Table of Contents:
- Why It’s Important to Measure Cabinet Handles
- What You Need Before Measuring
- How to Measure Existing Cabinet Handles
- How to Measure Without Handles
- Measuring Cabinets Pulls vs. Knobs
- Common Cabinet Handle Sizes
- How to Measure New Cabinets Without Holes
- Where to Locate Cabinet Handles
- How to Measure Drawer Handles
- Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
- FAQs
Key Takeaways
- Always measure cabinet handles from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other for an accurate fit.
- The hole-to-hole measurement matters more than the overall handle length.
- Taking a few minutes to measure correctly can save time, money, and frustration.
Measuring your kitchen cabinet handles may seem daunting, but it’s actually simple. As long as you measure correctly, your new handles will fit properly, look right, and feel comfortable to use.
This guide walks you through each step with clear instructions.
Why It’s Important to Measure Cabinet Handles?
One of the main reasons cabinet handles come in so many different sizes is that if you buy handles that are too small or too large, the handle holes won’t line up properly and may require you to drill new holes in your cabinets. Drilling new holes can damage your cabinets, so measuring correctly will:
- Allow you to purchase handles that work properly with existing holes
- Prevent extra hole drilling
- Save time and money
- Help maintain clean cabinets
Just five minutes of measuring can save you a lot of hassle.
What You Need Before Measuring?
You don’t need any special tools. Most homes already have what you need.
- A tape measure or ruler with clear readings
- Pencil and paper
- An existing cabinet handle (if already installed)
How to Measure Existing Cabinet Handles?
You can measure cabinet handles in two ways: the distance between the screw holes and the total length of the handle.
The hole-to-hole measurement matters most because it determines whether the handle will fit your cabinet. It’s the distance between the centers of the two screw holes on a handle. This measurement tells you:
- Which handle size will fit your cabinet
- Whether you can reuse existing holes
Most handles list this measurement on the package or online.
Here’s how you can measure your existing cabinet handles:
- Place the tape measure over the handle
- Measure from the center of one screw to the center of the other screw
- Write down the number
This is your hole-to-hole measurement.
How to Measure Without Handles?
If the handles are off, you can still measure.
- Measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other hole
- Measure straight across
- Write down the measurement
This method works the same way.
Measuring Cabinet Pulls vs. Knobs
Cabinet Pulls
- Have two screws
- Need hole-to-hole measurement
- Come in many sizes
Cabinet Knobs
- Have one screw
- Only require the hole position
- Are easier to replace
If you’re switching from knobs to pulls, you will need to drill a second hole.
Common Cabinet Handle Sizes
Many cabinet handles follow standard sizing. Common hole-to-hole sizes include:
- 3 inches
- 3 ¾ inches
- 4 inches
- 5 inches
- 6 ¼ inches
- 8 inches
Always measure to be sure. Do not guess.
How to Measure New Cabinets Without Holes
For cabinets that have not yet had holes drilled, it is completely up to you to choose the handle size you prefer.
- Determine where you want your handles to be placed
- Mark that area with a pencil
- Measure carefully before drilling the holes
- Take your time so all of your handles line up evenly
Where to Locate Cabinet Handles
The location of a cabinet handle affects both the appearance and functionality of a cabinet.
Common handle locations:
- Drawer handles: Centered horizontally
- Upper Cabinets: Lower corner of the cabinet
- Lower Cabinets: Upper corner of the cabinet
Be sure to maintain a level and consistent handle placement across all your cabinets for a uniform look.
How to Measure Drawer Handles
Drawer handles tend to be longer than other types of cabinet handles.
- Measure the drawer width
- Choose a handle that looks balanced
- Center the handle on the drawer
- Long drawers usually look better with longer pulls
Many handle manufacturers list product sizes in millimeters, so if you measure in inches, convert your measurement to millimeters.
1 inch = 25.4 mm
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common measuring mistakes to avoid:
- Always measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other hole (or from the center of the screw holes, depending on the application). Do not measure edge-to-edge.
- Do not guess the size
- Write down your measurements so you do not forget them
- Do not mix inches with millimeters
FAQs
Is it necessary to remove my cabinet door handle to measure it accurately?
Not necessarily. You can measure it while it is still attached to the cabinet.
Can I use the edge of the cabinet handle to determine its size?
No. For accurate sizing, always measure from the center of one hole in the handle to the center of the other hole.
Are all cabinet handles available in standard sizes?
No. Though many manufacturers produce cabinet handles with similar dimensions, it’s always best to measure your cabinet handles first.
My cabinet door has a single hole. What should I measure?
If your cabinet has one hole, it uses a knob instead of a pull handle. You only need to measure the position of the hole.
Can changing from knobs to pulls require additional holes?
Yes. Pull handles require an additional hole to install properly.
The Final Word
Measuring kitchen cabinet handles is simple when you know what to do. Always measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other. Write your measurements down and double-check them before buying new handles. With careful measuring, your new handles will fit perfectly and make your kitchen look clean and polished.
If you’re planning to install new cabinets or your cabinets are getting old and need replacement, get in touch with Family Interiors. With over 49 years of experience, we design and install custom and semi-custom cabinets that elevate your kitchen.
