How Many Holes Does Your Sink Have?
Before you fall in love with a faucet, you need to know if it will actually fit your sink. This 5-minute task saves you from ordering the wrong faucet.
Quick Summary
1, 3, or 4 holes
4" or 8" center-to-center
5 minutes
Why This Matters
Kitchen faucets come in different configurations to match different sink setups. A faucet designed for a single-hole sink won't work directly on a 3-hole sink (without an adapter). Ordering the wrong type means returns, delays, and frustration.
The good news: almost any faucet can work with almost any sink with the right approach. But you need to know what you're working with first.
Step 1: Find All the Holes
Look at your sink and the countertop immediately behind it. You're looking for any pre-drilled holes, including:
- Main faucet hole(s): Where your current faucet is mounted
- Sprayer hole: Often to the right of the faucet, may have a side sprayer or be covered
- Soap dispenser hole: Usually a smaller hole, may be empty or have a dispenser
- Covered holes: Check for caps or plugs covering unused holes
Pro Tip: If your faucet has a large decorative base, the actual number of mounting holes may be hidden underneath. You might need to look under the sink to count accurately.
Step 2: Count Your Holes
Most kitchen sinks fall into one of these configurations:
1-Hole Configuration
A single hole, typically 1-3/8" diameter. This is the cleanest, most modern setup and is increasingly common.
- Compatible faucets: Any single-hole faucet (most modern faucets)
- Typical faucet styles: Pull-down, pull-out, single-handle with integrated sprayer
3-Hole Configuration
Three holes in a row: center for the spout, left and right for handles or accessories. Very common in traditional kitchens.
- Compatible faucets: 3-hole faucets with separate handles, or single-hole faucets with deck plate
- Typical spacing: 4" or 8" center-to-center
4-Hole Configuration
Same as 3-hole plus one additional hole (usually on the right) for a side sprayer or accessory.
- Compatible faucets: 4-hole faucets with side sprayer, or any 3-hole/1-hole faucet with the extra hole used for soap dispenser
- Extra hole options: Soap dispenser, hot water dispenser, air gap
Step 3: Measure the Spacing
If you have multiple holes, measure the distance between them:
Center-to-Center Measurement
Measure from the center of one hole to the center of the next. This is the critical measurement for faucet compatibility.
| Spacing | Faucet Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 inches | Centerset | Compact, all-in-one unit. Common in smaller sinks. |
| 8 inches | Widespread | Separate handles connect via hoses. More traditional look. |
| Variable | Mini-widespread | 4-8" adjustable. Check faucet specs for range. |
Measure Hole Diameter
Standard kitchen sink holes are 1-3/8" (35mm) in diameter. If your holes are different, you may need:
- Larger holes: A reducing ring or adapter
- Smaller holes: Holes may need to be drilled larger (depends on material)
Sink Hole Configuration Chart
| Your Setup | Faucet Options | Extra Holes Used For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hole | Single-hole faucets only | N/A |
| 3 holes | 3-hole faucets, or single-hole with deck plate | Handles (3-hole) or covered by plate |
| 4 holes | 4-hole with sprayer, or 3-hole/1-hole + accessory | Sprayer, soap dispenser, hot water |
What If My Faucet Doesn't Match?
Single-Hole Faucet on Multi-Hole Sink
This is the most common mismatch. Solutions:
- Deck plate: A decorative plate (usually included or optional) covers extra holes. Clean, professional look.
- Hole covers: Individual caps match your faucet finish. Less elegant but works.
- Accessories: Use extra holes for soap dispenser, filtered water tap, or hot water dispenser.
3-Hole Faucet on 1-Hole Sink
This is trickier. Options:
- Choose a single-hole faucet instead (recommended)
- Drill additional holes (depends on sink material—stainless is doable, granite composite is harder)
Important: Don't try to drill additional holes unless you're confident in the process. Mistakes on your sink or countertop are expensive to fix. Hire a plumber or choose a compatible faucet.
Ideas for Extra Holes
If you're switching to a single-hole faucet and have extra holes, here's what you can do with them:
Soap Dispenser ($15-40)
Refillable from above, keeps dish soap off your counter. Get one that matches your faucet finish.
Instant Hot Water Dispenser ($100-250)
Near-boiling water on demand for tea, coffee, or cooking. Requires under-sink tank.
Filtered Water Dispenser ($100-300)
Dedicated tap for filtered drinking water. Connects to under-sink filter system.
Air Gap ($10-20)
Required by code in some areas for dishwasher drainage. Prevents backflow contamination.
Hole Covers ($5-15 each)
Simple caps that match your faucet finish. The minimalist solution when you don't need accessories.
Record Your Measurements
Before shopping for a faucet, note down:
- Number of holes: ____
- Center-to-center spacing: ____ inches
- Hole diameter: ____ inches (standard is 1-3/8")
- Extra holes available: ____
Having these measurements handy makes faucet shopping much easier. You'll know immediately if a faucet is compatible or what adapters you'll need.
FAQ
Can I use a single-hole faucet on a 3-hole sink?
Yes! Use a deck plate (also called an escutcheon). This metal plate covers all three holes and mounts through the center hole. Most single-hole faucets include one or offer it as an accessory. The covered holes remain available if you later switch to a 3-hole faucet.
What can I do with extra sink holes?
Extra holes can be used for soap dispensers, instant hot water dispensers, air gaps for dishwashers, or filtered water dispensers. If you don't need them, use sink hole covers matching your faucet finish. Never leave holes uncovered.
What's standard sink hole spacing?
The two most common center-to-center spacings are 4 inches (centerset) and 8 inches (widespread). Centerset faucets are all-in-one units. Widespread faucets have separate handles that connect via hoses. Always measure your specific sink before ordering.
Can I drill additional holes in my sink?
It depends on the material. Stainless steel can be drilled with a step bit or hole saw. Granite composite and porcelain require special diamond bits. Cast iron is very difficult. When possible, work with existing holes or use accessories that don't require drilling.