What Is Center-to-Center (CTC)? Center-to-center (CTC) is the distance between the center of one screw hole to the center of the other on a cabinet pull. This is the only measurement that matters when you’re replacing hardware and want to use the same holes. If the CTC doesn’t match, the pull won’t fit, you’ll have to drill new holes or get new hardware.
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How to Measure Existing Cabinet Pulls
Quick Answer
- Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other (this is called center-to-center or CTC)
- Common sizes: 3”, 3.75”, 5”, 6.25”
- Always match this measurement exactly when replacing pulls
If your cabinets already have hardware installed, this is the easiest scenario.
Step 1: Measure Between the Screw Holes
Use a ruler or tape measure and measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other.
- If the screws are still installed, measure from the center of one screw head to the other
- Try to be as precise as possible, don’t round unless you have to
Step 2: Double Check Your Measurement
Common sizes are usually standard, so if you get something like:
- 3”
- 3.75” (sometimes listed as 96mm)
- 5” (128mm)
If your number looks off (like 3.2”), measure again.
What If You Don’t Have Existing Holes?
If you’re installing cabinet pulls on brand new cabinets, you’re not locked into a specific measurement. But you still need to know the spacing.
Here’s how to handle it:
- Check the product details, manufacturers always list the center-to-center measurement
- Measure the pull itself from hole to hole before installing
- Make sure every pull you order has the same spacing for consistency
Once you choose a size, you’ll use that measurement when drilling.
Common Cabinet Pull Sizes
Most cabinet pulls fall into a few standard sizes:
- 3” (76mm)
- 3.75” (96mm)
- 5” (128mm)
- 6.25” (160mm)
- 8” (203mm)
Inches vs. Millimeters (Why It Matters)
Cabinet hardware is often listed in millimeters, even if you’re measuring in inches.
A quick example:
- 3.75” = 96mm
- 5” = 128mm
If you’re shopping online, always double-check both units to avoid ordering the wrong size.
Common Mistakes When Measuring Cabinet Pulls
This is where most people mess up and end up ordering the wrong hardware.
Measuring Edge to Edge
You need to measure center to center, not from one edge of the hole to the other.
Rounding Up or Down
If your measurement is slightly off, don’t guess. Measure again before assuming the size.
Mixing Inches and Millimeters
A small difference in units can throw everything off. Always confirm both.
Assuming All Pulls Are the Same
Even if two pulls look identical, the spacing can be completely different.
Before You Order
Measuring cabinet pull hole spacing is simple, but it’s one of those things that has to be exact. So before you order anything, make sure you have all your center-center-measurements.
Then you can confidently order new hardware knowing it will fit your existing holes.
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