Are you in the midst of a kitchen renovation and the next item to check off your list is picking a new kitchen tap? With hundreds, if not thousands of options on the market, do they all have the same tap hole size and will they work with the type and size of kitchen sink that you want?

In this post, I’ll explain tap hole sizes, distances and some things to consider when positioning your kitchen tap. It may not be my most glamourous topic but it’s still an important kitchen design factor.

Let’s get into it!

What diameter is a kitchen sink tap hole?

The standard kitchen sink tap hole size is 35mm in diameter. This is the size that the hole in the sink or cut-out in the worktop will typically be to fit a standard single tap.

However, the base of the tap itself will always be larger than 35mm to cover the hole. Most kitchen taps will have a base size ranging from 44-60mm. Enough to comfortably cover the standard 35mm cut-out diameter.

Good To Know: Your bathroom basin taps and bath taps will be a separate size from your kitchen taps.

Are all kitchen tap holes the same size?

No. Although the most common tap hole size is 35mm, this size can vary depending on the type of tap as well as the style and manufacturer.

Single (or monobloc) taps will most likely have the standard 35mm tap hole requirement, although some may only require a 32mm hole.

However, two tap hole kitchen taps (pillar taps or deck mounted taps) may only require a cut-out size of 25-35mm depending on the make and model. This is because they only require a single feed into each hole (the hot or cold feed) and so the amount of space needed for the feed is less than if they were both going through the same ‘single’ tap hole.

Similarly, three-hole taps may require a mix of hole sizes. Typically a smaller 25-32mm tap hole size for the levers. Then a more standard 32-35mm hole for the spout. Again, different models may vary slightly.

As well as these different tap options. Additions such as kitchen tap rinses (or handsprays) typically need a 30mm tap hole size for installation.

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distance between kitchen tap hole and sink

The general rule is to allow 50-80mm from the back edge of the sink to the centre of the tap hole cut-out.

This will, of course, vary depending on the size and dimensions of the tap. Its hole cut size, and spout reach may also dictate the precise distance the hole is located from the edge of the sink.

A 50-80mm gap leaves enough space for any washers or fixings for the tap to be securely installed underneath the countertop without overlapping or hitting any part or lip of the sink.

It also allows enough distance from the cut out of the sink to safely drill a tap hole so as to not compromise the structural integrity of the countertop in that area. Because you will be drilling a tap hole close to the sink cut-out, you could run the risk of cracking the countertop if the hole and cut are too close together.

As well as this, you will need to consider the type and size of the tap levers. As you will need sufficient space for these to be able to push back to turn the tap on.

Depending on your countertop depth and if you have anything behind your sink, such as an upstand or any backsplash material, you may need to move the tap hole forward to avoid any conflict.

In the diagram below, you can see Quooker (a popular boiling water tap brand) setting out a requirement of 70mm from the internal edge of the sink to the centre of the tap hole.

Top Tip: If you don’t have enough space behind your sink to correctly install your tap, consider bringing the base cabinets forward off the wall further to allow more space and create a slightly deeper countertop.

distance between kitchen tap holes

If you are having multiple tap holes cut into your countertop the distance between them will vary depending on what you are having.

Standard two-hole bridge taps will typically require tap holes to be cut anywhere from 150 -250mm apart, with many using a popular 180mm distance.

Some bridge taps will have a fixed distance for the holes whereas others can be flexible depending on the position you choose to install the bases. You can rotate the base in or out depending on whether you want a bigger or smaller distance between the holes. It also gives some flexibility to the look and style of the taps.

If you are having a second tap hole cut for an additional and separate tap, such as a filter tap, boiling water tap or rinse, this can be positioned wherever you feel most suitable. However, you will still need to apply the same considerations on location in relation to the sink.

Most often, additional tap holes will be located off to one side of the sink in line with the main tap.

tap position for undermount sinks

Similar to other sink types. A good guide for undermount sinks is to allow 50-80mm from the edge of the sink to the centre of the tap hole cut-out.

This gives enough separation to safely drill a tap hole and secure the tap without any interference with the sink installation.

tap position for Inset sinks

Many inset sinks will already have the tap hole pre-drilled and positioned as part of the sink itself. So you may not have any choice in the location.

However, these are typically standard 35mm diameter holes positioned 30-70mm from the edge to the centre of the tap hole, in a sensible location. Which can often be offset from the centre of the sink and to one side. Especially if it is a 1.5 or 2 bowl sink.

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Final Thoughts…

There you have it! Everything you need to know about kitchen tap hole sizes, configurations and the considerations to think about when locating them.

Often times there is no set rule when it comes to hole sizes and locations. However, there are good practices to observe and manufacturer guidelines to take into account to help you consider your tap placement.

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