If you're replacing kitchen handles, fitting new cabinet doors, or just trying to order the right part without a second trip to the shop, the size question comes up before anything else. Colour and finish are the fun part — but if the hole centres are wrong, the handle simply won't fit. This guide walks through exactly what "128mm" means, why it's become the UK standard, and how to check what you need before you order.
What Does 128mm Actually Mean?
128mm refers to the hole centres — the distance measured from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other, on the back of the handle. It is not the total length of the handle itself, which is usually a bit longer than the hole centre measurement to allow for the handle's end caps or curvature.
This distinction trips up a lot of first-time buyers. A handle listed as "128mm" might measure 140-150mm end to end, but the screws themselves will always sit 128mm apart.
Why 128mm Is the UK Standard
Most flat pack and fitted kitchens sold in the UK use cabinet doors that are pre-drilled at 128mm centres. This includes the majority of ranges from major suppliers and joiners working to standard UK cabinet door widths. It became the default measurement because it works well across the standard range of UK cabinet door and drawer front widths without needing custom drilling for most homes.
That's good news if you're replacing old handles: unless your kitchen is unusually old, custom-built, or imported, there's a strong chance your existing doors are already drilled to 128mm — meaning a straight swap with no new holes.
How to Check Your Existing Handle Size
Before ordering, take two minutes to measure what you've already got:
- Remove one handle from a cabinet door or drawer front (usually just two screws from the inside).
- Measure hole to hole, from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other — not the outer edges.
- Record that number. If it comes out close to 128mm, you're set for a direct replacement.
If you no longer have the old handle, you can measure directly on the door: find the two existing screw holes and measure centre to centre the same way.
Switching From a Knob to a Bar or D Handle?
Knobs use a single central fixing point, so there's no "hole centre" measurement to match — any knob will fit an existing knob hole regardless of brand. But if you're switching from a knob to a two-point handle (a bar, D handle, or bow handle), you'll need to drill a new second hole, since the door currently only has one. This is a straightforward job with a drill and a bit of measuring, but it's worth planning for before your handles arrive rather than discovering it mid-installation. Check our fitting guide for step-by-step instructions on drilling clean, aligned holes.
Other Common Handle Sizes in the UK
While 128mm covers most cabinet doors, you'll come across a few other measurements depending on the piece of furniture:
- 96mm — common on smaller drawers, narrower cabinet doors, and some older kitchens fitted before 128mm became the dominant standard.
- 160mm — used on wider drawer fronts and some larger cabinet doors, particularly in more contemporary kitchen designs.
- 192mm — found on extra-wide drawers, often in larger fitted kitchens or utility rooms.
- Knobs — a single fixing point, so no centre-to-centre measurement applies.
If your measurement doesn't match 128mm, don't worry — it simply means your kitchen uses one of these other standard sizes, and you can filter by size when browsing to find the right match.
A Quick Sizing Checklist Before You Order
- Measure hole centres on an existing handle or door, not the visual length of the handle.
- Double check whether you're replacing like-for-like (same hole count) or switching handle types (which may need new drilling).
- If in doubt, measure twice — buying the wrong size is the most common (and easily avoided) reordering mistake.
- Order a small batch first if you're unsure, then complete the full kitchen once you've confirmed fit.
Shop 128mm Kitchen Handles
Once you know your size, browse our full range of 128mm kitchen handles, available in matt black, chrome, brushed nickel, brass, and pewter finishes. Whether you're upgrading a flat pack kitchen or refreshing a shaker-style cabinet, all handles come with fast UK delivery and standard fittings for straightforward installation.