If your door is damaged, drafty, or just plain old, it may be time for a replacement. But figuring out what size door you need can feel like a guessing game. For many homeowners, the confusion starts with measurements: How many inches is a standard door width? What’s the standard patio door size, and is it different from an interior door?
Choosing the right size door is important for a smooth installation. If you’re struggling with these questions, learning about standard door width and height can help guide your decision.
Why Are Door Sizes Standardized?
When most homes are built, the doors are fitted into openings that follow a set of standard dimensions. You won’t need custom doors unless you have a unique layout. Having a standard door width for the opening simplifies the replacement process and allows for easy, cost-effective manufacturing.
Standardization also keeps costs lower for both homeowners and manufacturers because doors can be produced in bulk. For older homes or custom-built properties, door sizes might vary, which can complicate the process. But generally, standard door widths help you avoid unexpected expenses when replacing doors.
What Is the Standard Door Width?
Standard door width in the U.S. varies between interior and exterior doors. Knowing these measurements helps homeowners avoid the hassle of having to trim or modify a door to fit, especially if they’re doing the installation themselves. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for different areas of your home.
Standard Door Width for Interior Doors
The standard door width for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other interior rooms in modern homes is 30 to 32 inches. However, you might also find smaller standard door widths for bathrooms, basements, utility rooms, and pantries, especially in older homes. Knowing this standard size can save you from accidentally buying a door that won’t fit in an older frame, but you should always make sure you measure carefully before buying a replacement door.
Standard Door Width for Exterior Doors
Exterior doors, like front doors and patio doors, are generally wider than interior ones, with a standard door width of 36 inches. This extra width makes it easier to move furniture and large items in and out of your home, while also providing better security.
Wider doors can create a grand entrance, but they also require more space for installation. Larger homes or custom-built houses might feature doors as wide as 42 inches or more. And standard door width for commercial buildings can be even larger than that. Make sure your door frame can handle the wider size before committing to a replacement.
How Tall Is a Standard Door?
Standard door height in most homes is 80 inches, or 6 feet 8 inches. This applies to both interior and exterior doors. If you live in a newer home, this measurement will likely be consistent throughout your house. However, older homes, especially those built before the 1950s, may have shorter door heights.
While 80 inches is the norm, taller doors — 84 or even 96 inches — are common in modern or high-ceiling homes. Taller doors create an open and airy feel, but might require additional framing work if your current openings are shorter. Knowing this measurement in advance will help you avoid major modifications.
What Is the Standard Door Width for Wheelchair Access?
For homes needing wheelchair accessibility, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standard door width is at least 36 inches. (The ADA standard door width in feet is 3 feet.) This ensures that doorways are wide enough for standard wheelchairs to pass through without damaging the frame or trim.
If you’re considering a home renovation to improve wheelchair accessibility, it’s a good idea to evaluate all main doorways, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Even if your home currently has narrower doors, widening them during a remodel can make your space more accessible.
What Is the Standard Sliding Glass Door Size?
Sliding glass doors save space and offer unobstructed views to outdoor areas. They’re typically used for patios, balconies, or backyards, and sliding glass door dimensions can vary depending on the space available. However, it’s still important to know the standard sizes before purchasing.
How Wide Is a Sliding Glass Door?
The most common width for a sliding glass door is 72 inches, or 6 feet. This standard door width accommodates two glass panels, one fixed and one that slides. However, larger sliding doors can span up to 96 inches or more, which is ideal for creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Sliding glass doors can also be less than 72 inches wide, most commonly 60 inches for narrower doors.
How Tall Is a Sliding Glass Door?
The typical height for a sliding glass door is 80 inches, the same as most standard doors. However, if you have higher ceilings or a custom home, you may want to opt for taller sliding doors, which can reach 96 inches. Taller doors allow for a greater view of the outdoors and make spaces feel more open. Before purchasing, make sure to measure the standard door width with the frame to avoid ordering a door that won’t fit properly.
Tips for Measuring Doors
Even when you know the standard door width sizes, you’ll still need to take accurate measurements so your new door will fit perfectly. Here are a few tips for measuring a door.
Measure the Width at Three Points
Doors aren’t always perfectly aligned, especially in older homes. Measure the standard door width in inches at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement as your guide so that the door will fit snugly in the frame.
Account for Door Swing Space
When replacing a swinging door, make sure to consider the space required for the door to open fully. Measure from the edge of the door frame to the nearest wall or obstruction to make sure there’s enough clearance for the door to open and close without hitting anything.
Include the Door Frame in Your Height Measurement
When measuring for height, don’t forget to include the door frame. Measure from the top of the frame down to the floor, not just the door itself. This will help you get a more accurate idea of the total height needed for your replacement door.
Finding the Right Door Width for Your Home
Knowing standard door widths can help you with project planning and budgeting, but you should always measure your door before purchasing. Getting your door measurements right will make installation easier and help your door operate smoothly and last longer.
Working with a professional can also help make things easier. MILGARD offers a wide variety of high-quality doors in a variety of standard sizes, so you can find the perfect match for your home. Whether you’re replacing an old door or upgrading to a more energy-efficient option, MILGARD’s experts can guide you through the selection process. Contact a MILGARD Certified Dealer for seamless design and installation.
