Cabinet doors
The hardware center is offset from the opening edge. Upper doors reference the bottom edge; lower doors reference the top edge.
Cabinet drilling planner
Cabinet Hardware Placement Calculator
Calculate exact drill coordinates for knobs and pulls on upper doors, lower doors and drawer fronts.
Project inputs
Measure the cabinet front
For doors, both insets locate the hardware center from the opening edge and the nearest horizontal edge.
Drill plan
2holes to mark
- Hardware centers
- 1
- Reference edges
- Left + bottom
- Pull center spacing
- 3 in
Exact layout
Drill coordinates
Every coordinate is measured from the left and top edges, so all marks share the same references.
| Hole | From left | From top |
|---|
Before drilling
This calculator creates a repeatable marking plan, not a universal placement rule. Cabinet profiles and hardware instructions differ.
- Confirm the pull's actual center-to-center hole spacing.
- Mock up the position with painter's tape or a paper template.
- Verify every mark from fixed edges before drilling the first panel.
How cabinet hardware positions are calculated
Drawer fronts
One handle is centered horizontally. Two handles are centered at one-third and two-thirds of the drawer width.
Pull hole spacing
The two drill holes are placed half the center-to-center spacing on each side of the selected hardware center.
Placement references
Cabinet hardware placement FAQ
Where should cabinet pulls be placed?
A common pattern places door hardware near the opening edge and the nearest horizontal edge, while drawer hardware is centered. The exact inset should suit the cabinet profile and manufacturer instructions.
How do I measure cabinet pull hole spacing?
Measure from the center of one mounting hole to the center of the other. Do not use the pull's overall length.
Should two drawer pulls be evenly spaced?
This calculator places their centers at one-third and two-thirds of the drawer width, creating equal margins and center spacing.
Can I drill directly from these measurements?
First verify the hardware, mock up the position and test a template. Measure every mark from fixed edges before drilling.