Because a faucet is such a versatile kitchen fixture, you will need to know how to measure a kitchen faucet size properly before you install it.
A faucet is something that gets heavy use every day of the week, so there are several things to consider when measuring a kitchen faucet size.
Whether you are replacing an existing faucet or are planning your design around the faucet choice, size matters.
Faucets come in so many shapes and styles, so there are a lot of dimensions to consider. Depending on the handle type, spout shape, or other unique characteristics, a faucet has many features that require proper measurement.
Unlike some other kitchen appliances, the faucet usually accommodates its surrounding space. That means that finding a faucet that will fit within certain parameters is necessary to prevent more extensive or costly renovations. This guide aims to help you get the most accurate faucet measurements possible.
Table of Contents
6 Steps to Measure Kitchen Faucet Size:
Materials you will need:
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Note pad
- Pen or pencil
Step 1: Measure Horizontal Area
If your kitchen faucet is of the four handle variety, it naturally will take up more room than a one handle faucet. The important rule to remember for two handles is to measure them when they are both turned off.
Turn off water so the handles are in the proper position. Take your measuring tape and stretch it from the out tip of the left handle to the outer tip of the right handle. If using a ruler, set the ruler down on the counter top to keep it level.
If you have a one handle kitchen faucet model, simply measure the spout at its thickest point, which is usually at the base where it meets the counter top. Again, place your ruler against the counter top to get an accurate and steady measurement.
Note: If your faucet is mounted on a deck plate, which is also called an escutcheon, determine whether this plate extends beyond the handle reach. If it does, measure the length of it and make a separate notation.
Step 2: Distance from Backsplash
Something that a lot of homeowners or renovators forget to consider is how much area exists between the handles and the wall behind the faucet. This factor can be crucial when replacing a faucet or installing one for the first time.
With your ruler, measure from the wall to the back of the faucet unit. Sometimes this will be the escutcheon plate. Other times it may be the spout itself. Whatever part of the faucet is nearest the back wall, measure that space. Write it down.
If you have a one-handle model, lift up the handle or twist it around to its nearest position to the back wall. Take that measurement and write it down.
Since single lever handles often raise up and back instead of moving side to side, this measurement can be helpful when choosing a model that won’t bump or scratch the wall behind it.
Step 3: Measure Height
The height of a faucet is important for two reasons. First, it can look beautiful and impressive. Second, it can be limited by any wall features that are directly above the sink. These features could include a window, a cabinet or a shelf.
Measure from the tallest part of the faucet spout to the place where the faucet joins the countertop. Keep the measuring tape straight up and down for this process.
Note: If you are measuring a faucet that is already installed, make a note as to where the end of the spigot lines up with the sink drain. You can also measure the distance from the spout neck and the the aeration holes where the water exits.
This measurement is often called the spout reach, and can be invaluable when trying to match a faucet size to a sink.
Step 4: Underside of Faucet to Plumbing Hookup
Plumbing is so important, and it’s good to get under the sink and see where the faucet lines are threaded into the counter top. With a a measuring tape, measure the space between where the bottom of the faucet is and where the water lines meet with the plumbing below. This statistic can come in handy when installing another faucet.
Step 5: Circumference of Spout
Though it may not be an obvious measurement, the circumference or thickness of a faucet spout can change the function and look of an entire sink area. Using a flexible measuring tape, note how thick your spout is.
Final Step
Take into consideration any other extras that might accompany the faucet. For example, if your faucet has a matching side sprayer or soap dispenser that is installed nearby, measure those separately. Also measure the area between each, as that may make shopping for a faucet replacement much easier.
Other Things to Consider
Style of Faucet
If you are replacing or installing a new faucet, you probably will want to consider what style faucet will match your design sense.
Some of the newer models have extra height for a dramatic flair. Though these types of faucets can look amazing, it’s always good to measure the distance from your sink to the bottom of any kitchen cabinets you have hanging over your sink.
Likewise, two handle faucets take up more room from side to side. If your sink or counter top area is already cramped, you may want to think about the perks of a single handle unit.
Water Pressure
Generally speaking, the larger the faucet, the better the water pressure. When a faucet spigot has a larger area within it to allow waterflow, it can issue a very strong stream at a higher rate. The circumference of the spout will usually indicate how high the gallon per minute, or GPM rate, will be.
Drainage
Making sure a faucet spout lines up with the sink’s drain is a must. Not only will this make washing dishes and other tasks less messy, it will ensure that your sink will drain properly.
When paired with a too-small sink, the faucet that has too large a spout reach can cause splashing and daily messes that can be avoided.
Height
The distance between the spigot outlet and the bottom of the sink can be crucial to having a quiet, mess-free kitchen. The taller a kitchen faucet, the more distance the water stream has to cover to reach the bottom of the sink.
Ensuring that the height of the faucet is in proportion to the sink size and depth can help to avoid these kinds of problems.
Conclusion
Measuring a faucet correctly can make life easier when it’s time to install or replace a unit. Faucets often fit into tight spaces and need to match the proportions of the sink and kitchen it serves.
To prevent more costly changes, it’s much easier to get the correct-sized spigot that will fit into the space.
Depending on the style and shape of a faucet, measuring can seem kind of tricky at first. However, if you take all of your measurements accurately and in straight lines, you are sure to succeed.
Remember to keep your ruler flush with the counter top when taking horizontal measurements, if possible. When using a flexible tape measure, keep it straight up and down.
Having a second person around to make sure you are getting the correct numbers is always helpful. Overall, measuring a faucet is easy, and it’s important to a kitchen renovation.
