Welcome to Cabinet Hardware 101 – your go-to guide for all things cabinet hardware. 

Over the next few weeks, we will be going over everything you need to know about selecting the perfect hardware for your space. From technical terms to budgeting tips to style choices and how to avoid common mistakes, Cabinet Hardware 101 is here to help you make confident, functional, and stylish decisions.  This week we are going to cover measuring.

Measuring Cabinet Hardware Like a Pro: Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Installing new cabinet hardware can transform a room but only if it’s done right. Measuring accurately is the key to a polished, professional-looking finish and avoiding expensive do-overs (hello, extra drill holes).

Whether you're replacing old hardware or starting fresh, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to measure and install your cabinet knobs and pulls like a pro.

Pro Tip:  If you have questions about measuring, bring the hardware to the store.  We can help you match the sizing of your knobs, pulls, hinges, catches, and more.  We recommend bringing at least the hardware but also bringing the cabinet door or drawer if possible is always helpful too. 

How to Measure for Cabinet Pulls

When it comes to drawer pulls, the most important measurement is the center-to-center distance or the space between the two screw holes.

Step-by-Step:

1. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other. This is your pull’s official size.
   
   
2. If you're replacing old hardware, just measure the distance between the two holes already in the drawer or door.  Also check to see if the old hardware left any footprints or marks on the drawers and doors.
   
   
3. If you're starting from scratch, choose your pull size first, then use a template or jig to mark your holes evenly.

Things to Consider:

• Drawer Width: Pulls should be roughly ⅓ to ½ the width of the drawer front for good proportion.
  
  
• Cabinet Height: Taller cabinets may call for longer pulls for a balanced look.
  
  
• Functionality: Make sure the pull is large enough to grip comfortably—especially for frequently used drawers or for users with mobility limitations.
  
  
• Placement: Maintain consistent spacing and alignment across all doors and drawers for a cohesive look.

Choosing the Right Size for Knobs

Knobs are typically simpler since they use just one screw. But size still matters for both looks and usability.

Things to Consider:

• Diameter: Most cabinet knobs range from 1" to 1.5"
  
  
• Projection: Consider how far the knob sticks out—you don’t want it catching on clothes or bags in tight spaces.
  
  

For consistent placement:

• On drawers: Knobs are usually centered both vertically and horizontally.
  
  
• On cabinet doors: Knobs typically sit 1.5" to 2" from the edge, aligned with the corner where the rail and stile meet.
  
  

Placement Tips for a Pro-Level Look

Consistency is key when it comes to placement. Uneven knobs or misaligned pulls can make even expensive cabinetry look off.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Double-check (even triple check) every measurement before drilling.
  
  
• Use a hardware template or jig to mark exact hole placement—especially helpful if you're doing an entire kitchen.
  
  
• For pulls, keep the bottom edge aligned on upper cabinets, and top edge aligned on lower cabinets for visual harmony.
  
  
• On taller cabinets, consider vertical orientation for long pulls.
  
  

Measuring might not be the most glamorous part of choosing cabinet hardware—but it’s absolutely essential for a high-end result. A little prep and the right tools can save you time, money, and the frustration of misaligned pulls.