How to Measure for a New Kitchen Faucet
Measuring made easy.
The first step to picking the perfect kitchen faucet is making sure it fits. To find the right size faucet for your sink, grab a tape measure and follow these easy steps.
Step 1: Determine Your Project Scope
If you're replacing an existing faucet with a similar style, simply take stock of its mounting configuration and refer to the diagram above to measure the overall height, spout height, and spout reach of your current faucet. Then, choose a replacement with similar measurements.
When choosing a new style, check your sink for the available mounting holes. Then, follow the next steps to determine which faucets best fit your mounting setup.
Step 2: Take Stock of the Sink & Mounting Holes
To make sure your new faucet will be compatible with your existing sink, determine how many mounting holes are available. If your previous faucet’s mounting plate makes it difficult to tell, check under the sink to get a better look. Kitchen faucet models require anywhere from one to four holes, and some models can be adapted for different configurations with a mounting plate or additional accessories to cover any unused holes. Existing holes may need to be augmented or covered up entirely to accommodate your faucet’s style and mount. Some faucets can even be mounted on the wall if your plumbing supports it.
Step 3: Measure the Faucet Centers
If your current mounting setup has more than one hole, measure the distance between the center of the far-left hole to the center of the far-right hole. To ensure your new faucet will fit your current mounting setup, this measurement should be no less than the "Minimum Faucet Centers" width listed under a faucet's specifications.
Step 4: Determine the Necessary Spout Reach
To find the ideal spout reach, measure from the center mounting hole forward to the center of your sink. The spout reach of your faucet should be no more than 1" – 2" longer than half the width of your sink. This will ensure that if your installation holes are set further beyond the sink edge, it will still reach the middle of the sink.
Step 5: Check the Surrounding Space
If your faucet is located in front of a wall, measure the distance from the center of each mounting hole to the wall to find the maximum faucet base depth that your sink area can support. If you have windows or cabinets above your sink, measure upward from the center mounting hole to find the maximum overall height and ensure your new faucet can fit comfortably underneath.
