What Size Cabinet Handles?

Aged Brass Brompton Cabinet Knob, 25mm, from our current range.

Why size matters

Cabinet handle sizing is really two separate measurements: the overall size of the handle, and, for bar-style pulls, the hole centres, the distance between the two fixing screw holes. Getting either wrong means new drilling, filling and re-drilling the cabinet door, so it is worth checking carefully before ordering. See also our How to Choose Kitchen Handles guide.

Cabinet knobs

Knobs are a single fixing point, so there are no hole centres to worry about, only the diameter of the knob itself. Smaller knobs, around 25 to 30mm, suit drawer fronts and smaller doors, while larger knobs, 35mm and above, suit bigger cabinet doors. See our Cabinet Knobs guide.

Bar pulls and hole centres

Bar-style pulls are fixed with two screws, and the distance between them, the hole centres, is the key measurement, usually given in millimetres, such as 96mm, 128mm or 160mm. If you are replacing existing handles, measure the hole centres on your current handles or existing screw holes first, as matching this measurement avoids re-drilling the cabinet.

• Drawers and small doors – typically 96mm to 128mm hole centres
• Standard cabinet doors – typically 128mm to 160mm hole centres
• Larger or tall doors – often suit a longer pull, 160mm and above, for a balanced look and a comfortable grip

Cup pulls and edge pulls

Cup pulls and edge pulls are generally sized by their fixed physical dimensions rather than hole centres, since they are designed to sit into or along the edge of the drawer front. See our Cup Pulls guide for typical sizes.

A simple rule of thumb

As a general guide, a handle should be roughly a third to a half the width of the door or drawer front it is fitted to, though this is a starting point rather than a fixed rule, and personal taste and the overall kitchen design matter just as much.

Related guides

Browse our Cabinet & Furniture Hardware range, or see our How to Choose Kitchen Handles guide and full Cabinet & Furniture Hardware Guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are hole centres on a cabinet handle?

Hole centres are the distance between the two fixing screw holes on a bar-style pull handle, usually measured in millimetres. Matching this measurement to your existing holes avoids having to re-drill the cabinet door.

What size knob should I use on a kitchen cabinet?

Smaller knobs around 25 to 30mm generally suit drawer fronts and smaller doors, while 35mm and above suits larger cabinet doors, though this is ultimately a matter of preference.

Can I fit a longer handle over old screw holes?

Yes, a longer bar pull with different hole centres can be fitted over old screw holes, but the old holes may still be visible unless covered by the new handle's backplate or filled and touched up beforehand.

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