Drilling Patterns for Hinges: Hole Spacings 45/9.5, 48/6 and 52/5.5 (Compatible with Blum & Hettich)

April 16, 2026

The drilling pattern for hinges defines the exact distance between the fixing screws as well as their position relative to the hinge cup. The most common standards for a 35 mm concealed hinge cup are the hole spacings 45/9.5 mm, 48/6 mm, and 52/5.5 mm. These dimensions are crucial for compatibility when replacing furniture fittings.

What exactly is the drilling pattern on hinges?

When joiners or fitters talk about the drilling pattern of a concealed hinge, they are referring to the precise positioning of the drill holes in the cabinet door. This dimension is typically stated with two figures, for example 45/9.5.

These two values have a fixed technical meaning:

The first value (e.g. 45 mm): Refers to the direct distance between the centres of the two screw holes situated to the left and right of the hinge cup.
The second value (e.g. 9.5 mm): Describes the distance from the centre of the 35 mm cup hole to the imaginary line connecting both screw holes (centre-to-centre offset).

A drilling pattern works just like the pitch circle on a car wheel: if the measurement differs by even a single millimetre, the screws of the new hinge will not align with the pre-drilled factory holes in the door.

Common hole spacings in detail

Specific standards have been established across the European market by various manufacturers. Anyone replacing a defective hinge must determine the existing measurement precisely.

Drilling pattern 45/9.5 mm

This measurement is considered one of the most widespread standards in furniture manufacturing and is primarily used by the Blum brand. The distance between the screws is 45 mm. This drilling pattern is frequently found on modern kitchen cabinets, often combined with soft-close concealed hinges.

Drilling pattern 48/6 mm

This hole spacing is the characteristic dimension for fittings from the Hettich and Salice brands. The screw holes are slightly wider apart at 48 mm, whilst the distance to the cup centre is smaller at 6 mm.

Drilling pattern 52/5.5 mm

A spacing of 52 mm between the screw holes is seen less frequently today, but it still occurs on older pieces of furniture or specific industrial standards.

Dimensions, standards, and installation

Regardless of the hole spacing for the screws, the diameter for the hinge cup on standard cabinet doors remains almost always at 35 mm. Only very light or small doors make use of 26 mm cups.

To determine the correct drilling pattern, a caliper is the tool of choice. Measurements are always taken from hole centre to hole centre. If the drilling pattern matches, the hinge can be screwed into the furniture front without modifications, regardless of whether it involves 110-degree concealed hinges or wide-opening 165-degree concealed hinges.

Application and selection during replacement

Choosing the correct drilling pattern is strictly mandatory when replacing existing fittings. If the wrong dimension is chosen, new holes must be drilled into the chipboard or MDF. Because the old holes are often very close to the new ones, the material can easily tear out and the screw loses its grip.

When constructing entirely new furniture, the joiner is free to choose the system, but must ensure that the drilling jig is precisely aligned with the purchased hinge. This applies to standard overlays as well as specialised solutions, such as 90-degree concealed hinges.

In addition to the door drilling pattern, attention must also be paid to the cruciform mounting plate in the carcase during installation. This is usually secured using the System 32 (32 mm hole line spacing).

Related terms

Cup hole: The large, usually 35 mm recess routed into the cabinet door to accommodate the mechanical assembly of the hinge.
Full overlay: The door rests fully over the carcase side panel.
Half overlay: Two doors share a single central carcase side panel (half overlay).
Inset: The door sits entirely flush inside the carcase frame.