A kitchen faucet is a critical part of a fully functioning kitchen. In most homes, it undergoes heavy use every day of the week, so it’s essential to install a correctly sized faucet.
Measuring the appropriate faucet size isn’t something many of us consider when choosing a new faucet, but it’s an important consideration. To learn more about the correct size kitchen faucet for your home, continue reading.
In This Article:
Why Does The Size Of A Kitchen Faucet Matter?
Faucets come in various shapes, sizes, designs, finishes, and brands. There are a few dimensions to keep in mind when it comes to sizing. The faucet should fit in its surrounding space. Think of the handle type, spout configuration, or any additional unique characteristics that may impede its range of motion in the given area.
For example, if you have a low set shelf above the kitchen sink, you’re going to want to make sure the faucet fits underneath it with room to move around. So, while it may not seem like a big deal, the size of your kitchen faucet matters.
What Is The Standard Size Of A Kitchen Faucet?
There isn’t necessarily a specific, singular size that encompasses all kitchen faucets. You can find high arc kitchen faucets with a shallow reach or those with a lower arc and deeper reach. Really, the size of the faucet depends on the style you’re looking for.
For example, let’s consider a 17.3-inch tall faucet with a 9.3-inch spout reach. This size of faucet is generally a decent option for most kitchen sinks. It offers an adequate spout reach to extend beyond the sink deck but not so far that it reaches the other side of the sink. It is tall enough to fit most pots and pans under but not overly large.
How To Measure Faucet Size
Finding an appropriately sized faucet is vital for comfortable operation at the sink. You don’t want an incredibly high-arc faucet for a deep sink, as you’ll have issues with splashing. Yet you don’t want something with too low of an arc, or you’ll struggle to wash larger pots and pans.
To measure the size of a kitchen faucet, you’ll need a few things. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pen or pencil
- Notepad
Measure The Horizontal Distance
Start by measuring the horizontal area of the faucet. If your faucet is the four-handle variety, it will consume more room than its one-handle cousin. When calculating the horizontal section, ensure the two handles are both off.
Turn the handles to the off position, then measure from the tip of the left handle to the outer end of the right handle. If you’re using a ruler, rest it against the counter to ensure it stays level.
If your kitchen faucet sports a single handle, measure the spout at its thickest point. Usually, this is where the base meets the counter.
If your faucet sits on a deck plate (escutcheon), measure the distance that it extends beyond the handles (if applicable). Note the distance of the sprayer as well (if applicable).
Determine The Distance From The Backsplash
The distance from the backsplash is another essential aspect to consider. Whether you’re replacing an old faucet or starting fresh, this is something to keep in mind. So, using a tape measure or ruler, measure how much space there is between the backsplash and faucet.
With your ruler, measure from the wall to the back of the faucet itself. In some cases, this may be the escutcheon plate. Whichever it is, make a note of the distance. If it’s a single-handle faucet, lift the handle, twist it to its position nearest to the back wall, and then write down the measurement.
Single-lever models usually raise up and back instead of side to side, so you want to ensure you choose an option that won’t bump or scratch the wall.
Measure The Faucet’s Height
The height of the faucet is essential since its surroundings may directly affect it. Features around and above the sink can impede its placement, so ensure you measure (especially if you want to buy a high-arc model). In addition, finding the right faucet height to match your sink is preferable, so the fixture doesn’t look oddly over or undersized.
Measure from the tallest portion of the faucet spout to the bottom, where it joins with the counter. Ensure the tape is straight up and down.
In addition, measure the distance from the spout neck to the end of the spout straight across. This is called the spout reach, which is a valuable piece of information when it comes to choosing an appropriate faucet size.
Measure The Underside Of The Faucet
Plumbing is an essential piece of the puzzle, particularly if you actually want water from the faucet. Take a peek under the sink in the base cabinet and look at where the faucet lines thread into the countertop. Using your measuring tape, measure the space between the bottom of the faucet and where it meets with the water lines below.
Find The Circumference Of The Spout
This one may not seem like a big deal, but it can make a difference in the look and function of the faucet. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the thickness of the spout.
If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, use a string to determine the circumference. Wrap the string around the spout, noting where the end meets the rest of the string. Stretch the string out over a ruler and record the measurement.
Miscellaneous Considerations
There are a few extra considerations to keep in mind during the shopping process. For instance, if your current faucet has a matching side sprayer or soap dispenser installed to the side, take note of those measurements as well.
If it has both, measure the distance between each. This can be helpful later on, simplifying the replacement process.
Other things to consider include the number of holes in the sink deck. If you’re replacing the sink and faucet, you have more freedom since you can choose one to match the other. However, if you aren’t replacing the sink, you’ll need to pay attention to the number of holes in the sink deck.
The extra holes in the sink deck can easily be covered with a plate, which helps seamlessly blend the look. The main concern lies with too few holes in the sink deck, as unused holes can easily be covered. If you’re a savvy DIYer, you could drill extra holes in the sink deck, but that can seem intimidating to someone unfamiliar with such.
Is There A Kitchen Faucet Size Chart?
Giving even a generic kitchen faucet size chart can be rather tricky. Why? Well, given the vast amount of variability and the number of options, offering a pinpointed view isn’t particularly easy. In addition, there are other factors to consider in choosing the right size kitchen faucet.
For instance, you need to choose a faucet that works well with the sink. Not overly large, not an excessively deep spout reach, adequate space for any additions. And while we could give a specific faucet that matches a specific sink, we don’t know what restrictions you have in your kitchen.
Maybe there’s a shelf right above your sink that restricts the placement of a high-arc faucet. Or perhaps we chose a low-arc faucet, but the style isn’t really your cup of tea. So, given the drastic variation from one scenario to the next, giving a go-to measurement chart is tricky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is my faucet too big for my sink?
Sure signs your faucet is too big your sink include:
- The spout reaches further than halfway across the sink
- The handles or levers cannot turn due to space restrictions
- The faucet won’t fit or easily move due to a cabinet, shelf, or other obstruction above the sink
- The faucet looks overly big and out of place
If the faucet doesn’t fit in its designated place, opt for a different configuration or smaller size. If you’re working with limited installation space, you may have fewer options. However, given the vast number of choices available on the market, there is sure to be something to fit your aesthetic tastes and space restrictions.
