How to measure a door handle

Most uPVC and composite door handles are interchangeable, but there are three measurements to check: the PZ, the screw centres and the style. Here’s how to get the right replacement.

This guide explains how to measure a door handle step by step, what the terms mean and how to measure a window handle too, so you can order with confidence.

What you need

• A tape measure or ruler with millimetres
• A screwdriver to remove the inside handle
• Your door open, so it can’t swing shut while the handle is off

1. Check the PZ

The PZ is the distance from the centre of the square spindle to the centre of the keyhole. Almost all uPVC and composite doors are 92mm, which is what our Trojan Sparta handles are made to fit.

To check yours, measure from the middle of the spindle hole to the middle of the round part of the keyhole. If it is not 92mm, the door may have an older or unusual lock, so call us before you order.

2. Measure the screw centres

Remove the handle on the inside of the door and measure from the centre of the top fixing screw to the centre of the bottom one. Choose the handle with the same screw centres: 122mm or 210mm. The backplate of the new handle should cover the old screw holes.

The fixing screws go right through the door into the outside handle, so the two handles are held together. Take the inside one off and the outside one will come away too.

3. Lever/lever or lever/pad

• Lever/lever: a handle on both sides. The door opens from outside by pressing the handle. Common on back doors.
• Lever/pad: a handle inside and a fixed pad outside. From outside the door only opens with a key. Common on front doors.

Replace like with like. Your lock is set up for the type you have now.

Door handle sizes at a glance

Measurement	Where to measure	Common size
PZ	Spindle centre to keyhole centre	92mm
Screw centres	Top screw centre to bottom screw centre	122mm or 210mm
Style	Handle on both sides, or pad outside	Lever/lever or lever/pad

Check the cylinder while the handle is off

A new handle can change how much of the euro cylinder shows. For security, the cylinder should sit flush with the handle or stick out no more than 3mm. Our guide on how to measure a euro cylinder shows you how to check it, and door locks and security explains why it matters.

Window handles

1. Open the window and unscrew the handle (lift or twist off the cover plate to find the screws).
2. Measure the square spindle from the base of the handle to its tip. Our locking window handles come with 15mm to 40mm spindles.
3. Check the shape. An inline handle is straight. A cranked handle bends to clear the frame, and is left or right handed as you look at it from inside.

Choose a spindle long enough to engage the gearbox fully. Too short and the handle won’t operate the locks properly. Too long and the handle won’t sit flat against the frame. Our window handles and security guide has more on locking handles.

Fitting your new door handle

1. With the door open, remove the two fixing screws from the inside handle.
2. Pull both handles away and slide out the square spindle.
3. Fit the new spindle and outside handle, then the inside handle, lining up the screw holes.
4. Tighten the screws evenly and test the handle and lock with the door open.

Common mistakes

• Swapping lever/pad for lever/lever. This can leave a front door that opens from outside without a key.
• Guessing the screw centres. 122mm and 210mm handles are not interchangeable.
• Measuring a window spindle from the backplate instead of the base of the handle.
• Ordering the wrong hand of cranked window handle.

Quick answers

What is a PZ on a door handle?

The distance from the centre of the spindle to the centre of the keyhole. Almost all uPVC and composite doors are 92mm.

What screw centres do I need?

Measure between the centres of the top and bottom screws, then choose 122mm or 210mm to match.

Can I fit a lever/lever handle on my front door?

Replace like with like. Your lock is set up for the type you have now.

How much is delivery for handles?

Hardware-only orders are £4.95. See our delivery information.

Ready to order? See our door handles and window handles.