Ultimate resource for the best placement for kitchen faucets, spacing between holes and how deep to install the faucet- diagrams included.
Standard Kitchen Faucet Spacing & Accessories + Diagram
When I tried to google where to install my kitchen faucet and what dimensions I needed for the holes, I came up empty. So I grabbed my kitchen design book and the spec sheets for a few major brands of faucets and got to drawing a diagram for the best placement.
Most websites will tell you that faucets have an 8″ spread, but not how far back from the sink the faucet should be and how far to space the holes for air switches and soap dispensers.
Accessories You May Want FOR YOUR KITCHEN
- Side Spray– Pulls out of the countertop to spray dishes and sink clean. Often comes with the faucet.
- Air Switch– This is the garbage disposal switch that is located on the counter instead of on the wall like older disposals. It can be installed next to the faucet for convenience.
- Air Gap– Required in some states/counties to allow air to vent from the sink plumbing and prevents sewage from coming back up the pipes or into the dishwasher.
- Soap Dispenser– You can install a countertop mounted soap pump dispenser for hand soap or dish soap.
- Hot Water Dispenser– Instant boiling hot water straight out of a mini dispenser next to the main faucet.
- Glass Rinse– Glass rinses are popular to quickly rinse glasses with powerful water jets, simply press the glass rim down onto the rinse plate.
Are All Kitchen Faucets The Same Standard Size?
No, not all faucets are the exact same size. They will vary in width, depth, height and spout reach. Most will require a 1 3/8″ hole, but some manufacturers vary slightly, so check the specification sheet that comes with the faucet or is available online.
The style of faucet will also determine how many holes are required for installation. Common faucet types are:
- Single Handle
- Pull Down
- Touchless
- Bridget Faucet
- Widespread faucet
- Centerset
- PreRinse faucets
What are the standard faucet hole sizes for kitchens?
The standard faucet hole sizes for kitchens and bathrooms are 1 3/8″ (1.375 Inches or 34.925 mm) in diameter unless otherwise mentioned in the specification. However, faucet holes may vary in size depending on the particular make and model.
Standard Kitchen Faucet Hole Measurements
You will need a few measurements for your kitchen faucet installation:
- Sink width (opening)
- Center of sink opening
- Faucet hole requirements (from faucet specification sheet)
- typically 1 3/8“
- Distance from back of sink to backsplash/wall
- Number of accessories you plan to install
- Distance between handles if widespread/bridge faucet
- typically 4″ or 6″ between
Single Handle Faucet Hole Measurements
Always start with the first hole- centered on the sink interior, for the faucet. Then begin to plan your accessories moving out from the center by 4″.
The spacing for a single handle faucet with air switch and soap dispenser spaced at 4″ in between each hole, center to center.
Bridge Faucet Hole Measurements
The best spacing for a bridge faucet with air switch and side spray/soap dispenser should be spaced with at least 4″ in between each hole, center to center. You may need to extend the spacing to 6″ to accommodate the handles moving fully.
Faucet Countertop Depth to Backsplash Measurements
Another important measurement is how far back from the sink to install the faucet. You want the spout to reach over the center of the sink and to prevent breakage to the countertop by leaving enough space in front of the faucet.
We recommend installing the faucet 1.5″ to 2″ (center of hole) from the sink opening. In order for a proper fit you will need to check the manufacture specifications to make sure the faucet base is over the countertop, that you have enough room between the backsplash & sink and that the spout and pull down adequately reach the sink.
kitchen faucet hole spacing diagram
Standard Faucet Hole Spacing
The standard spacing for faucet holes is 4″ apart width wise. As always, check the specifications for your faucet to make sure the handles can full extend with 4″ in between accessories.
If the fixtures have large handles or swivel, you may find that 6″ is better spacing.
Pro tip: Hold the hardware and fixtures in place to visualize the spacing before drilling holes.
Is There A Required Number Of Holes For A Faucet Installation?
The style of faucet and number of accessories will determine how many holes are required for installation. Single handle/pull down faucets will require one hole for the faucet. Bridge faucets will require 2-3 holes depending on the style.
Each accessory- soap dispenser, air switch, glass rinse, etc will require an additional countertop hole cutout.
Do I have to use the faucet deck mount?
No, you do not have to use the deck mount plate with your faucet. Sometimes it is called the deck plate or faucet escutcheon. You can mount your faucet directly to the countertop, which is preferred for a high end look.
How much space do you have behind your sink?
What Is The Ideal Thickness Of A Faucet Hole?
The standard faucet hole sizes for kitchens are 1 3/8″ (1.375 inches or 34.925 mm) in diameter unless otherwise mentioned in the specification sheet.
How to cover extra sink holes?
You can purchase escutcheons in the same metal finish (color) as your faucet to cover the extra holes if your countertop was templated with too many holes.
RECAP OF FAUCET HOLE SPACING AND PLACEMENT
Here are the main points to a successful faucet installation:
- Check the manufacturer spec sheets
- Decide which & how many accessories you want
- Start by centering the faucet on the sink
- Next add accessories at 4″ apart (center to center)
- Most holes are 1 3/8″ in diameter
- Set the faucet back 1.5″-2″ from the sink (to center of hole)
- Hold the hardware and fixtures in place to visualize the spacing before drilling holes
- Follow your countertop fabricators recommendations and trust your team’s expertise!