How to measure for cabinet knobs and pulls
A cabinet knob size guide starts with three numbers: the existing hole spacing (center-to-center) for pulls, the projection (how far the handle sticks out), and the door or drawer thickness so the screw is long enough. Knobs usually use one hole. Pulls use two. Measure in inches and millimeters before you order so the new hardware hits the old holes.
Who this is for
US renters and homeowners replacing kitchen or bath knobs without drilling a new hole pattern.
It is not for moving gas lines, cutting new cabinet faces, or load-bearing work. If you hit unknown wiring, stop.
Sources and limits
This is a measuring guide for shoppers on MH Picked (mhpicked.com). It does not replace the manufacturer’s screw length chart. For product safety and recalls on household hardware, see the U.S. CPSC. Poorly mounted hooks and fittings can fail; use the screws that match your door thickness.
What to measure
1. Hole spacing (pulls)
Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. Common US pull spacings include 3 in (76 mm), 3.75 in (96 mm), and 5 in (128 mm). If your listing says “cc” or “center to center,” that is this number. Do not measure overall handle length and call it spacing.
2. Knob vs pull
- Knob: one hole. Measure door thickness only, plus how large a knob you can grip with wet hands.
- Pull: two holes. Spacing must match unless you are willing to drill and fill.
3. Projection
How far the hardware sticks out. In a galley kitchen, a large projection catches hips and towels. If the aisle is tight, pick a lower projection.
4. Screw length and door thickness
Measure the door or drawer front thickness. A typical overlay door is about 3/4 in (19 mm), but confirm. The screw should go through the door and into the knob without bottoming out or sitting loose.
If / then:
- If spacing matches, you can swap pulls without new holes.
- If spacing does not match, either keep knobs, pick a different pull, or accept filling and drilling.
- If you rent, bag the original hardware so you can reverse the change.
Step-by-step
- Remove one existing pull or knob. Keep the screws.
- For pulls, measure center-to-center with a tape or caliper.
- Measure door thickness.
- Write both numbers on a note in inches and mm.
- Order hardware that lists the same cc spacing.
- Install by hand until snug; do not strip particleboard by over-tightening.
- Open the door fully to check it does not hit a wall or appliance.
Common mistakes
- Measuring the full bar length instead of hole spacing.
- Mixing metric 96 mm pulls with 3 in US holes (they are close, not the same).
- Screws too short for a thick drawer front.
- Buying a matched “set” without reading cc on each piece.
- Throwing away landlord hardware.
Shopping this on MH Picked
Cabinet knobs and related kitchen pieces sit in Home & Garden and Kitchen. Pair this with small kitchen storage ideas if the real problem is counter clutter, not the grip. Rates and delivery estimates show at checkout in the shipping policy. Unused items: 30 days in the refund policy.
FAQ
What is the most important number in a cabinet knob size guide?
For knobs, door thickness and grip. For pulls, hole spacing (center-to-center). Get spacing wrong and the piece will not line up with existing holes.
How do I measure cabinet pull hole spacing?
Measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other, not from outer edges. Write inches and millimeters.
Can I replace cabinet knobs with pulls on the same door?
Only if you drill a second hole (and maybe a third for longer pulls). A single knob hole will not accept a two-hole pull without new drilling.
Do 3 inch and 96 mm pulls fit the same holes?
Not reliably. 3 in is 76.2 mm; 96 mm is about 3.78 in. Use the number on your door.
What screw length do I need?
Long enough to pass through the door and thread into the hardware, with little extra. Measure thickness; do not guess from the old screw if someone already used a washer stack.
Key takeaways
- Hole spacing is center-to-center, not overall length.
- Knobs are one hole; pulls are two.
- Measure door thickness before you trust the included screws.
- Keep rental originals in a labeled bag.
- Close numbers in mm and inches are not always interchangeable.