Cabinet Handles & Pulls Measurement Guide
How to Measure Cabinet Handles & Pulls: Center-to-Center vs. Overall Length
Choosing the right cabinet pull size is easier when you know which measurement matters most. If you are replacing existing cabinet hardware, match the center-to-center hole spacing first. If you are installing pulls on new cabinets or drawers, you can also use the overall pull length to choose a balanced look.
Key Measurements to Know
| Measurement | What It Means | When It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Center-to-Center / C-C | The distance between the centers of the two mounting screw holes. | Most important when replacing existing cabinet pulls. |
| Overall Length | The full length of the pull from end to end. | Helpful for choosing the visual size and proportion. |
| Projection | How far the pull extends from the cabinet or drawer surface. | Affects grip comfort and clearance. |
1. Measure the Center-to-Center Distance
Center-to-center, also called C-C or hole spacing, is the distance between the centers of the two mounting screw holes.
This is the most important measurement when replacing existing cabinet pulls because it determines whether the new pull will fit your current holes.
How to measure:
- Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other screw hole.
- Match this measurement to the center-to-center size listed on the product page.
- Do not measure from one end of the pull to the other when checking replacement fit.
2. Replacing Existing Pulls
If you are replacing old cabinet pulls, choose the same center-to-center size as your existing holes.
This usually means:
- No new drilling
- Easier installation
- Better alignment with your existing cabinets or drawers
Before ordering, remove one old pull and measure the hole spacing carefully.
Important: For replacement hardware, the center-to-center size matters more than the overall pull length.
3. Choosing Pulls for New Cabinets
If you are installing pulls on new cabinets, drawers, or furniture, you have more flexibility. In this case, you can choose the overall pull length based on the width of the drawer or cabinet front.
A common design guideline is to choose a pull that is about one-third of the drawer width.
Recommended pull length guide:
| Drawer or Cabinet Width | Recommended Pull Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12" wide | 3"–4" pull length | Small drawers |
| 12"–24" wide | 5"–6" pull length | Everyday cabinets and drawers |
| 24"–36" wide | 8"–12" pull length | Wider drawers |
| Over 36" wide | 12"+ pull length or two pulls | Extra-wide drawers |
Note: Pull length and center-to-center size are not always the same. Always check the product’s center-to-center size, overall length, and projection before ordering.
Pro Tip
For replacement hardware, match the center-to-center size first. For new cabinets, choose a pull length that looks proportional to the drawer or cabinet width. For extra-wide drawers, using two pulls can create a more balanced look.
