How to Measure Drawer Pulls & Cabinet Pulls
It's easy!
Whether you are replacing old pulls and knobs or starting fresh, it is important you use the correct measurement techniques for the best installation. Use this guide to learn how to measure drawer pulls or cabinet pulls so you can find the right sizing.
How to Measure for Replacement Drawer & Cabinet Pulls
If you are replacing cabinet hardware and want the same length as you had before, take a tape measure and measure the length, width, projection (depth), and center-to-center of your current hardware. Then find hardware that has the same measurements.
If you want to choose new pulls with a deeper projection or overall length, it's important to measure your drawers and cabinets accurately. There are two key measurements that you'll need to gather: projection (or depth) and center-to-center distance. Learn how to find these measurements below.
Step 1: Measure the Projection
Projection (also known as depth) refers to the distance between the cabinet and the pull – it's essentially how far the pull juts out from the cabinet or drawer. This is typically the space where you grab onto the cabinet knob or pull. The average projection for drawer and cabinet pulls is 1.5", but there is a range of size options available.
Use a Tape Measure
To determine the projection of any current drawer pulls that you want to replace, place a tape measure just above the pull (your tape measure should be parallel to the floor). Extend the tape measure outward to the front edge of the pull. Record the projection depth so you know what to look for when shopping for replacements. Here are some tips to consider when deciding if you want to purchase new pulls with the same projection as your old ones:
- The more the pull juts out from the drawer/cabinet, the easier it will be to grip.
- When you’re determining an ideal projection for cabinet pulls, you should also open your cabinets and see how closely they swing to each other and surrounding objects.
- For cabinets or drawers in small/narrow spaces, or doors that swing close together or toward another object, consider smaller pulls to minimize the risk of damage from swinging. Impact. Drop-handle or recessed pulls jut out 0.5" or less, making them the perfect small-space solutions.
Check Product Dimensions
To find a hardware's projection, check the "Weights & Dimensions" section on a product's specific page, or reference the "Pull Projection" filter on the left-hand side of the cabinet and drawer pull page. Here are some popular pull projection sizes:
Step 2: Measure Center-to-Center Distance
If you want to get new pulls with a deeper projection or overall length, the one measurement you need to stick to is the center-to-center. That measurement indicates the distance between the pre-drilled holes in your cabinet or drawer. It's important to buy new pulls that have the same center-to-center distance as your old pulls. This way, you don't have to drill new holes and fill in existing ones.
Remove Your Pulls
To find the center-to-center measurement, use a screwdriver to remove your current pulls, then take a ruler or measuring tape and measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other screw hole. To find the center-to-center distance of a new pull on Wayfair, look at the "Weights & Dimensions" tab on a specific product's page.
Tip!
If you are measuring in millimeters and need to find the dimension in inches, take the number of millimeters and divide by 25.4. For example, if your center-to-center distance is 64 mm, divide that by 25.4 and look for a pull with a center-to-center distance of 2.5".
Below are some of the most common center-to-center distances. You can find additional options under the "Center-to-Center" filter on the left-hand side of the cabinet and drawer pull page.
If your new drawer pulls don’t fit into the old screw holes, don’t worry! You can always fill the old holes with a wood filler or putty, sand it down, and then restain or repaint the drawer. You can then drill new holes with the correctly sized drill bit to fit the new drawer pulls.
How to Measure for New Drawer & Cabinet Pulls
If you are starting from scratch and have no previous hardware to measure, we recommend measuring the width of your drawer or height of your cabinet. The length of the pull is important because you want it to be proportionate to the size of your cabinet or drawers. We recommend a pull that is no longer than one-third of the total cabinet door height and no longer than one-half of the total drawer width. If you have a really long drawer (36" wide or more), you can also opt to have two pulls – one on either side – to make it easier to open.
Tip!
Looking for more cabinet hardware help? Read our guides:
How to Choose Cabinet Hardware
How to Install Cabinet Hardware