Want you want to give your kitchen a new look with different handles? Then there is one dimension that determines whether a new handle will fit: the center-to-center dimension. Measure it carefully, and you can choose handles that fit the existing screw holes exactly, without having to drill new holes.
Short answer
The center-to-center dimension of a kitchen handle is the distance between the centers of the two screw holes, measured in millimeters. The most common sizes are 96, 128, 160 and 192 mm. Do you measure 12.8 cm? Then you need a 128 mm handle.
What is the center-to-center dimension of a kitchen handle?
The center-to-center dimension, also known as the center-to-center distance, pitch or center-to-center distance, is the distance from the center of one mounting hole to the center of the other. This dimension determines whether a new handle will fit the existing screw holes in your kitchen cabinet or drawer.
Center-to-center dimension
From the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. This is the dimension you need. For example, 128 mm.
Total length of the handle
The handle extends past the screw holes on both sides. A 128 mm handle is therefore often around 170 mm long. This is not the dimension to use when ordering.
How to measure the center-to-center dimension in 3 steps
You only need a ruler or tape measure and possibly a screwdriver.
Unscrew the old handle
Open the cabinet or drawer and loosen the screws on the inside. You will now see the two screw holes in the front panel.
Measure from center to center
Place the tape measure along the holes and measure from the center of the first screw hole to the center of the second. Note the dimension in millimeters.
Compare with the standard sizes
Do you measure approximately 127 or 129 mm? Then measure again carefully: the actual dimension is almost always 128 mm. Do not round off a deviating dimension without checking.
Our tip: measure several cabinet doors and drawers before ordering. Different sizes are sometimes used within a single kitchen. You can also measure the distance between the two screw heads on the inside of the cabinet, as long as they are properly centered in the screw holes.
The most common center-to-center dimensions
The center-to-center dimension is almost always a standard size. Find your dimension in the table and click on it to view the suitable handles directly.
Other sizes also exist, such as 64, 224 and 320 mm. Always check the available dimensions of the chosen model.
Choose directly in your size
Replace kitchen handles without drilling new holes?
Yes, you can. If the new handles have the same center-to-center dimension as the old ones, you can simply use the existing screw holes. You don't need to drill, the old holes remain neatly covered and you can replace the handles yourself in a few minutes with a screwdriver. Just check whether the supplied screws are long enough for the thickness of your cabinet front.
Frequently asked questions about the center-to-center dimension
Is the center-to-center dimension the same as the length of a kitchen handle?
No. The center-to-center dimension is the distance between the centers of the two screw holes; the total length runs from end to end and is always greater.
My screw holes are 12.8 cm apart. Which size do I need?
12.8 cm is 128 mm. So you need a kitchen handle with a center-to-center dimension of 128 mm.
How do I know if a new kitchen handle will fit?
Measure the distance between the existing screw holes and choose a handle with exactly the same center-to-center dimension. Also check whether there is enough space around the handle.
Can I install handles with a different center-to-center distance?
You can, but then you will have to drill new holes and the old screw holes may remain visible. It is better to choose the same center-to-center dimension.
What if my cabinet only has one screw hole?
Then there is a knob instead of a handle. In that case, take a look at our cabinet knobs and kitchen knobs.
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Need help measuring? View our comprehensive measuring guide for handles, or send us a photo of your current handle with a tape measure next to it. We are happy to help. We wrap kitchens daily and install handles for customers. Read our story.
