White shaker kitchen cabinets with cabinet pulls, showing consistent center-to-center spacing

Cabinet Hardware Guide

Cabinet Pulls: How to Choose Center-to-Center

“Center-to-center” also called CTC, is the distance between the centers of the two screw holes on a cabinet pull. If you are replacing pulls, matching the existing CTC is the fastest way to make sure the new hardware fits without drilling new holes.

Quick Answer

Use these three simple rules before choosing your cabinet pulls.

CTC = Hole Spacing

Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other screw hole.

Replacing Pulls

Match your current center-to-center size so you can reuse the existing holes.

New Installs

Choose a pull length that looks proportional and install consistently with a template.

Measuring cabinet pull center-to-center hole spacing with a tape measure

Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other.

How to Measure

How to Measure Center-to-Center

Center-to-center is the measurement that matters most when you are replacing cabinet pulls.

Measure from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other.

If the pull is still installed, measure from the center of one screw head to the center of the other.

Measure a few pulls in the room because kitchens usually repeat the same CTC across many doors and drawers.

Common Confusion

Center-to-Center vs Overall Pull Length

Center-to-center is the hole spacing. Overall pull length is usually longer. For replacements, the hole spacing is what matters most because it determines whether your new pull will fit the existing holes.

Choosing the Right Size

Choosing Pull Size for Drawers and Doors

The right pull should fit your holes, feel comfortable to grip, and look balanced on your cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

Replacing Hardware

Match the existing CTC so you do not need to patch and re-drill holes.

Wide Drawers

Longer pulls usually look more balanced and are easier to grip.

Consistency

Repeat the same finish and style across a room for a cleaner look.

Close-up of a cabinet pull installed on a white shaker drawer front

Wider drawers often look better with longer pulls.

Marking cabinet pull hole locations using a drilling template on a drawer front

A template helps keep pull placement aligned and consistent.

New Install Tip

Use a Template and Measure Twice

For new holes, a template helps you keep every pull aligned and level. Mark your hole centers carefully, drill straight, and test-fit one pull before drilling the entire kitchen.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these issues before ordering or installing new cabinet pulls.

Cabinet drawer front showing mismatched pull holes that do not match the new center-to-center size

Incorrect hole spacing can stop the new pull from fitting properly.

Pull Won’t Fit

The new CTC does not match your existing holes. Re-measure center-to-center.

Crooked Pull

Holes were marked unevenly. Use a template and confirm level before drilling.

Old Marks Showing

Switching to a shorter pull can expose wear. Choose a longer pull or use a backplate if needed.

FAQ

Quick answers to common cabinet pull center-to-center questions.

Is center-to-center the same as pull length?

No. Center-to-center is the screw hole spacing. Overall length is typically longer.

Can I replace pulls without drilling new holes?

Yes. Match the existing center-to-center measurement and you can usually reuse the same holes.

What if my measurement falls between sizes?

Re-measure center-to-center carefully. If you still do not get a clean match, your current hardware may use a less-common spacing.

Need Help Matching Your Hole Spacing?

If you can share your current center-to-center measurement or a photo with a tape measure, we can help point you to options that fit.