How to Measure Cabinet Hardware Holes
Before shopping for new hardware, measure your existing holes. Use the tool below to find compatible standard sizes.
Hardware Size Finder
Quick Summary
Time required
5-10 minutes
What you need
Measuring tape
Most common size
3" or 96mm
Standard Cabinet Hardware Sizes
| Inches | Millimeters | Common Use | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5" | 64mm | Small doors, older cabinets | Uncommon |
| 3" | 76mm | Standard doors and drawers | Very Common |
| 3.75" | 96mm | Standard doors and drawers | Very Common |
| 4" | 102mm | Larger doors | Common |
| 5" | 128mm | Large drawers | Common |
| 6.25" | 160mm | Wide drawers | Less Common |
| 7.5" | 192mm | Extra-wide drawers | Specialty |
| 8.75" | 224mm | Appliance pulls | Specialty |
| 10" | 256mm | Appliance pulls | Specialty |
Note: 96mm (3.75") and 76mm (3") account for the vast majority of kitchen cabinets.
The Key Measurement: Center-to-Center
When shopping for cabinet pulls, you'll see "3 inch" or "96mm" listings. This isn't the total length of the pull—it's the distance between screw holes, measured from center to center.
How to measure:
- 1. Find the center of one screw hole (not the edge)
- 2. Measure to the center of the other screw hole
- 3. That's your center-to-center (C-C) measurement
The overall length and style of the pull can vary—only the hole spacing needs to match.
Knobs vs. Pulls: What to Know
Knobs
- +Use single screw hole
- +Any knob fits any cabinet
- +Generally less expensive
- +Classic look, works on doors
- -Less ergonomic for heavy drawers
Pulls
- +Use two screw holes
- +More comfortable for drawers
- +Modern aesthetic
- -Must match hole spacing exactly
- -Generally more expensive
Popular combo: Many kitchens use knobs on upper cabinet doors and pulls on drawers. This combines classic aesthetics with practical ergonomics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard cabinet pull size?
3 inch (76mm) and 3.75 inch (96mm) center-to-center are the most common. 96mm is slightly more prevalent in modern cabinets. Always measure your existing holes to confirm.
How do I measure for cabinet pulls?
Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. This center-to-center measurement is what you need when shopping. The overall pull length doesn't matter.
What if my holes don't match standard sizes?
Fill old holes with wood filler and drill new ones, use backplates to cover old holes, or switch to knobs (which only need one hole). Filling and redrilling is most common.
Can I switch from knobs to pulls?
Yes, but you'll need to drill a second hole. Switching from pulls to knobs is easier—just use one existing hole and fill the other.
Ready for the Next Step?
Now that you know your hole spacing, it's time to choose a hardware finish that complements your kitchen.