Most of the 8-inch or widespread faucets have three pieces, the tap and the hot and cold handles, which means some 8-inch faucets can fit holes not exactly 8 inches apart. If the span is 4 inches, a 4-inch faucet is what you need. These usually have a base and come in one solid piece.
If the distance is six inches or more you need a “widespread" or “eight inch spread" faucet. If the measurement is less than six inches you need a “centerset," “mini-spread" or a “four inch spread faucet." Each of these configurations is for a faucet that will use all three holes in the sink. But wait. Look closer.
A faucet spread refers to the width between handles.
Common Faucet Sizes
Here are some common sizes to consider: Standard Faucet: Most standard faucets measure around 6-8 inches in height and have a reach of 4-6 inches.
The four-inch measurement for a centerset faucet refers to the center-to-center distance between the two furthest mounting holes. Centerset faucets have three mounting holes. There's space for a connection to each tap and then the mixing connection for the spout in the middle.
Most of the 8-inch or widespread faucets have three pieces, the tap and the hot and cold handles, which means some 8-inch faucets can fit holes not exactly 8 inches apart. If the span is 4 inches, a 4-inch faucet is what you need. These usually have a base and come in one solid piece.
Make certain you are choosing a faucet with adequate height to accommodate the items you'll be washing or filling. The higher the spout, the easier it is to fit tall pots under it for filling or cleaning. If you have a shelf above your sink or a wide window ledge, a tall faucet may not fit.
Most faucet centers range between 4 and 16 inches, with widespread faucets typically measuring at 6 to 8 inches and centerset faucets measuring at 4 inches. If your sink or vanity has only one pre-drilled faucet hole, then you'll want a single-hole faucet that includes a handle.
The most common sizes are usually either ½ inch or ¾ inch. All that this size refers to is the diameter of the pipe.
For a small bathroom sink a 4 to 8-inch spout reach is likely enough. Look for the faucet to reach at least the middle of the bowl, and preferably to be centered over the drain opening for the least amount of splashing and the biggest work area for washing.
Faucet Connector Sizes
The inlets on a faucet are the components that connect to your water supply lines. Most faucets in the United States have a 1/2" MPT (male) or 1/2" FPT (female) threaded inlet. These connections use the NPT (National Pipe Thread) standard.
Centerset faucets are designed to be compact and save space, so they're generally only available in four-inch spacing. This is the amount of space between the center to center two furthest holes. If a tape measure reveals a four-inch spacing, look for centerset faucets with the same spacing.
For the most accurate measurement, remove the faucet and handles from the sink. To get the faucet center, measure from the center of the hole in the sink on the far left to the center of the hole on the far right. Faucet center measurements can be anywhere between 4 and 16 inches.
On an 8" spread there will be 8" from the center of the hot faucet to the center of the cold faucet. Like this: A 4" or mini spread will be quite close together and make it difficult to clean around the handles and spout.
Choosing the Right Size for Faucet Supply Lines
Common connector sizes are typically 3/8-inch compression or 1/2-inch threaded fittings. Measure the distance from the shut-off valve to the faucet to determine the appropriate length of supply lines needed.
Most of the time, the hole for your kitchen faucet will be 1 3/8 inches across. That's the standard size you'll typically see. But here's the catch - not all faucets play by the same rules. Some of them require a little more breathing room with a 1 1/2-inch hole instead.
Spigots allow water to flow through the tap without usually having any temperature controls. Meanwhile, faucets not only allow you to adjust the pressure of the water coming out of your taps, you can also control the temperature too. This gives faucets a little more functionality than spigots.
20mm inlet and 25mm outlet (NSW only) 15mm inlet and 20mm outlet (all other states)
Here are the three most common types and their dimensions: Standard Kitchen Faucet: With a height of 8-15 inches and a spout reach of 4-8 inches.
Typical "Regular" size for a faucet aerator is 15/16" male threaded or 55/64" female threaded, while "Junior" size is 13/16" male threaded or 3/4" female threaded.
If you have a small sink or countertop, choose a centerset faucet for its compact size. Choose a wide-set faucet for customizable spacing for larger countertops or sinks that have the necessary space and need the visual impact of a widespread faucet.