How Big Is a Standard Door? (Height and Width)

You might be wondering what size a standard door is for a new home or maybe just a project you want to tackle. Look no further; we’ve checked in with some carpentry experts and gathered information that will help you. Here you’ll find information on standard size doors for your entryway, as well as some standard sizes for other types of doors commonly found around households today. 

For an exterior door on a residential home, the standard size is 80-inches by 26-inches with a thickness of 1 ¾-inch.  Newer homes also come with a less common but still standard size door in both 30-inches and 32-inches widths, instead. 

Exterior doors on a typical home these days do not always fall into the same category. Depending on the type of door you’re aiming at, you may first want to determine the dimensions you need to select the right door to work with. Below is some information on the different kind of doors and their standard and available sizes. 

Front view of a traditional house with two windows that shows a reflecting image, How Big Is a Standard Door? (Height and Width)

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Types of Exterior doors

Doors come in many different heights and widths, but they also come from different materials and in different styles. Knowing what kind and material you’re most interested in will help you select the proper size for your entryway, patio, or other exterior or interior door. 

Sliding glass doors

Living space with glass sliding door and white ceiling incorporated with orange chairs

Sliding glass doors are a prevalent type of exterior door. These can commonly be found in kitchens leading out to a patio or even off of a bedroom or living room onto a deck. Due to their design, a lot of natural light flows through them and into the house. Since they’re one of the more inexpensive options to use for a patio or deck, they are among the more common types of doors to use. The standard size for these doors is 80-inches by 72-inches wide. Other sizes are also available, such as 60-inches by 96-inches wide and 96-inches by 96-inches wide. 

French doors

French doors are those beautiful double doors that generally open inward. They function just like a standard entryway door, except the two doors latch together when closed. Their standard size is 80-inches by 72-inches and 96-inches by 72-inches. Depending on the manufacturer, it is possible to get these doors with a width of anywhere between 24-inches to 42-inches per door panel. Be sure to check out our article here that provides more details on standard size french doors

Modern dining room interior design with French door, How to Install French Doors in an Existing Opening

Standard entryway door

A standard entryway door is the most common. The standard size for this door is 80-inches by 26-inches. As home designs are becoming more modern, there are newer standard sizes, though they are a little less common, with 30-inches and 32-inches widths available. 

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Types of Interior doors 

Interior doors are a little different from exterior doors because they don’t need to withstand weather and frequent use. Interior doors are made of different materials, different insulation variables, and the standard sizes also vary, as opposed to traditional exterior doors. 

An interior door is generally made up of just a single material such as wood or fiberwood. The layers found in wooden exterior doors are not necessary on an interior door because they are not at risk due to the weather conditions. You’ll find that interior doors are rarely insulated like exterior doors are. 

If you think of the uses you have for interior doors, you can probably understand why standard sizes vary so much. You might have any combination of folding, hinged, pivot, sliding, french, bypass, pocket, or dutch doors on the inside of the house. 

Standard hinge interior door

A hinged door is a common form of door used in homes and offices alike. This type of door hangs from hinges on one side of the door, and these hinges are what allow the door to swing open.

On top of the many different kinds of interior doors you can have, these doors can provide many functions. For example, a hinged pantry door might be a little smaller or narrower than your bedroom or bathroom door. However, referencing a standard hinged interior door typically used on a bathroom or a bedroom, the standard size can range from 24-inches to 36-inches

Pivot Door 

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Pivot doors swing on a spindle instead of moving at the hinges. These types of doors are generally larger and heavier than a typical hinged door. Standard size pivot doors are 80-inches tall and anywhere between 300inches and 36-inches wide, though most commonly, you’ll find 36-inches. 

Interior sliding door

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These doors could be used to divide adjoining rooms that you generally keep open but want the ability to section off. They can also be used to enclose a shower or as a bathroom ensuite door. The standard size of this door will vary widely depending on the purpose of the door. 

Bypass doors

Very commonly found on closet doors, these are panels placed on a track. Each panel slides in front or back of the other, allowing the doors to be stacked so you can access all of the space behind it. These doors come in pairs but can have four or more panels to enclose a space. Bypass doors come in 24, 28, 30, 32, and 36-inch widths. The standard height is 80-inches, which generally will fit a closet door. However, it can be trimmed if needed. The size you’d select would depend on the width of space you need to cover and how many panels you would like to use. 

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Folding closet doors 

Like bypass doors, bi-(or tri-) folding doors can often be used as closet doors. They fold out on a rolling track at the top and bottom, allowing full access to the enclosed area. Also, like bypass doors, folding doors are mostly 80-inches tall. The width will vary depending on the available space, but they will increase by 24-inch increments. 

Click here to check out these bi-fold folding closet doors on Amazon. 

Pocket doors 

This is similar to a sliding door; however, when the door is open all the way, the door will disappear into the wall. These can help situations where there is not enough space for a traditional door or also be used for aesthetic reasons. 

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Dutch Doors

A dutch door is pretty similar to a standard door. You may see these on an interior or exterior of a home. Their standard sizes will follow suit with those of a traditional interior or exterior door, but they are split in half horizontally, allowing either the top or bottom half to be open while the other half remains closed. 

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What Type Of Exterior Door Is Best?

When selecting the type of door you’re going to install, picking the right material can be a struggle. Depending on what your key priorities are, there are a variety of different materials that you could choose from. Selecting the right door for you will depend on what your main goals are. 

Steel Doors

Steel doors are the strongest. They will provide you the best security and durability. Dents and dings on these doors can be repaired, making them easy to maintain and uphold their beauty. As a bonus, this material is also fairly affordable! 

Aluminum Doors

One of the more costly options, aluminum doors, are available and are very customizable. They have a baked-on enamel finish, so they don’t rust and don’t need to be painted. For these reasons, they offer great durability. These doors are also incredibly customizable, as companies will manufacture your door specifically for your space. 

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors offer another very durable option. They are maintenance-free and work extremely well for areas with humid climates. They can be made to look like wood doors with the right color and textured design, so they are also an attractive option. Fiberglass doors are a pretty affordable option, which makes them relatively common. 

Wood

Wood doors are by far the most common entryway door. They are built with strength in mind, and they come in a variety of woods ranging from oak and cherry to maple, fir, and pine, among others. You’ll notice that many wooden doors are actually just wood veneer skins over an engineered wooden core. This design is important for the durability of the door itself.

However, they are available as solid wood, though that will be one of the most expensive exterior doors you can purchase. These doors come in various sizes and styles, and it’s good to keep in mind that the more detailed the designs are, the thicker and more expensive they become. 

How Do You Properly Measure For A Door?

In order to replace an existing door, you first need to know what the measurements are. Be sure not just to measure the existing door. You’ll want to base the measurements on the door frame. Follow these steps:

  1. Measure the width: Make sure to carefully measure in three different areas. The suggested areas are at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Write down your numbers. 
  2. Measure the height: Measure each side of the door frame. The longest length will tell you the height you need. 
  3. Measure the door’s thickness.

What Size Door Is Right for Your Entry?

Selecting the right size door for your entryway is based on your own design style and preference. Once you’re able to select the right kind of door and the right material, you can measure for size and pick from the available options for that kind of door.

Can You Replace A Door Without Replacing The Frame?

You should be able to replace a door without also replacing the frame; however, there are some situations where you would need to replace the frame as well. In a situation where the door you’re looking to install is a different size than the one you are replacing, you’ll need to replace the frame. This will ensure the frame fits the new size door that you are installing.

Another situation that may call for you to replace the door frame and jamb is their condition. If the jamb and frame are in good condition, you should not have a problem replacing the door without first replacing the frame. If it is weathered, broken, or otherwise in poor condition, it would be a better option to replace the frame at the same time as the door. 

In Closing

Standard size doors come in a few different types and materials. Picking the right kind of material and type is the first step in deciding how large your door should be. With the information provided, you’re on your way to picking the right door for any entryway! Be sure to check out our article on what to put in your small entryway!

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