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4 Inch vs 8 Inch Faucet: Which is Right for You?

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Picking a new faucet for your bathroom can be a ton of work. The last thing you want to do is buy a faucet that doesn’t fit your sink or bathroom.

There are way too many different types of bathroom faucets: centerset vs widespread, single hole or three hole, deck mount or wall mount, etc.

Two of the most popular faucet designs in the world are 4-inch and 8-inch faucets.

I’ll help you learn the difference between 4 inch vs 8 inch faucets so you can decide which one is right for you.

4 inch vs 8 inch faucet

What is the Difference Between a 4 inch and 8 inch Faucet?

The main difference between 4 inch and 8 inch kitchen and bathroom faucets is the distance between the faucet handles. They each come with a faucet spout and two handles placed on either side of the spout.

8 inch faucet widespread

The difference is how far apart the handles are from each other.

The 4 inch faucet (also called a centerset faucet) has a more compact design. The distance from the middle of one handle to the middle of the other handle is 4 inches. These are great for smaller bathrooms.

The 8 inch faucet (also called a widespread faucet) has a wider faucet spread. If you take the same measurement between the handles it will be 8 inches. Widespread faucets are best for larger bathrooms and similar rooms where a larger faucet style is the best option. 

side by side 4 inch vs 8 inch faucet (centerset vs widespread) measurement

This faucet spread is an incredibly important measurement if you’re replacing an existing faucet. 4 inch and 8 inch faucets are not compatible with each other. You’ll also want to make sure you measure your faucet hole sizes as well.

close up 4 inch vs 8 inch faucet (centerset vs widespread)

Comparison Chart: 4 inch vs 8 inch Faucet

I’ve done a quick breakdown of 4 inch vs 8 inch faucets so you can decide which one is right for your bathroom.

4 inch8 inch
Best For Smaller bathrooms, compact spacesMaster bathrooms, spacious vanities.
Distance between handles4 inches8 inches
Faucet typeCentersetWidespread
# of HandlesSingle or double handleDouble handle
# of holesNormally 3, but can be oneMust be three
InstallationVery easyMore difficult
PriceMore affordable50% more expensive

4 inch vs 8 inch: Which One is Right For You?

If you’re replacing a faucet, you really don’t have much of a choice in what you get. You need to measure your faucet spread and pick the right one.

If you’re designing your bathroom from scratch, I highly recommend going with an 8 inch widespread faucet. I think they look way sleeker and are a great touch for a master bathroom.

Faucet Spread

The faucet spread is the measurement we’ve been talking about – the distance between the center of one faucet handle to the other.

If you have an existing faucet that you’re replacing, measure that distance. That’s what kind of faucet you HAVE to choose unless you want to replace your sink or countertop.

Sink Compatibility 

If you are designing a bathroom and get to pick whether you want a 4 inch or 8 inch faucet then the next biggest deciding factor is your sink.

You want to make sure to pick a faucet that is compatible with your sink. If you have a smaller sink like a vessel sink, then you won’t be able to get an 8 inch faucet. You’ll likely need a 4 inch faucet.

Cost

Price is always a factor when it comes to remodeling. 8 inch faucets are typically 50% more expensive than 4 inch faucets so if you’re on a tight budget, keep this in mind.


Pros & Cons of 4 inch Faucets

Both 4-inch and 8-inch bathroom faucets come with a range of pros and cons. We own both kinds in our house and thought it’d be helpful to share what you can expect from each type of faucet.

A 4-inch centerset faucet is one of the smallest designs you can find. They are the ideal option if you don’t have enough room for a full-sized widespread faucet. 

Pros:

  • Compact design – 4 inch faucets take up less space than 8 inch faucets and fit better in smaller bathrooms or smaller sinks.
  • Cheaper – The 4 inch faucets have a simpler design and are typically cheaper than widespread faucets.
  • Easy installation – These faucets are easier to install because you don’t have to worry about lining up three separate holes like you do for the 8 inch. Just get the deck plate in the proper place and you’re good to go.

Cons:

  • Basic design – The 4 inch faucets look better than single handle, but they don’t look as good as 8 inch faucets (in my opinion!).
  • Difficult to clean – It can be tough to clean in the small gap between the faucet handles and spout.
  • Not suitable for large sinks: If you have a big sink or a larger bathroom vanity, a 4 inch faucet sink will look awkward.

Pros & Cons of 8 inch Faucets

An 8 inch widespread faucet is the perfect size if you have a larger bathroom or sink. They are easily one of the most eye-catching faucets out there.

Pros:

  • Modern design – My wife and I love the modern and sleek design that 8 inch faucets offer.
  • Great for large bathrooms – The wider faucet spread makes them perfect for larger sinks or vanities.
  • Extremely popular – If you’re looking for an 8 inch faucet then you’re in luck. For most faucet brands, this is one of the most common products which means you’ll have lots of styles and designs to choose from. 

Cons:

  • More difficult installation – Unlike 4-inch faucets, 8-inch faucets don’t use a deck plate meaning they can be fairly tricky to install. 
  • More expensive – 8 inch faucets are a bit more intricate and are typically 50% more expensive than 4 inch faucets.

Common Questions About Faucet Spreads

What is an 8 inch faucet spread?

An 8-inch faucet spread is a type of widespread faucet that has an 8-inch gap between the pre-drilled holes used for installation. Due to their larger size, they are best suited for people looking for a large kitchen or bathroom faucet as opposed to a mini design. 

Is 4-inch centerset faucet standard?

The standard faucet spread for a centerset faucet is 4 inches. This is one of the most popular types of faucet installations.


Final Thoughts: Is a 4 inch or 8 inch Faucet Best for your Bathroom?

Both 4-inch and 8-inch designs are easily some of the most popular types of bathroom faucets on the plumbing market.

I hope this 4 inch vs 8 inch faucet showdown helped you figure out exactly what you need for your bathroom or kitchen!

If you’re replacing a faucet, it’s crucial that you measure your faucet spread and pick the right one.

If you’re designing from scratch, I highly recommend going with an 8 inch faucet spread if it fits your bathroom aesthetic.

Check out our similar guide on centerset vs widespread faucets if you need more help deciding!

Photo of author

Richmond Howard

Richmond Howard started My Plumbing DIY in 2022 to help people solve all their home plumbing issues. He and his wife have been problem solving DIY issues all around their fixer-upper house they bought in 2018. His goal is to build My Plumbing DIY into the one stop shop for home plumbing needs so that people can save money and time.

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