How to Measure Cabinet Pulls and Choose the Right Size

Why Sizing Matters Before You Buy

The most common reason a new pull doesn't fit isn't the style — it's the screw spacing. Cabinet pulls attach through two holes drilled into the door or drawer face. If your new pull's hole spacing doesn't match the existing holes, you'll need to drill new ones. Taking one measurement before you order eliminates that problem entirely.

Step 1 — Measure Your Center-to-Center (CTC) Spacing

Center-to-center (CTC) is the distance between the midpoints of the two screw holes on your cabinet door or drawer. This is the defining measurement for any bar-style pull.

How to Measure

1. Open the cabinet door or drawer so you can access the back face (or remove the existing pull).
2. Place a ruler or tape measure across the two holes.
3. Measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other hole.
4. Record the measurement in both inches and millimeters.

Measurement Diagram

  ┌─────────────────────────────────┐
  │  CABINET DOOR / DRAWER FACE    │
  │                                 │
  │    ●←────── CTC ──────→●       │
  │  hole A                hole B  │
  │  (center)            (center)  │
  └─────────────────────────────────┘

  Measure: center of hole A → center of hole B

Tip: If your existing pull is still installed, measure between the two screw posts on the back of the pull — that number is your CTC.

Common Cabinet Pull Sizes — Quick Reference

Cabinet pulls are sold by their center-to-center measurement. Here are the most common sizes and their millimeter equivalents:

CTC (Inches)	CTC (Millimeters)	Typical Use
3"	76 mm	Small drawers, upper cabinet doors
3-1/2"	89 mm	Standard drawers
4"	102 mm	Medium drawers, cabinet doors
6"	152 mm	Wide drawers, large cabinet doors
8"	203 mm	Pantry doors, wide drawer banks
24"	610 mm	Appliance pulls, tall cabinet doors

Note: Always verify the CTC measurement listed on the product page matches your measurement. Overall pull length will be longer than the CTC — the bar extends beyond both screw holes.

Step 2 — Replacing Pulls Using Existing Holes

If you want a true drop-in replacement with no drilling:

• Match the CTC exactly. A pull listed as 4" CTC will only align with 4" CTC holes — there is no standard tolerance that allows a different size to fit.
• Check the screw hole diameter. Most standard cabinet pulls use a #8-32 machine screw. Confirm this matches the hardware included with your new pull or the screws already in your cabinets.
• Check mounting screw length. The included screws must be long enough to pass through your door or drawer thickness and thread fully into the pull. Door thickness typically ranges from 3/4" to 1". If your doors are thicker (e.g., shaker-style with added overlay), you may need longer screws.

All Emtek pulls available at Fixturee include installation screws. If your door thickness falls outside the standard range, additional screw lengths are available — check the individual product page for details or contact us before ordering.

Step 3 — Knobs vs. Pulls: Placement Guide

Knobs use a single screw and a single hole, so there is no CTC measurement. Pulls use two holes. Here's how to choose and where to place each:

Cabinet Knobs

• Best for: Upper cabinet doors, smaller cabinet doors, decorative applications.
• Placement: On doors, position the knob at the corner of the door closest to the opening edge — typically 2–3 inches from the edge and 2–3 inches from the bottom rail (upper cabinets) or top rail (base cabinets).
• Sizing: Knob diameter is the key spec — the Emtek 2" Cabinet Knob, for example, refers to its diameter. Larger knobs work well on taller doors; smaller knobs suit petite door faces.
• Installation: Single hole, single screw. No CTC measurement needed.

Cabinet Pulls

• Best for: Drawers of any width, base cabinet doors, pantry doors.
• Placement on drawers: Center the pull horizontally on the drawer face. Vertically, center it on the drawer height.
• Placement on doors: Mount vertically, centered on the door's width, positioned near the opening edge at a comfortable grip height.
• Sizing guidance: A common rule of thumb is to choose a pull whose CTC is roughly one-third the width of the drawer face — but always match your existing hole spacing if replacing without re-drilling.

Step 4 — Verify Mounting Hardware Before You Order

Before completing your purchase, confirm:

• ✔ Screws are included. All Emtek pulls and knobs at Fixturee include installation screws — check the product listing to confirm.
• ✔ Screw length matches door thickness. Measure your door or drawer thickness (most are 3/4"). If your cabinets use overlay frames or thick drawer boxes, measure the full depth the screw must span.
• ✔ Back plates (optional). If your existing holes are slightly worn or you're switching from a larger pull to a smaller one, a back plate can cover the old holes. The Emtek Back Plate For Cabinet Pull 3" CTC is available for 3" CTC pulls.

We recommend verifying all measurements against the specific product specifications on each listing. Installation requirements may vary by door construction and pull style.

Shop by Size

Ready to find your fit? Browse the full Cabinet Handles And Pulls collection and filter by your CTC measurement. Some popular starting points:

• Emtek 3" Normandy Cabinet Pull — 76 mm CTC, Flat Black Steel or Satin Steel, from $8.80
• Emtek 3-1/2" Normandy Cabinet Pull — 89 mm CTC, Flat Black Steel or Satin Steel, from $9.60
• Emtek 4" Normandy Cabinet Pull — 102 mm CTC, Flat Black Steel or Satin Steel, from $10.40
• Emtek 6" Normandy Cabinet Pull — 152 mm CTC, Flat Black, from $11.20
• Emtek 8" Cabinet Pull — 203 mm CTC
• Emtek 2" Cabinet Knob — Single-hole installation

Not sure which size is right for your cabinets? Measure first, then shop — or reach out and we'll help you find the right fit.