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What Size Pulls Should I Use for My Kitchen Cabinet Doors?
A practical sizing guide from 14+ years of helping customers pick perfectly proportioned pulls.
As a small U.S. business selling cabinet hardware for over 14 years, we’re asked daily: what size pull looks right on cabinet doors? Unlike drawer fronts—where the “one‑third rule” often applies—door sizing is more flexible. Use scale and balance for your space. Below you’ll find our field‑tested suggestions by door type, with real‑world photo examples.
Common cabinet door sizes
- Standard doors are typically 24–34 in. tall.
- Tall doors are generally ~42 in. and above.
- Special cases include pantry/extra‑tall (often ~80 in.) and small upper doors.
Because there’s no single rule for doors, choose a pull length that feels balanced to your door height and style. The photo diagrams below show common, great‑looking choices.
Standard cabinet doors (24–34")
Option 1: Small pulls (≈ 4–5" overall)
Browse popular small sizes: 3‑3/4" • 96 mm
This brushed gold pull has 96 mm centers and 4‑7/16" overall—perfect for a subtle look.
Option 2: Medium pulls (≈ 6–8" overall)
The industry‑standard 5" (128 mm) center‑to‑center gives you tons of style options. See all 128 mm pulls or 5" pulls.
How to measure center‑to‑center vs. overall length
7‑3/8" overall Euro bar pull (128 mm centers): a go‑to medium choice.
Option 3: Long pulls (≈ 10"+ overall)
Designs like modern farmhouse and transitional often use 10"+ pulls for a bold, linear look. Explore Euro bar pulls and longer lengths.
Long Euro pulls (often sold as “appliance pulls”) aren’t just for appliances—they elevate doors, too.
Tall cabinet doors (~42"+)
Option 1: Small pulls
Great for tall or standard doors; solid metal construction with matching knob available.
Option 2: Medium pulls
Common sizes like 5" and 7‑1/2" (192 mm) centers typically land in the medium range and look excellent on both tall and standard doors.
Not sure about hole spacing vs. overall length? Read our measuring guide.
Option 3: Long pulls (10"+ overall)
Tall doors can easily handle long, linear pulls. Most Euro bar collections include 10"+ options that feel right at home on uppers.
Pantry / extra‑tall cabinet doors (~80")
Option 1: Small pulls
Small pulls are budget‑friendly and understated—even on very tall doors.
Option 2: Medium pulls
Medium pulls on pantry doors are functional and symmetrical with plenty of finish choices.
Option 3: Long pulls (10"+ overall)
Long pulls look striking on tall pantry doors; use one per door or a symmetrical pair.
Option 4: Extra‑long pulls (12"–17"+ overall)
Small cabinet doors
Option 1: Small pulls
Option 2: Medium pulls
Option 3: Long pulls
Wrap up
There’s no single “right” pull size for every door. Instead, aim for proportion: small (≈4–5"), medium (≈6–8"), or long (≈10"+) depending on door height and the style you love. Use the examples above to visualize scale, then pick a pull size that creates balance across your whole kitchen.
Want mounting tips? Read How should cabinet hardware be mounted on kitchen cabinets?
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a strict formula for door pull size?
No. Unlike drawers, doors don’t require a one‑third rule. Choose small, medium, or long pulls that look balanced for the door height and your design style.
What’s the difference between center‑to‑center and overall length?
Center‑to‑center is the distance between the screw holes. Overall length measures the entire pull end to end. Always confirm both before drilling.
Can I use “appliance pulls” on cabinet doors?
Yes. Appliance‑length pulls (10"–17"+) create a bold, contemporary statement on standard, tall, and pantry doors.
