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

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

2. Princess Size Wall Plates

Princess plates are larger than standard but smaller than jumbo/oversize. They are ideal when you need slightly more coverage, such as light wall imperfections or uneven paint lines.

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.