Sarah - Author
Find out what size cabinet pulls for kitchen designs including the standard & most common cabinet pull sizes, measuring pull hardware, and a cabinet pull size chart.
One of the best things about cabinet construction is picking the hardware to go with it. The perfect hardware will not only complement the cabinet design and aesthetic. Still, it will also prove to add to the effectiveness and efficiency of the cabinet, whether it is located in the kitchen or the bathroom.
There are many types of cabinet hardware to choose from, but one of the best options out there is cabinet pulls. Cabinet pulls are obtainable in a variety of sizes, so choosing the perfect fit for a specific cabinet size is essential to ensuring durability, longevity, and aesthetics of the whole room.
The perfect cabinet pull will depend on the kitchen cabinet size itself, so knowing the size will make choosing the ideal cabinet pull easier for every homeowner.
The generally recommended ratio for cabinet pulls to the drawer is looking at the drawer’s width and dividing the cabinet width into three. The 1/3 measurement is the perfect size of cabinet pulls you need, especially for cabinet drawers.
Small drawers that are around 12 inches or 30 centimeters will work best with a pull of at least 3 to 4 inches or 8 to 10 centimeters. In contrast, larger cabinets will work better with a pull of at least 8 inches or 20 centimeters.
Standard Cabinet Pull Sizes
There are many types of cabinet pulls any homeowner can utilize for their homes, from bar pulls which are the most common type of cabinet pulls, to finger pulls which are the most minimalist and sleek option.
There are many sizes of cabinet pulls, but standard ones are available, ranging from the smaller 1-inch or around 3 centimeters small cabinet pull to the bigger 20 inches or 51 centimeters appliances pull.
Every cabinet pull is not a one size fits all, and considering the cabinet size is integral to choosing the perfect cabinet pull that will work for a home.
Common Cabinet Pull Sizes
Picking the right size of cabinet pull can be easy once cabinet size is determined. Another foolproof way is getting the most common size of cabinet pull for a standard cabinet size.
Many traditional cabinets range from 12 to 36 inches, or 30 to 91 centimeters, and the most effective cabinet pull sizes for these sizes are 3 to 4 inches or 8 to 10 centimeters from center to center.
For cabinets smaller than these sizes, a homeowner should instead go for a smaller cabinet hardware knob with a diameter of 1 inch or 3 centimeters.
What Size Handles For 30 inch Cabinets?
The standard cabinet size is around 30 inches or 76 centimeters wide. These cabinets usually are about 34 inches or 86 centimeters. If a homeowner is looking for the perfect cabinet pull for this cabinet size, cabinet pulls that are 3 to 5 inches or 8 to 13 centimeters long are ideal.
If they want to use two cabinet pulls for an even more modern look, they can opt to use two cabinet pulls that are 3 inches or 8 centimeters long. Using two pulls for one cabinet is ideal, especially if the homeowners know that they will put heavier stuff inside the drawer.
What Size Cabinet Pulls For 36 inch Cabinets?
Sometimes there are bigger cabinetry with drawers even more oversized than 30 inches or 76 centimeters in width and a height taller than 34 inches or 86 centimeters.
The best cabinet pulls are around 5 to 12 inches or 13 to 30 centimeters for a cabinet of this size. These cabinet pull sizes will be more proportionate to oversized drawer doors and will add to the aesthetic appeal of the cabinetry unit.
For cabinets or drawers which will hold heavier stuff for storage, it is best to use two pulls 3 to 5 inches or 13 to 30 centimeters.
What Size Cabinet Pulls For 42 inch Cabinets?
A cabinet unit around 36 inches or 91 centimeters in width is already considered a big cabinet. Still, there are bigger ones at 42 inches or 107 centimeters that are usually found in many pantries and built-in appliances like fridges and pullouts.
For homeowners looking for the best cabinet pull to work with such a cabinet unit, it is best to go for pulls that are around 12 inches or 30 centimeters long or even longer.
This size will ensure that it is proportionate to the drawer size as well as provide durability for cabinets like pantries which are usually at full capacity.
Cabinet Pull Size Chart
Cabinet Pull for Small Drawers
| Cabinet Pull in Inches | Cabinet Pull in Centimeters |
| 3 inches | 7.62 centimeters |
| 5 inches | 13 centimeters |
| 12 inches appliance pull | 30.48 centimeters |
Cabinet Pull For A 22 by 6 inches Drawer
| Cabinet Pull in Inches | Cabinet Pull in Centimeters |
| 3 inches | 7.62 centimeters |
| 5 inches | 13 centimeters |
| 12 inches appliance pull | 30.48 centimeters |
Cabinet Pull for Large Drawers (32 inches by 11 inches)
| Cabinet Pull in Inches | Cabinet Pull in Centimeters |
| 3 inches | 7.62 centimeters |
| 5 inches | 13 centimeters |
| 12 inches appliance pull | 30.48 centimeters |
Cabinet Pull for Small and Large Cabinet Doors (13 inches by 23 inches to 16 inches by 39 inches)
| Cabinet Pull in Inches | Cabinet Pull in Centimeters |
| 3 inches | 7.62 centimeters |
| 5 inches | 13 centimeters |
| 12 inches appliance pull | 30.48 centimeters |
How To Choose The Right Size Cabinet Pulls
There are two things a homeowner needs to consider when choosing the best cabinet pull for their cabinetry: consistent sizing and aesthetics or design.
There is no correct or wrong way to choose, and they can mix and match sizes if they want to, but the most advisable thing is to opt for cabinet pulls 3 3/4 inches from center to center or the distance of one screw hole to another for standard cabinet size. This pull will look great for a cabinetry unit and will be large enough for them to grip comfortably.
How To Measure Cabinet Pull Size
Measuring a specific cabinet pull from side to side is easy as pie, and anyone can do it. All it requires is taking the center-to-center measurement of a cabinet hole with a ruler or tape measure. This measurement is the distance between one and the other screw in the center of a cabinet pull.
To measure this size, take a ruler from one hole to the other. Be sure that it is right in the center when being measured for the most accurate calculation.
Should Drawer Pulls Be Centered?
There is no correct or wrong way to install a cabinet pull, but there is an advisable way to install them, whether they will be installed on a drawer or a cabinet door.
If a cabinet pull is being installed in a drawer, it should be placed horizontally. It will also depend if the drawers are long, and if that is the case, it is best not to center them on the cabinet but instead install two cabinet pulls for both sides.
For a cabinet door like the kitchen cupboards or overhead bathroom cabinets, cabinet pulls should be installed vertically and more on the bottom to ensure that the average person can reach it.
What Size Drawer Needs 2 Pulls?
A homeowner can use two cabinet pulls if the width of a cabinet extends beyond 18 inches or 46 centimeters. If the cabinet width is below that point and is narrower, they can opt to acquire one cabinet pull.
For cabinets requiring two cabinet pulls, they should be installed around 1/6th of the cabinet or drawer length from one side to the other. This will ensure that the weight is distributed when the drawer is opened.
Should Cabinet Pulls All Be The Same Size?
Like choosing the right size of cabinet pull for a home, choosing a cabinet pull can mix and match according to the homeowner’s personal preference. One thing that will also dictate the pull size is the size of the width of a specific cabinet itself.
For kitchen drawers that are the same size and stacked on top of another, it is best to keep the size of each pull the same, but they can mix and match for other cabinets with different widths. It’s all about the overall aesthetic and the look they are going for.
Mixing Different Size Cabinet Pulls
There are two reasons to mix and match cabinet hardware, and it all comes down to function and personal preference.
Opting for mixed cabinet hardware adds character to a kitchen and avoids repetitiveness, especially in a larger kitchen. Choosing different cabinet hardware is also functional since some kitchen cabinet styles or widths require two cabinet pulls.
Cabinet Pull Screw Size
Many cabinets pull, and knobs for the cabinet and drawer units are readily installed with a standard set of screws at 1 3/4 inches or around 4.45 centimeters. Such screws are easy to find whether the cabinet pulls are purchased in the store or even online.
Visit our guide to knobs vs pulls on cabinets for more related content.
