If you’ve ever ordered cabinet handles and they didn’t line up with the holes already drilled in your doors, you’ve met the hole-spacing problem. The fix is boringly simple once you know the one measurement that actually matters: center-to-center. Here’s the plain version.
What center-to-center (CTC) means
Center-to-center is the distance between the centers of the two mounting holes. Not the total length of the handle — the gap between the holes. If a handle is listed as 128 mm CTC, the two screws sit 128 mm apart. The handle itself is usually longer than 128 mm, because the grips extend past the holes.
This matters because your cabinet is drilled for a specific hole spacing. A 128 mm handle won’t fit 96 mm holes, even if the handle “looks about right.”
Hole spacing vs. overall length vs. projection
Three different numbers, easy to mix up:
- Center-to-center / hole spacing — hole-to-hole. This is what has to match your drilling.
- Overall length — end to end of the handle.
- Projection — how far the handle sticks out from the door.
When you talk to a supplier, say which one you mean. “128” with no label causes half the mismatches we see.
How to measure existing handles
If you’re replacing handles on doors that are already drilled:
- Find the center of the first mounting hole.
- Find the center of the second.
- Measure center to center.
- Write it in millimeters.
- Don’t measure end-to-end and call that the spacing — it isn’t.
For replacement work this is the number to get right, because the cabinet’s not moving.
Our hole-spacing options
Xiongfa currently offers cabinet handle center-to-center options of:
96 mm · 128 mm · 160 mm · 192 mm · 224 mm · 256 mm
Custom sizes are available subject to confirmation — send the required spacing and we’ll check it against the model.
So if you’re replacing, match the existing CTC from that list (or tell us your custom number). Don’t guess from the handle’s overall length.
FAQ
What is cabinet handle hole spacing?
The distance between the centers of the two mounting holes, also called center-to-center (CTC). It’s what has to match your drilled holes.
Is hole spacing the same as handle length?
No. Hole spacing is hole-to-hole; overall length is end-to-end. The handle is usually longer than its spacing.
How do I measure center-to-center?
Measure from the center of one mounting hole to the center of the other, in millimeters. Don’t use the handle’s end-to-end length.
What hole spacings does Xiongfa offer?
96, 128, 160, 192, 224 and 256 mm center-to-center. Custom sizes on confirmation.
Does 128 mm mean the handle is 128 mm long?
Not necessarily — 128 mm is the hole spacing. The total length is typically longer. Check the specific model dimensions.
For the full size-and-measurement source, the Cabinet Handle Sizes & Hole Spacing guide has it. For types and materials, the cabinet handle types page covers those.