Wall Plate Sizes – Complete Guide
Wall Plate Sizes – Complete Guide
This comprehensive guide explains every major wall plate size used in residential and commercial buildings, including Standard, Princess, Jumbo/Oversize, Utility (Handy Box) plates, and 4×4 box covers. It also explains gang sizes, screw spacing, and the differences between each wall plate category. Use this page to quickly determine the correct size for your project.
What Is a Gang? (1-Gang Through 10-Gang)
A gang refers to the number of devices (switches or outlets) that sit side-by-side in a single electrical box.
- 1-Gang = One device
- 2-Gang = Two devices
- 3-Gang = Three devices
- Up to 10-Gang for larger installations
It’s important to understand that “gang size” does not refer to the overall size (standard, princes, maxi, jumbo/oversize, etc.) of a wall plate — those terms describe the plate’s dimensions (height, width, coverage area, etc.). Instead, a “gang size” (1-gang, 2-gang, 3-gang, etc.) refers to how many electrical devices (switches, outlets, etc.) the wall plate is intended to cover side-by-side. For example, a “3-gang toggle wall plate” is meant to sit over three toggle switches mounted in a single electrical box, regardless of whether the plate is standard, jumbo, or any other size classification.
Main Wall Plate Size Categories
1. Standard Size Wall Plates
Standard wall plates are the most commonly used size in homes and offices. These fit all modern electrical devices including toggle switches, duplex outlets, and rocker (Decora-style) devices.
| Gang Size | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Gang | 4.50 in | 2.75 in |
| 2-Gang | 4.50 in | 4.562 in |
| 3-Gang | 4.50 in | 6.375 in |
| 4-Gang | 4.50 in | 8.187 in |
| 5-Gang | 4.50 in | 10.00 in |
| 6-Gang | 4.50 in | 11.812 in |
| 7-Gang | 4.5 in | 13.625 in |
| 8-Gang | 4.5 in | 15.437 in |
| 9-Gang | 4.5 in | 17.25 in |
| 10-Gang | 4.5 in | 19.062 in |
| 11-Gang | 4.5 in | 20.875 in |
| 12-Gang | 4.5 in | 22.687 in |
| 13-Gang | 4.5 in | 24.50 in |
| 14-Gang | 4.5 in | 26.312 in |
| 15-Gang | 4.5 in | 28.125 in |
| 16-Gang | 4.5 in | 29.937 in |
| 17-Gang | 4.5 in | 31.875 in |
| 18-Gang | 4.5 in | 33.687 in |
| 19-Gang | 4.5 in | 35.50 in |
| 20-Gang | 4.5 in | 37.312 in |
2. Princess Shape (PRL) Wall Plates
Princess-size wall plates are often misunderstood as a different size category, but in reality, they are only slightly taller than standard wall plates while maintaining the exact same width. This extra height gives just a bit more coverage above and below the device opening, which can help conceal small imperfections in the wall without jumping to a full jumbo or oversized plate. The overall footprint is still proportional, and the width remains identical to standard plates for all gang configurations — only the height increases.
Princess Shape wall plates are designed with gently rounded corners and beautifully contoured, sloping edges that create a softer, more decorative profile compared to the sharper, flatter edges of a standard plate. The silhouette has a subtle, elegant curvature that gives the plate a more refined, architectural appearance on the wall. While the extra height offers functional benefits, the defining characteristic of the Princess series is its distinctive shape and styling details.
| Gang Size | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Gang | 5 in | 2.75 in |
| 2-Gang | 5 in | 4.562 in |
| 3-Gang | 5 in | 6.375 in |
| 4-Gang | 5 in | 8.187 in |
| 5-Gang | 5 in | 10.00 in |
| 6-Gang | 5 in | 11.812 in |
3. Jumbo / Oversize Wall Plates
Oversize (also called jumbo) wall plates provide maximum coverage and are commonly used to conceal drywall damage, large box openings, or uneven wall surfaces.
| Gang Size | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Gang | 5.50 in | 3.50 in |
| 2-Gang | 5.50 in | 5.50 in |
| 3-Gang | 5.50 in | 7.50 in |
| 4-Gang | 5.50 in | 9.50 in |
| 5-Gang | 5.50 in | 11.50 in |
| 6-Gang | 5.50 in | 13.50 in |
4. Utility Size Wall Plates (Handy Box Covers)
Utility wall plates are designed for 2×4 metal utility boxes, also known as handy boxes. These are commonly used in basements, garages, shops, exposed conduit installations, and surface-mounted wiring systems. Utility plates are narrower than standard wall plates because they match the dimensions of the metal handy box.
| Gang Size | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Gang | 4-3/32 in | 2-7/32 in |
5. 4×4 Electrical Box Covers (Square Covers)
4×4 covers are used with metal junction boxes and are typically found in basements, commercial buildings, and industrial spaces. They are not decorative — they are functional electrical covers.
| Type | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 Flat Cover | 4.00 in | 4.00 in |
| 4×4 Device Cover (Raised) | 4.00 in | 4.00 in |
Standard Screw Spacing
All modern electrical devices follow uniform screw spacing, regardless of brand:
| Wall Plate Device Type | Screw Spacing |
|---|---|
| Blank | 3.281 in |
| Toggle Switch | 2.375 in |
| Rocker / GFI / Decora® | 3.812 in |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wall plate do I need?
If your wall is clean and even, choose Standard size. If you need more coverage, Princess or Jumbo/Oversize is recommended.
Are all wall plates interchangeable?
Yes. As long as the plate matches the device style (toggle, duplex, rocker), all modern wall plates follow the same screw spacing.
Can oversized wall plates cover drywall damage?
Absolutely. Oversize wall plates are specifically designed to cover cracks, paint overlap, and extra-large wall openings.
Are Utility (Handy Box) plates the same as Standard plates?
No. Utility plates fit 2×4 metal handy boxes and are narrower than standard wall plates used on flush-mounted plastic or metal electrical boxes.
*“Decora®” is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. This product is not manufactured by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Leviton.