How to Measure Cabinet Pulls in 3 Easy Ways

Remodeling your cabinets at home is one of the most exciting steps in a home renovation project. You can choose the design, style, and finish from top to bottom– including cabinet pulls. 

Cabinet pulls or knobs may be a small detail, but the right one will truly add charm to your home and bring out its personality overall. Choosing the right design and size is tricky, so you have to measure cabinet pulls by the center-to-center distance, overall length, and depth. 

We know you already have cabinet hardware options in mind, so let’s discover how to measure cabinet pulls to give your home a magic touch. 

Measure Center-to-Center Distance

When it comes to installing new drawer pulls or replacing old ones, one important measurement to take into consideration is the center-to-center distance. 

This measurement refers to the distance between the center of one screw hole to the center of the other screw hole on the cabinet pull. 

By measuring the center-to-center distance correctly, you can ensure that your new pulls fit perfectly in your desired location.

Here's a step-by-step guide you may follow:

1. Gather the necessary tools: Before you begin, make sure you have a tape measure or ruler, a pencil, and a piece of paper or notepad to record your measurements.
2. Remove the current one: If you are replacing an old knob, you have to start by removing it. Unscrew the screws that attach the pull to the door or drawer and set the old pull aside.
3. Identify the screw holes: Take a close look at the backside of the knob. You should see two screw holes where the pull attaches to the cabinet. These are the measurements you need to take.
4. Measure the center-to-center distance: With your tape measure or ruler, place the starting end at the center of one screw hole. Extend the tape or ruler to the center of the other screw hole and record the measurement. Make sure to measure in inches or millimeters, as these are the most common units of measurement for drawer pulls.
5. Repeat for accuracy: To ensure accuracy, it's always a good idea to measure the center-to-center distance a few times. Take multiple measurements and compare them to ensure consistency. This will help you avoid any measurement errors.

Measure Overall Length

The overall length refers to the measurement from one end to the other, including any decorative or functional additions such as finials or backplates. 

To measure the overall length, you’ll need a measuring tape or a ruler. 

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Remove any existing pulls: Before you start measuring, make sure to remove any existing pulls. This will allow you to accurately measure the space for the new ones.
2. Measure the distance between the screw holes: The first step in measuring the overall length is to determine the distance between the screw holes. This is crucial as it will help you choose a pull that matches the existing holes or determine the placement for new holes if needed.
3. Measure the length of the pull: Once you have measured the distance between the screw holes, you can move on to measuring the overall length of the knob. Place the measuring tape or ruler at one end of the pull and extend it to the other end, including any decorative or functional additions. 

Measure Depth

Cabinet pulls come in various shapes and sizes, including bar pulls, cup pulls, and ring pulls. Each type has its own depth requirement, so it’s important to identify the specific pull you will be using.

To measure the depth, start by placing the end of the measuring tape or ruler at the base of the drawer pull. Extend it straight out, parallel to the surface, until you reach the furthest point of the pull. This will give you the depth measurement.

Repeat this process for multiple pulls if necessary. It’s important to measure each pull individually, as cabinets may have slight variations in depth.

Once you have recorded the measurements, take note of any discrepancies or irregularities. If you find that the depth measurements vary significantly, it may be best to choose a different type of knob that accommodates the varying depths of your cabinets more effectively.

In conclusion, measuring cabinet pulls is an essential step in ensuring that the pulls you choose fit your cabinets correctly. 

By following these measuring procedures and considering the style and material of the pulls, you can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your cabinets while achieving a cohesive and polished look in your space. 

So, take the time to measure your cabinet pulls accurately and enjoy the beautiful and functional upgrade they bring to your home.