Whether you're replacing old cabinet pulls or installing new hardware, knowing the right measurements can save you time, money, and frustration. In this guide, you'll learn what cabinet pull sizes actually mean, how to measure center-to-center spacing correctly, the difference between overall length and hole spacing, the two most common measuring mistakes to avoid, and how to choose replacement pulls that fit your cabinets the first time.
A Quick Note From the Archandles Workshop
After fitting hardware to thousands of kitchens and vanities, we've noticed one pattern above all others: most sizing problems come down to a single number being read incorrectly, not a badly made pull. If you get the center-to-center spacing right, almost everything else becomes a matter of taste. That's why this guide spends most of its time on that one measurement, and why we always recommend writing it down before you fall in love with a finish.
In our own order history, 128 mm is by far the most requested spacing for kitchen drawers, with 96 mm close behind for doors. If you're unsure and can't measure yet, those two numbers cover a large share of standard cabinetry.
Before You Measure: Understand the Three Key Measurements
Cabinet pull dimensions are usually listed as three measurements. Understanding what each one means will help you choose the right replacement and avoid ordering the wrong size.
- Center-to-center spacing: The distance between the centers of the two mounting holes. This is the measurement that determines whether a replacement pull will fit your existing cabinet. It may also be called hole-to-hole measurement, mounting hole spacing, or C-C spacing.
- Overall length: The distance from one end of the pull to the other. It affects the appearance of the pull, not whether it fits your cabinet.
- Projection: The distance the pull extends from the cabinet surface. It affects grip comfort and clearance, but not compatibility.
How to Measure Cabinet Pulls Step by Step
Once you know what each measurement means, measuring your existing cabinet pull only takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Remove the Existing Pull
Open the cabinet door or drawer and locate the mounting screws on the back.
- Hold the pull with one hand.
- Remove both screws using a screwdriver.
- Lift the pull away from the cabinet.
Set the pull and screws aside. Even if you're replacing everything, keeping the original screws nearby makes it easier to compare lengths if you need new hardware.
Step 2: Measure the Center-to-Center Spacing
Measure the distance between the two mounting holes. Place the ruler at the center of one hole and measure to the center of the other.
If the pull is loose, remove it first and measure the mounting holes directly on the cabinet.
Record the measurement in millimeters (mm), as this is the standard size used by most cabinet hardware manufacturers.
Step 3: Measure the Overall Length
Lay the pull on a flat surface. Measure from one end of the pull to the other, including any decorative ends.
Use this measurement to compare different pull styles. It affects the look of the hardware, not whether it fits your existing cabinet.
Step 4: Measure the Projection
Stand the pull upright and measure from the mounting surface to the furthest point of the pull.
If you're comparing similar pull styles, projection is often what determines which one feels more comfortable to use.
Step 5: Write Down Your Measurements
Before you start browsing products, make a note of:
- Center-to-center spacing
- Overall length
- Projection
Having these measurements ready makes it much easier to compare cabinet pulls across different collections without measuring again.
Cabinet Pull Size Chart (Metric to Inches)
Some retailers list cabinet pull sizes in millimeters, while others display inch equivalents. The chart below shows the most common sizes you'll see when shopping online.
| Center-to-Center | Inches |
Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
|
64 mm |
2.52" | Small cabinet doors |
|
76 mm |
3" | Bathroom vanities |
|
96 mm |
3.78" | Standard drawers |
|
128 mm |
5.04" | Most kitchen cabinets |
|
160 mm |
6.30" | Wide drawers |
|
192 mm |
7.56" | Pantry cabinets |
|
224 mm |
8.82" | Large drawers |
If a product page lists both 128 mm and 5-1/16", they're describing the same center-to-center spacing using different units.
One thing worth knowing for the long term: most modern cabinets are drilled using a standard system based on 32 mm increments (often called the "32 mm system" or line boring). This is why spacings like 96 mm and 128 mm keep appearing—they're simple multiples of that grid. It's an industry standard that has stayed consistent for decades, so the measurements in this guide should remain just as useful many years from now.
What Size Cabinet Pull Do I Need?
Once you've confirmed your center-to-center spacing, the hard part is over. Now you can focus on choosing a pull that fits your cabinet and complements your space.
If you're replacing existing hardware, you don't need to find the exact same pull. You only need to match the center-to-center spacing. That's the measurement that determines whether the new pull will fit your existing mounting holes.
Everything else, including the finish, shape, material, and overall length, is simply a design choice.
Replacing Existing Cabinet Pulls
Let's say your current pull measures 128 mm center-to-center.
You can replace it with a sleek modern bar pull, a classic arch pull, or another style entirely—as long as the new pull uses the same 128 mm mounting-hole spacing.
This is why measuring the mounting holes first gives you much more flexibility when shopping online. Instead of searching for an identical replacement, you can focus on finding a style that better suits your kitchen or bathroom.
If you're wondering whether it's worth drilling new holes instead, we've covered both approaches in Replacement vs. New Build: Two Different Decisions.
Installing Hardware on New Cabinets
If your cabinets haven't been drilled yet, you're starting with a blank canvas.
Rather than matching existing hole spacing, choose a pull that's proportional to the size of each drawer or cabinet door. Longer pulls often create a cleaner, more contemporary look, while shorter pulls work well on smaller doors and drawers.
Need help choosing the right proportions? See our guide on How to Match Pull Length to Drawer Width.
Can You Use a Longer Cabinet Pull?
Absolutely—and many homeowners do.
Manufacturers often make several pull designs with the same center-to-center spacing but different overall lengths. That means you can update the look of your cabinets without drilling new holes.
Two Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Most ordering mistakes don't happen because the measurements are inaccurate. They happen because the wrong measurement is used.
Measuring the Overall Length Instead of the Hole Spacing
This is the mistake we see most often.
Overall length describes the size of the pull itself. It doesn't tell you whether the mounting holes will line up with your cabinet.
Before placing an order, always compare the center-to-center spacing listed on the product page—not the overall length shown in the product photos.
Confusing Millimeters with Inches
It's easy to assume the number on a product page refers to the pull's overall length—but that's not always the case.
For example, a pull labeled 128 mm (5-1/16") is showing the same center-to-center spacing in two different units. It doesn't mean the pull is 5-1/16 inches long.
Before ordering, check that you're comparing the center-to-center spacing, not the overall length.
Before You Click "Add to Cart"
Before placing your order, take 30 seconds to double-check these details:
- ✓ The center-to-center spacing matches your existing cabinet.
- ✓ The overall length suits the look you want.
- ✓ The projection provides a comfortable grip.
- ✓ The included screws are compatible with your cabinet thickness.
Once you've checked those four details, you can shop with confidence knowing your new cabinet pulls should fit exactly as expected.
If your cabinets were installed together, they usually share the same spacing, so measuring one or two is often enough. When in doubt—especially in older homes or mixed renovations—check a few in each area before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to measure every cabinet, or just one?
Projection is how far the pull stands out from the cabinet face. It won't affect whether the pull fits, but a larger projection is easier to grip and gives a bolder look, while a lower projection feels more streamlined.
What is projection and does it matter?
Yes, but a two-hole pull requires a second hole to be drilled. Knobs use a single screw, so switching to a pull usually means adding one mounting hole to your door or drawer.
Can I replace knobs (a single hole) with a pull (two holes)?
No. While common spacings like 96 mm and 128 mm cover most cabinetry, pulls come in many center-to-center measurements. Always confirm the spacing rather than assuming it matches.
Are all cabinet pulls a standard size?
Three inches equals 76 mm, which is a standard spacing often used on bathroom vanities. Look for a pull listed as 76 mm (3") center-to-center and it will line up with your existing holes.
What if my mounting holes are exactly 3 inches apart?
A 3-inch hole spacing is the same as 76 mm center-to-center, a common standard for cabinet hardware. Simply choose a pull with 76 mm (3") center-to-center spacing and it will align with your existing mounting holes. The overall length can vary depending on the style you prefer, but the center-to-center measurement must match if you want to avoid drilling new holes.
Final Thoughts
Measuring cabinet pulls is easier than it looks once you know which dimensions matter. Start by confirming the center-to-center spacing, then compare the overall length and projection to find a style you like. Spending a few extra minutes measuring now can save you from returns, unnecessary drilling, and a lot of frustration later.
