How to Measure for Cabinet Hardware
Choosing the right cabinet hardware can dramatically change the look and function of your kitchen, bathroom, or built-ins. One of the most common questions we hear in the showroom is how to properly measure before ordering new knobs or pulls. Taking a few minutes to measure correctly will ensure your new hardware fits perfectly and looks intentional on your cabinetry.
Knobs vs. Pulls: Understanding the Difference
Cabinet knobs are mounted with a single screw and require only one hole in the cabinet door or drawer. Because of this, knobs do not require spacing measurements. You simply choose the placement you prefer.
Cabinet pulls, on the other hand, use two screws and require two drilled holes. The measurement that matters most for pulls is the distance between these holes, called the center-to-center measurement.
What is Center-to-Center Measurement?
Center-to-center (often abbreviated as CTC) refers to the distance between the center of one screw hole and the center of the other screw hole on a cabinet pull.
This measurement determines which pull will fit your existing holes. If you are replacing hardware, it is essential to measure accurately so the new pull aligns with the existing drilling.
Where to Place Cabinet Hardware
- Remove one pull from the cabinet.
- Measure the distance from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other screw hole.
- Record the measurement in inches or millimeters.
Common cabinet pull sizes include:
- 3 inch (76 mm)
- 96 mm (3 ¾ inch)
- 128 mm (5 inch)
- 160 mm (6 ¼ inch)
- 224 mm (8 ¾ inch)
European-made hardware is often sized in millimeters, while many American products are listed in inches. In many cases, these sizes are interchangeable.
Measuring for New Cabinet Hardware
If your cabinets do not yet have hardware, you have more flexibility. The size of the pull you choose will influence both the style and functionality of the cabinet.
- Small drawers (under 12 inches wide) typically use knobs or small pulls.
- Medium drawers (12–30 inches) often look best with pulls between 3 and 5 inches center-to-center.
- Large drawers (over 30 inches) may require larger pulls, or even two pulls for balance and ease of use.
A common design rule is to choose a pull that is no longer than one-third of the cabinet door height and no longer than one-half of the drawer width. That said, many designers now favor longer pulls because they create a more modern appearance and better proportions, especially on larger cabinetry.
Where to Place Cabinet Hardware
Placement is just as important as size.
For cabinet doors, knobs and pulls are typically placed 2½ to 3 inches from the corner of the door on the opposite side of the hinge.
For drawers, hardware is usually centered horizontally and vertically on the drawer front.
Long drawers sometimes look better with two pulls placed symmetrically rather than one centered pull.
When in doubt, using a cabinet hardware template or painter’s tape can help you visualize placement before drilling.
Bring Your Measurements to the Showroom
At New York Hardware, we believe the smallest details make the biggest impact. With a curated selection of cabinet hardware from artisans around the world, we’re here to help you get those details right.
If you're unsure about sizing or placement, visit or call our Costa Mesa showroom. Our team will guide you through the process, helping you find hardware that fits beautifully and functions effortlessly with your cabinetry.
The right measurement is the first step toward a finished look that feels custom, considered, and easy to use.
