing or pass behind someone using a locker.

For more detail, read our locker door clearance guide.

How locker depth affects aisle width

Aisle width is the clear space in front of the lockers. It must allow people to open doors, access compartments and move safely through the area.

Deeper lockers reduce the remaining floor space. This matters most in narrow rooms, corridors and changing rooms with benches.

For example, replacing 300mm lockers with 600mm lockers adds 300mm of projection from the wall. Across a full row, that can make a room feel much smaller.

Where lockers face each other, depth matters even more. Two rows of 600mm lockers facing each other take much more total room width than two rows of 300mm lockers.

This does not mean deep lockers are wrong. It means the aisle must be planned around them. For detailed spacing advice, see our locker aisle width guide.

How locker depth affects bench placement

Bench placement is one of the most common reasons locker depth becomes a problem. A locker may fit the room on paper, but the layout may fail once benches are added.

Benches need sitting space, leg space and circulation space. If lockers are too deep, the bench may end up too close to the doors. Users then struggle to open lockers while others are sitting down.

For detailed bench planning, read our bench spacing and clearance guide.

In changing rooms, this is especially important. People need space to stand, sit, turn, change, open bags and move past each other.

A 600mm locker may be right for clothing storage, but it needs a layout with enough clearance in front. A 450mm locker may be a better choice where the room must also include central benches.

Where space is very tight, consider wall-side benching, island benches, fewer locker runs or a different locker configuration.

Recommended locker depth by sector

Different sectors need different locker depths. The best choice depends on user behaviour, stored items, peak demand and available space.

Sector	Typical depth	Reason
Office	300mm to 450mm	Usually small bags, laptops, personal items and hybrid-working storage
School	300mm to 450mm	Books, bags, PE kit and personal storage
Factory	450mm to 600mm	Workwear, PPE, boots and shift storage
Warehouse	450mm to 600mm	Staff bags, uniforms, jackets and safety equipment
Gym	450mm to 600mm	Sports bags, clothing, footwear and towels
Swimming pool	450mm to 600mm	Wet clothing, bags, towels and changing use
Visitor area	300mm to 450mm	Short-term personal effects storage

What depth locker do I need for an office?

Office lockers are often used for personal belongings, laptop bags, handbags, coats and hybrid-working storage. In many offices, 300mm or 450mm depth is enough.

Choose 300mm lockers where staff only need small personal storage. This can work well for hot-desking areas, reception spaces, secure phone storage and compact staff zones.

Choose 450mm lockers where users need to store bags, coats, folders or everyday work items. This depth gives more flexibility and is usually more comfortable for regular staff use.

Most offices do not need 600mm deep lockers unless staff store bulky coats, uniforms, cycle gear or equipment.

What depth locker do I need for a school?

School locker depth depends on age group, corridor width, bag size and whether pupils store PE kit. A 300mm locker can work for small items, but 450mm is often more practical for general pupil storage.

Primary schools may use smaller lockers or low-height storage. Secondary schools usually need stronger, more flexible lockers that can handle bags, books and clothing.

Corridor space is critical. Deep lockers can create pinch points if installed in narrow circulation routes. In corridors, projection should be checked carefully before choosing 600mm lockers.

Where lockers are placed in dedicated cloakrooms or changing areas, deeper options may be easier to use. Where they are placed in busy corridors, 300mm or 450mm may be safer and more practical.

What depth locker do I need for a workplace?

Workplace lockers vary widely. An office may only need shallow lockers. A factory may need deep workwear lockers. A warehouse may need storage for bags, coats and PPE.

For general workplace storage, 450mm is often a sensible starting point. It suits everyday staff belongings without using as much room as 600mm deep lockers.

For industrial sites, 600mm may be better. This is especially true if workers store safety boots, helmets, heavy coats, uniforms or protective clothing.

Always consider shift patterns. A locker area used by many people at the same time needs more space than a quiet staff room used occasionally.

For more sector-specific planning, read our workplace locker layout guide.

What depth locker do I need for a gym or leisure centre?

Gyms and leisure centres usually need more depth than basic office storage. Users may store sports bags, shoes, towels, coats and wet clothing.

A 450mm locker may be enough for compact fitness facilities or short-stay users. A 600mm locker is often better where bags are larger or users need to change fully.

Wet areas need extra care. Locker depth must be considered alongside material choice, ventilation, slip risk and drainage. Plastic, laminate or wet-area lockers may be more suitable than standard dry-area steel lockers in some environments.

Changing rooms also need clear bench spacing. Deep lockers may work well, but only if users can open doors and move safely at peak times.

What depth locker do I need for a changing room?

Changing rooms usually need 450mm or 600mm deep lockers. The right option depends on what users store and how much space is available around benches.

Choose 450mm lockers for general changing rooms where users store bags, clothing and smaller items. This depth can work well in schools, offices, gyms and light workplace facilities.

Choose 600mm lockers where users store coats, uniforms, boots, PPE or large sports bags. The added depth improves capacity and makes full changing use easier.

However, changing rooms are not only storage spaces. They are movement spaces. Plan the locker depth, door swing, bench position and clear aisle together.

For wet and dry layout differences, read the changing room layout guide.

Deep lockers vs more compartments

Sometimes the issue is not depth. It is compartment choice. A site may choose deep lockers when it actually needs more smaller compartments. Another site may choose multi-door lockers when users really need full-height storage.

For example, a workplace with staff coats may need fewer full-height lockers rather than more small compartments. A school with many pupils may need more compartments but not necessarily 600mm depth.

Depth improves front-to-back capacity. It does not solve every storage problem. If users need vertical hanging space, choose the correct tier. If users need many secure spaces, choose the correct number of doors.

The best locker specification combines depth, height, width and compartment layout.

When shallow lockers are better

Shallow lockers are better when the room is narrow, the stored items are small, or the locker area forms part of a circulation route.

They can also be better when lockers are used for short-term storage rather than full-day workwear storage.

Good uses for shallow lockers include visitor storage, phone storage, personal effects, compact office storage, narrow staff rooms and areas where projection must be controlled.

The main risk is under-specifying. If the locker is too shallow, users may leave bags on top, beside or under the locker. This creates clutter and weakens the purpose of the storage area.

Shallow lockers should be chosen because they match the storage need, not just because the room is tight.

When deep lockers cause problems

Deep lockers cause problems when the room does not have enough working space in front of them. This can make the area feel cramped even if the lockers themselves are good quality.

Common problems include narrow aisles, door clashes, blocked benches, awkward turning space and congestion during busy periods.

Deep lockers can also reduce the number of rows that fit into a room. In some cases, using a slightly shallower locker allows a better overall layout with more usable positions.

This is why locker depth should be planned before ordering. A product that looks ideal in isolation may not work once it is placed into the real room.

How to measure before choosing locker depth

Before choosing a locker depth, measure the room carefully. Do not rely only on wall length. You also need room width, door positions, windows, radiators, columns, benches and walkways.

Start by measuring the wall or area where lockers may be installed. Then measure the clear space in front of that wall. This tells you how much projection the room can accept.

Next, subtract the locker depth from the available room width. This gives an initial idea of the remaining aisle. Then consider open doors, users standing at lockers and any benches nearby.

If lockers face each other, subtract both locker depths from the room width. The remaining space is the central aisle. This aisle must still support door opening, standing users and movement.

If benches are included, measure the bench depth and its clearance as well. The locker depth alone does not describe the full layout.

A simple locker depth planning method

Use this simple method before choosing a depth:

• List the items users need to store.
• Decide whether storage is short-term, full-day or shift-based.
• Choose a likely locker depth: 300mm, 450mm or 600mm.
• Measure how much floor space remains in front of the locker.
• Add door opening space and user standing space.
• Check benches, circulation routes and accessible use.
• Reduce depth or change layout if the area becomes too tight.

This method prevents the most common mistake: choosing locker depth from a catalogue before checking how the room will actually work.

Locker depth and accessible use

Accessible locker layouts need enough space for approach, reach, door opening and turning. Depth can affect all of these points.

A deep locker may reduce clear circulation space. A poorly placed locker may make it harder for a wheelchair user to approach the compartment comfortably. A bench or open door may block access if the layout is too tight.

Accessible planning should not be treated as an afterthought. If lockers are intended for inclusive use, check the wider layout, reach heights, door operation and clear approach space before finalising the depth.

For more detail, see our accessible locker spacing guide.

Does depth matter for wall-mounted lockers?

Yes. Wall-mounted lockers still project into the room, even if they do not stand on the floor. Their depth affects head clearance, reach, door swing and visual obstruction.

Shallow wall-mounted lockers can work well for small personal items. Deeper wall-mounted units need careful fixing, suitable walls and safe placement.

For heavier storage, floor-standing lockers are often more practical. They provide full support and are better suited to bags, clothing, PPE and equipment.

Depth in single-sided and double-sided locker rows

Single-sided locker rows sit against a wall or one side of a room. Depth affects how far the lockers project into the space.

Double-sided layouts use lockers on both sides of an aisle. This arrangement needs more careful planning because depth is taken from both sides.

For example, two rows of 450mm deep lockers use 900mm of room width before any aisle is included. Two rows of 600mm deep lockers use 1200mm before any aisle is included.

That difference can decide whether the layout feels comfortable or cramped. In double-sided layouts, depth choice is one of the most important decisions.

Locker depth vs locker width

Depth is not the only size that matters. Width also affects storage and access. A wider locker can sometimes be more useful than a deeper locker, depending on what users store.

For coats, uniforms and hanging items, height and depth are important. For bags and wider items, width may matter just as much.

A narrow deep locker may still feel awkward for a large bag. A wider 450mm deep locker may work better than a narrow 600mm deep locker in some cases.

When specifying lockers, check all three dimensions: height, width and depth. Do not assume depth alone will solve storage capacity.

Does material affect locker depth choice?

Material does not usually change the basic depth needed, but it can affect where the locker should be used. Steel lockers are common in schools, workplaces and dry staff areas. Laminate and plastic lockers are often considered for wet or high-humidity environments.

In wet changing areas, choosing the right material is just as important as choosing the right depth. A 600mm deep locker may offer good capacity, but it still needs to suit the environment.

For dry workplace areas, steel lockers at 450mm or 600mm depth often provide a durable and cost-effective solution.

Does lock type affect locker depth?

Lock type does not usually determine locker depth, but it can affect how the locker area is used. Key locks, coin locks, hasp locks, combination locks and digital locks all support different workflows.

For example, a gym may use coin-return or digital locks on deeper changing room lockers. A workplace may use key locks or hasp locks on staff lockers. A school may choose a lock option based on management and replacement needs.

The depth should still be chosen around storage and layout. The lock should then match user behaviour, supervision and site policy.

Common mistakes when choosing locker depth

The most common mistake is choosing the deepest locker available because it seems more useful. Extra depth is only helpful when the room can support it.

Another mistake is choosing shallow lockers to save space when users need to store bulky items. This often leads to clutter, complaints and poor use of the locker area.

A third mistake is ignoring benches. A layout may work until seating is added. Once benches are included, door clearance and movement space may become too tight.

Sites also forget to consider peak use. A locker room used by two people at a time is very different from one used by an entire shift, class or team.

Finally, many layouts ignore future use. A storage need may grow over time. If staff numbers, equipment or workwear requirements increase, a shallow locker choice may become restrictive.

Locker depth decision table

Question	Best depth direction
Only storing phones, wallets and small items?	Consider 300mm
Storing bags and everyday personal belongings?	Consider 450mm
Storing coats, PPE, uniforms or boots?	Consider 600mm
Room is narrow or corridor-based?	Consider 300mm or 450mm
Changing room with benches?	Check 450mm and 600mm against clearance
Industrial shift-use environment?	Consider 600mm
Mixed users and mixed items?	Start with 450mm

What is the best general locker depth?

For general use, 450mm is often the best starting point. It gives a practical amount of storage without the projection of a 600mm deep locker.

However, 450mm is not always the final answer. For small personal effects, 300mm may be more efficient. For changing rooms, PPE and workwear, 600mm may be more suitable.

The best general choice is the depth that users can use comfortably every day without damaging the layout around the lockers.

Final recommendation

If you are asking “what depth locker do I need?”, start with the storage items first and the room size second. Do not choose depth from appearance alone.

Use 300mm lockers for compact personal storage and tight spaces. Utilise 450mm lockers for most general-purpose staff, school and workplace storage. Use 600mm lockers where users need to store coats, uniforms, PPE, sports bags or bulky items.

Then check the full layout. Include door clearance, aisle width, benches, accessible use and peak-time movement. A locker depth that works on paper must also work in daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What depth locker do I need for general use?
For most general use, a 450mm deep locker is the most practical choice. It gives enough space for bags, clothing and everyday items without taking up as much room as a 600mm locker.

Are 300mm deep lockers too small?
300mm lockers are suitable for phones, wallets, keys, small bags and personal items. They are usually too small for coats, large bags, PPE or bulky equipment.

Is 450mm locker depth enough for a bag?
Yes, 450mm is usually enough for most backpacks, handbags and everyday work bags. Larger sports bags or bulky kit may need 600mm depth.

When should I choose 600mm deep lockers?
Choose 600mm lockers when users need to store coats, uniforms, PPE, sports bags, boots or equipment. They are common in changing rooms, factories, gyms and industrial workplaces.

What locker depth is best for a school?
Most schools use 300mm or 450mm lockers. A 450mm locker is better for bags and PE kit, while 300mm works well in narrow corridors or for small item storage.

What locker depth is best for an office?
Offices usually use 300mm or 450mm lockers. Choose 300mm for small personal storage and 450mm where staff need to store bags, coats or daily work items.

How does locker depth affect room layout?
Locker depth determines how far the unit projects into the room. Deeper lockers reduce aisle width, affect door clearance and can make bench spacing harder to plan.

Can I use 600mm lockers in a small room?
You can use 600mm lockers in a small room only if there is enough space for door opening, standing users and circulation. In tight rooms, 450mm may be more practical.

Is locker depth more important than width or height?
No. Depth, width and height all matter. Depth affects front-to-back storage, width affects how bags fit inside, and height affects coats, uniforms and hanging space.

How do I choose between 450mm and 600mm lockers?
Choose 450mm if storage needs are moderate and floor space is limited. Choose 600mm if users need to store bulky items and the room can support the extra projection.

For a complete layout approach, continue with our Locker Depth Guide UK, locker room layout planning guide and minimum space for lockers guide.

You may also find our locker door clearance guide, locker aisle width guide, bench spacing guide and workplace locker layout guide useful.

If you already know the locker depth you need, view our full range of lockers or compare dedicated workplace lockers.