06 / Journal

Ordering cabinet handles without measuring first is one of the most common and avoidable renovation mistakes. The handles arrive, the screw holes don't line up, and you're either re-drilling or returning. It's a frustrating detour — particularly when the fix is a single measurement taken before you order. 

This guide covers how to measure cabinet handles correctly, whether you're replacing existing hardware and want to reuse the current hole positions, or sizing up for new cabinetry with no existing holes to reference. All measurements in this guide are in millimetres, but can easily be applied to other measurements by converting to ensure you find the right fit for your space. 

The Three Measurements You Need to Know 

Cabinet handle sizing comes down to three numbers. For replacements, the first is the only one that determines fit. For new cabinetry, all three shape how the handle looks and feels in use. 

Hole Centres (Centre-to-Centre) 

Hole centres — also called centre-to-centre — is the distance in millimetres between the midpoints of the two screw holes. This is the measurement that determines whether a handle fits your existing cabinetry without re-drilling. If your current hardware has a 128mm centre-to-centre, your replacement must match exactly. Measure from the centre of one hole to the centre of the other, not from edge to edge. 

Overall Length 

Overall length is the total visible span of the handle from one end to the other. Two handles with identical hole centres can have very different overall lengths depending on how much the bar extends beyond the mounting points. Length affects proportion — a handle that's technically the right fit can still look undersized on a wide drawer front if the overhang is minimal. 

Projection (Depth) 

Projection is how far the handle sits proud of the cabinet face when installed. A higher projection gives more grip clearance and is more comfortable for heavy drawers in daily use. A lower projection suits cabinetry near walls or in tight spaces where clearance is limited. It rarely affects fit, but it does affect comfort and the shadow line the handle creates against the door. 

Measuring for Replacement Hardware 

When you're replacing existing handles and want to reuse the current screw holes, follow these steps: 

Remove one handle from the cabinetry, or measure it in place if removing isn't practical 

Measure hole centres first — place your tape measure from the centre of one hole to the centre of the other and record the distance in millimetres 

Record the overall length — measure end to end for reference when browsing handles with the same centre-to-centre 

Check projection — note whether your current handle sits high or low off the cabinet face, and whether you'd like to change that 

Decide whether to match exactly or re-drill — if the new handles you want have a different centre-to-centre, new holes are required; factor this into your decision before ordering 

The hole-centre measurement is the one to get right. Everything else is refinement. 

Measuring for New Cabinetry 

When there are no existing holes to reference, sizing is a proportional decision rather than a fit requirement. A useful rule of thumb: choose a handle that is roughly one-third the height or width of the surface it's mounted on. For a 400mm wide drawer front or cabinet door, a handle with 128mm hole centres is proportionally appropriate. For a 900mm wide surface, 224mm or longer reads better both visually and functionally. 

Size up when you're unsure: handles that are slightly longer than the minimum workable size tend to read as more considered than handles that look just sufficient. 

Common Handle Sizes 

The following hole-centre sizes are the most common in Australian cabinetry. They're not universal standards — always measure your existing hardware before ordering rather than assuming your cabinets follow a standard spacing. 

Hole Centres (mm) - Typical Application 

96mm - Smaller drawers, bathroom vanity doors 

128mm - Standard kitchen drawers and cabinet doors 

160mm - Mid-size drawers, wide vanity doors 

192mm - Larger kitchen drawers 

224mm - Wide drawer fronts, appliance cabinetry 

Lo & Co handles are available across these standard centre-to-centre measurements. Each of our handle styles features different sizing options so that you can choose the style that best suits your space. You can view the full range in our handles collection. 

What If My New Handle Doesn't Match Existing Holes? 

If you’ve ordered handles that don’t match your existing holes, you’ve got two options: re-drill, or use a backplate handle to cover the existing holes. Re-drilling is the cleaner long-term solution and gives you full freedom to choose any handle in any size. It requires filling and repainting the old holes if they'll be visible — most cabinetry painters can do this as part of a refresh. 

Backplate handles are the practical solve when re-drilling isn't feasible. The backplate sits between the handle and the cabinet face, covering the old hole positions and allowing a new centre-to-centre without exposed holes. They also add a visual layer to the hardware that provides additional interest, which is worth considering in your design process. 

Shop Cabinet Handles with Lo & Co 

When choosing a cabinet handle size, it’s important to consider a few different factors. If you’re replacing existing handles, you may be restricted by the existing measurement - but patching or choosing a backplate handle are always options for more flexibility. If you’re designing from scratch, considering the size of your draws/doors will help you make an informed decision for the most balanced visual impact.  

Explore the handles collection and filter by centre-to-centre to find handles that fit your cabinetry. If you're unsure about sizing before ordering, get in touch — the Lo & Co team can help confirm the right size for your specific cabinetry before you commit. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is centre-to-centre on a cabinet handle? 

Centre-to-centre is the distance in millimetres between the midpoints of the two screw holes on a handle. It's the critical measurement when replacing existing hardware — your new handle must match this number exactly to reuse the current holes without re-drilling. 

What size cabinet handle do I need? 

For replacements, match your existing hole centres. For new cabinetry with no existing holes, use the one-third rule as a starting point — choose a handle roughly one-third the width of the drawer front — and refer to the common Australian sizes table above as a reference for standard spacings. 

Can I install a longer handle without drilling new holes? 

Yes, provided the hole centres match your existing positions. Handle length beyond the centre-to-centre measurement is overhang — the bar extends past the mounting screws on either side. A longer handle with the correct centre-to-centre will fit without any new drilling required. 

Are cabinet handle sizes standard in Australia? 

Common sizes exist — 96mm, 128mm, 160mm, 192mm and 224mm are the most frequently used — but they are not a universal standard. Cabinetry manufacturers set their own hole spacings, so always measure your existing hardware before ordering rather than assuming your cabinets follow a standard size. 

What tools do I need to measure cabinet handles? 

A tape measure or ruler marked in millimetres is all you need. No specialist tools are required. Measure from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other and record the number before you start browsing.