What should I look for when buying faucet compatibility: hole count & sink setup?

Measure your sink holes before shopping. Take a photo too. Single-hole faucets with deck plates are the most versatile -- they fit 1-hole and 3-hole sinks. If replacing a 4-hole faucet with single-hole, use extra holes for a soap dispenser or hole covers.

What are common mistakes when buying faucet compatibility: hole count & sink setup?

Ordering a widespread faucet for centerset holes. The handles physically cannot reach. Assuming all 3-hole sinks are the same spacing. Measure -- some have non-standard spacing. Drilling holes in granite or quartz without professional equipment.

Faucet Compatibility: Hole Count & Sink Setup

Buying Guide

Created by Ryan Pietrzak Illinois Licensed Plumber · In the plumbing industry since 2009

Updated February 20, 2026

Key Takeaway

The most common faucet buying mistake is ordering one that does not fit your sink. Sinks have 1, 3, or 4 pre-drilled holes with specific spacing. A mismatch means returning the faucet or drilling new holes. Five minutes of measuring prevents this entirely.

Overview

What to Know

Hole Configurations

Single-hole: one hole, fits single-handle faucets. 3-hole centerset: three holes, 4-inch center-to-center spacing. 3-hole widespread: three holes, 8-inch center-to-center. 4-hole: three faucet holes plus one for a sprayer or soap dispenser.

Measuring Your Sink

Count the holes. Measure center-to-center distance between the outer holes. Standard centerset: 4 inches. Standard widespread: 8 inches. Single-hole faucets can use a deck plate to cover extra holes.

Adapting Mismatches

Single-hole faucet on a 3-hole sink: use the included deck plate or buy sink hole covers. Widespread faucet on centerset holes: not possible. Drilling additional holes in stone requires professional equipment.

Buying Tips

Measure your sink holes before shopping. Take a photo too.
Single-hole faucets with deck plates are the most versatile -- they fit 1-hole and 3-hole sinks.
If replacing a 4-hole faucet with single-hole, use extra holes for a soap dispenser or hole covers.
Widespread faucets offer the most design flexibility for larger vanities.

Common Mistakes

Ordering a widespread faucet for centerset holes. The handles physically cannot reach.
Assuming all 3-hole sinks are the same spacing. Measure -- some have non-standard spacing.
Drilling holes in granite or quartz without professional equipment.
Forgetting to check the hole diameter. Most faucets need 1-3/8 inch holes.

Bottom Line

Count holes, measure spacing, buy compatible. When in doubt, a single-hole faucet with a deck plate fits the widest range of sinks.