Standard Faucet Hole Size (For Countertops)
If you’re looking for a bathroom or a kitchen countertop, you might be stuck on finding materials or a cute pattern. One thing that often comes up as an afterthought is the number of faucet holes your counter needs, as well as plumbing fixtures. This shouldn’t be an afterthought, and if you need to cut a new hole, then you need to be aware of the standard faucet hole size for a countertop.
On a national level, the standard faucet hole size for countertops is 1 3/8 inches (or 1.375 inches) in diameter. However, the standard faucet hole sizes can vary depending on the make and model of the faucet as many brands branched off into their own hole sizes. Most deviations can still fit in a standard drilled faucet hole with a little adjustment.
Putting together a countertop with working plumbing always has its issues. We’re hoping this guide will make it easier for you to get your questions answered.
What Is The Standard Faucet Hole Size?
Most faucet holes in bathroom and kitchen countertops are 1 3/8 inches. However, if you purchase a faucet that calls for a larger hole, you may need to use a drill to enlarge the existing holes.
You might end up needing a faucet hole that is 1 1/4 inch or 1 1/2 inches or some other measurement depending on the faucet you select. Typically, though, most faucets will fit the industry standards.
What Size Are Typical Water Faucets?
There are several different measurements that you might find on the market when it comes to water faucets. Each part can have a different measurement, so it’s important to check the measurements of the faucet you selected. Some faucets are only an inch in length, while others might be as big as 1 3/4 of an inch.
| Standard Faucet Hole Diameters | |||
| Industry Standard | Larger Kitchen | Sink Sprayer | |
| Diameter (In Inches) | 1 ⅜” | 1 ½” | 1 ⅜” |
While these are the general measurements you’ll find for plumbing fixtures, there are a couple of things that you need to be aware of. Don’t worry, we’re going to get into it later. But first, let’s talk about how you can make sure you have the right hole size in your counter and get the right measurements for your next fixture.
Checking For Standard Faucet Hole Size: How To Measure A Faucet Hole On A Pre-Drilled Countertop
Most people will not be drilling their own faucet holes. If you are buying a replacement faucet or just have a prefabricated counter, then you have to make sure you get a faucet that’s the right size. To measure it right, follow these steps below:
- Remove the old faucet and clear off anything blocking the hole. This is just prepping the area.
- Grab a slide caliper, and place them inside of the caliper’s jaw inside the hole. It should be right against the outside edge.
- Open up the jaws until the caliper’s other jaw hits the opposite end of the faucet hole. Read the reading, and you should be able to get the proper measurement there.
What Is The Standard Depth For A Water Faucet Fixture?
While the diameter of a water faucet is the most common size people want to look up, it’s not the only one that matters. You also need to know the depth of the countertop it’s being affixed to. If you get a depth that’s too shallow, the faucet fixture that you have will not fit and you may have to make additional runs to the hardware store.
Unfortunately, we have some bad news.
You won’t be able to find this measurement online. There is no such thing as a standard countertop depth. Countertops have a wide range of different depths, with most sink faucets being able to handle a maximum deck thickness of 1 1/2 inches. However, it’s fairly common to see maximums of two or even three inches with certain brands.
How To Measure A Faucet Hole’s Maximum Deck Thickness On A Pre-Drilled Countertop
Another thing that you need to know before you get a faucet installed is how thick the countertop and faucet deck will be. To do this, you will need to do the following.
- Make sure you have access to the faucet’s hole. In other words, a faucet cannot be already installed. Remove any faucets or piping that make the hole hard to reach.
- Install the faucet deck you want to have. If it came with a kit, you will be able to start using it now.
- Grab a slide caliper and open it up wide. Place one jaw of the caliper on the outside of the faucet’s hole.
- Close the other caliper’s end until it has the thickness of the countertop in a pinch. Pull away the caliper when you get a snug fit. The measurement it gives you is the depth of the faucet.
- If the deck thickness is greater than the maximum you’re allotted, get a new faucet. It can be a trial and error issue.
Before You Buy, You Need To More Than The Standard Faucet Hole Size
Though you need to know the faucet hole size that a standard faucet needs, that’s not all you need to be aware of while shopping for fixtures. These important factors are things that you need to take into account, too.
- You need to read the faucet’s specific diameter and maximum deck thicknesses. I know I mentioned it before, but this is absolutely vital. Both stats need to match in order for a faucet to be compatible with your setup. Thankfully, you can find both measurements written on the placard that the fixture comes with. So, it’s easy to spot. If you can’t find it, it’s okay to ask the vendor.
- Certain faucet brands are notorious for having their own standard diameters. For example, Moen is pretty well-known for preferring 1 1/2 inch diameters for their faucets. While they do have some faucets that measure differently, most still lean on the bigger side of things.
- Remember that you have three holes in most setups: one for each knob and a center one for the faucet. The holes are usually all the same size. This is called a “centerset” faucet setup, just so you know.
- If the part doesn’t say what size the faucet hole is for, then you can assume it’s a standard size. Moreover, most faucets can also work at a varied depth with the right equipment.
- Keep an eye on faucet decks, depths, and any other escutcheon you might have. You don’t want to have holes in your setup. Everything should look flush.
- Most faucets will have their faucet hole measurements noted via the term “Connection Size.” The connection size is usually an inch smaller than the faucet hole itself.
How To Measure The Spread On Your Centerset Faucet Setup
It’s important to note that you usually won’t need to do much measuring. Since centersets generally come in one of three measurements: standard, wide, and extra-wide.
To find out which setup your counter has drilled into it, you will need to take a ruler and measure between the center points of two of the faucet holes. From there, you can use the chart below to find out what type of faucet you need to grab.
| Standard Centerset Faucet Hole Spacing Measurements | |||
| Standard | Wideset | Wideset/Extra Wide | |
| Distance | 4” | 6” | 8” |
Other Considerations Regarding Your Faucet Layout
- Can You Use A Different Faucet For Your Faucet’s Layout? It depends, but in a lot of cases, the answer is no. Your faucet needs to have everything lined up the way the manufacturers want it to be in order for it to work well. This is especially true if the faucet and knobs of your fixture are all supposed to be connected via a deck plate.
- What Do You Need To Do If Your Faucet Has A One-Hole Layout? If your faucet only has one hole, then you’re in luck. That means you don’t have to worry about spacing. It also means that you have more obvious options and that you can make your selection faster. Surprisingly, there are a lot of different options for single-hole sinks.
- Do You Need A Deck Plate For Your Faucet? A deck plate is primarily used to cover holes that you aren’t using in the countertop. So, technically you don’t need it, especially if you have no unused holes to cover.
- Does Your Sink Have Extra Holes? Extra holes on a sink or a sink counter are meant to give you the option of adding in other amenities to your kitchen or bathroom faucet. Of course, you don’t have to use those holes if you don’t want to. They sell sink hole plugs on Amazon to give your sink deck a smooth, clean look.
What Can You Use Extra Sink Faucet Holes For?
If your sink has extra faucet holes, you might be wondering what you can use them for. Believe it or not, those extra holes can be quite handy. Some of the more popular ideas you can pursue include…
- A Filtered Water Dispenser. While the invention of Brita filters kind of made this obsolete, the truth is they’re still popular among a select group of people.
- A Garbage Disposal Button. It’s true. There are kits out there that can turn your faucet hole into an air switch that turns your disposal on. It’s a really convenient way to keep your disposal in action and accessible.
- A Glass Rinser. While a glass rinser can be a good addition, if you can afford this, you probably have a dishwasher. Even so, it’s a nice amenity for the right home.
- A Soap (Or Lotion) Dispenser. Got dry hands after a dishwashing session? You’re not alone, but you don’t have to stay dry. Adding a lotion dispenser can make things easier on the hands. On a similar note, if you wash your hands in the sink frequently, soap dispensers are a good move.
- A Sprayer Hose. By and large, this has to be the most common use for an auxiliary faucet hose. If you have a fourth hole, it’s safe to choose this as your default addition. People will always appreciate this, especially during particularly difficult washing sessions.
- An Air Gap. If your hole is on the far corner of your sink or countertop, it could be that you have that extra hole for an air gap for your dishwasher. If this is the case, you need to use that if you want to install your machine.
Do Extra Holes Share The Standard Faucet Hole Size?
Most extra faucet holes will have the same measurements as their counterparts elsewhere. So, it’s okay to assume that your faucet holes are all going to be the same.
If your main faucet holes are 1 3/8 inches, then the extras are going to be the same. If they’re all 1 1/2 inches, then your extras probably will be too.
Related Questions
Do faucet holes come pre-drilled into undermount sinks?
Undermount sinks have a very clean look to them that people love, but they aren’t exactly easy to work with. These sinks do not come with faucet holes pre-cut into them, nor do many undermount-compatible countertops come with them either. In order to install an undermount sink, you have to install the sink first and then cut the faucet holes of your choosing to suit your setup as a separate step.This is one of the many reasons why most people prefer to hire professionals to install an undermount sink. Cutting into your counters is not an easy task.
Which is better, one handle or two-handle faucets?
While both have their merits, most people find that two-handle faucets are the winner. These faucets give people better control over their temperature and also offer a more uniform look. Overall, they tend to be very convenient, especially if you are a stickler for water temperature.Moreover, these faucets are easier to fix and diagnose when it comes to leaks. If you have a leak at either handle, you can turn off one of the handles without harming the other’s ability to give you water, too.
Is it possible to use a kitchen faucet in the bathroom?
While it may not look quite right, there is nothing wrong with using a kitchen faucet in the bathroom if you want to. Both faucet holes will likely be the same diameter, which means that the faucets are interchangeable. Though it’s doable, bathroom faucets are generally supposed to be smaller and daintier than a kitchen faucet. Besides, the sink sizes tend to be smaller, too.If your bathroom faucet broke and you have a kitchen faucet, it’s okay to use it in a pinch.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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