Centre-to-centre, often written as CC or c/c, is the distance between the centre points of two fixing holes on a handle or pull. It is the single most important measurement when choosing replacement hardware or specifying handles for a new kitchen.
Why it matters
If you are replacing existing hardware, the centre-to-centre measurement of your new handles must match the holes already drilled in your cabinets. A 128mm pull will not fit holes drilled at 96mm spacing. Getting this wrong means either re-drilling (which weakens the door and leaves visible holes) or returning the hardware.
For new installations, the CC measurement determines the visual proportion of the handle on the drawer front. A 192mm pull on a 300mm drawer looks balanced. The same pull on a 600mm drawer can look undersized.
How to measure
You need a ruler or tape measure. Place it across the two screw holes and measure from the centre of one hole to the centre of the other. Not edge to edge. Centre to centre.
If you are measuring existing handles without removing them, measure from the centre of one screw to the centre of the other. Most handles use standard CC dimensions: 64mm, 96mm, 128mm, 160mm, 192mm, 224mm, or 320mm.
CC vs overall length
These are different measurements. Overall length is the full span of the handle from end to end. A handle with a 128mm CC might have an overall length of 168mm because of the overhangs at each end.
When shopping for hardware, always check both measurements. The CC tells you whether it will fit your holes. The overall length tells you how it will look on the door.
Common CC sizes by application
64mm and 96mm. Small drawers, bathroom vanities, bedside tables. These shorter pulls suit narrow drawer fronts up to about 400mm wide.
128mm and 160mm. The most popular sizes for kitchen drawers and doors. They work well on standard 450mm to 600mm fronts and feel substantial without overwhelming the door.
192mm and 224mm. Larger drawers, pantry doors, and wide drawer fronts. These create a generous grip and suit contemporary kitchens with clean horizontal lines.
320mm. Statement pulls for large drawers, island units, and integrated appliance panels. At this length, the pull becomes a design element in its own right.
What if your CC does not match a standard size
Some older kitchens use non-standard hole spacing. If you measure and get 130mm or 155mm, you have two options: fill the old holes and drill new ones, or find a handle that covers the existing holes. A backplate or a handle with a wider base can sometimes bridge the gap.
If you are starting from scratch with a new kitchen, stick to standard CC sizes. This gives you the widest choice of hardware and makes future replacements straightforward.
