Measuring guide: measure and fit kitchen handles

Kitchen with island wrapped in Split Wood wood-look wrapping foil

With this measuring guide you can find the center-to-center size of your kitchen handles in two minutes and then replace them without drilling. All you need is a tape measure and a screwdriver.

Short answer

The center-to-center size is the distance from the middle of one screw hole to the middle of the other, in millimeters. The most common sizes are 96, 128, 160 and 192 mm. Measuring 12.8 cm? Then order a 128 mm handle. If you choose the same size as your old handle, you simply screw the new one onto the existing holes.

Infographic (Dutch): replace kitchen handles without drilling in 5 steps – measure the center-to-center size, order new handles, unscrew the old handle and fit the new one

What is the center-to-center size of a handle?

The center-to-center size (also called hole spacing or C-C) determines whether a new handle fits the existing holes in your kitchen cabinet. It is not the overall length of the handle, which is always longer.

Measured correctly

From the middle of one screw hole to the middle of the other. If the handle is still fitted, measure from the middle of one screw to the middle of the other.

Measured incorrectly

The overall length of the handle, or from the edge of one hole to the edge of the other. You would end up ordering a size that just doesn't fit.

Common center-to-center sizes of kitchen handles
Measured distance	View handles
About 9.6 cm	96 mm handles
About 12.8 cm	128 mm handles
About 16 cm	160 mm handles
About 19.2 cm	192 mm handles
One screw hole	Cabinet knobs

How to replace your kitchen handles in 5 steps

These steps work for kitchen cabinets and drawers, and also for wardrobes or bathroom furniture.

Step 1: Measure the center-to-center size

Hold a tape measure along the handle and measure from the middle of one screw to the middle of the other. Don't measure the overall length. Check a few cabinets: not every handle in a kitchen is always the same size.

Step 2: Count and order your new handles

Count how many doors and drawers you have per size; an average kitchen has about 20. Order handles with the same center-to-center size. Screws are included with every handle.

Step 3: Unscrew the old handle

Open the door or drawer and loosen the screws on the inside. Hold the handle at the front so it doesn't slide across the front and leave scratches.

Step 4: Fit the new handle

Hold the new handle over the existing holes and drive in the supplied screws from the inside. Tighten both screws loosely first and only then fully, so the handle sits straight.

Step 5: Check the result

Are all handles straight and secure? Don't overtighten the screws, so the front isn't damaged. Done: your kitchen has a new look without any drilling.

Tip: are the supplied screws too short or too long for your fronts? Let us know and we'll find the right screws for you.

When can't you avoid drilling?

You want a different size

If the new handle doesn't fit the old holes, you will need to drill new holes and cover or fill the old ones.

From handle to knob

A cabinet knob has a single screw hole. If you swap a two-hole handle for a knob, one hole is left over.

Damaged holes

If the screw holes are damaged or cracked, a new screw won't hold properly. Repair or move the holes first.

Read more in our articles measuring center-to-center size and replacing kitchen handles without drilling.

Choose the right size

96 mm 128 mm 160 mm 192 mm Cabinet knobs All handles

Frequently asked questions

I measure 127 or 129 mm. Which size should I order?

Then you almost certainly have a 128 mm handle. A millimeter difference comes from reading the tape; measure again precisely from middle to middle.

What tools do I need?

A tape measure and a screwdriver. The screws come with the handles, so you don't need to buy anything extra.

How do I measure a handle that is still fitted?

Measure from the middle of one screw head to the middle of the other on the inside of the door, or remove one handle and measure the holes.

Can I also use the handles on wardrobes?

Yes. The handles also fit wardrobes, sideboards and bathroom furniture, as long as the center-to-center size matches your old handle.

Grepenwinkel.nl

Measured? Choose your new kitchen handles

Solid stainless steel in black, silver and gold, in all common center-to-center sizes. Screws included, with a 2-year warranty.

View all handles

Not sure about the size? Send us a photo of your current handle with a tape measure next to it and we'll help you out.