Standard Interior Door Size Explained
Choosing the right door size can feel confusing when renovating or building a home. Get it wrong, and people face costly adjustments and installation headaches.
But here’s the encouraging insight: understanding standard interior door size doesn’t have to be complicated.
This guide breaks down the most common dimensions used in residential construction, making it easy to pick the right fit.
You will learn about typical heights, widths, and thickness measurements. You will also find out when custom sizing makes sense.
Standard Interior Door Size (Quick Answer)
Most people want a straightforward answer before diving into details. Here’s the most common standard interior door size found in US homes and what makes it the industry default.
| Door Specification | Standard Measurements | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Widths | 24″, 28″, 30″, 32″, 36.” | Closets: 24″-28″ Bedrooms, Bathrooms: 30″-32″ Main Entries, Accessible Spaces: 36″ |
| Standard Heights | 80 inches (6’8″) 96 inches (8’0″) for luxury homes |
80″ is the industry standard; taller doors create a more open feel |
| Standard Thickness | 1⅜ inches (standard) 1¾ inches (heavy-duty) |
1⅜” for most interior doors; 1¾” for exterior or soundproofing needs |
How to Measure an Interior Door Correctly?
Getting accurate measurements is the difference between a door that fits perfectly and one that requires expensive adjustments. Follow these simple steps to measure like a professional contractor.
Measuring an Existing Door
- Measure the door width from left edge to right edge at the widest point
- Measure the height from top to bottom along the tallest edge
- Measure thickness by checking the door edge (usually 1⅜ or 1¾ inches)
- Write down measurements as width x height x thickness
- Always measure in three spots (top, middle, bottom) and use the largest measurement
Measuring a Door Opening
- Measure the rough opening width from one side of the framed opening to the other
- Measure the rough opening height from the floor to the top of the frame
- Take measurements at three different points across the opening
- Subtract 2 to 2½ inches from rough opening measurements to get the door size needed
- Check that the opening is square by measuring both diagonal corners
Pro Tip: Always round down to the nearest standard door size when measurements fall between standard dimensions.
Standard Interior Door Sizes by Room
Different rooms in a home require different door sizes based on their function and how often people use them.
Understanding which standard interior door size works best for each space helps people make informed decisions during construction or renovation projects.
1. Bedroom Doors
Most bedrooms use doors that measure 30 or 32 inches wide and 80 inches tall. The 30-inch width works well for standard bedrooms, while the 32-inch width provides extra comfort for moving furniture in and out.
Master bedrooms often get 36-inch doors to create a more spacious entrance and improve accessibility.
2. Bathroom Doors
Bathroom doors typically measure 28 to 32 inches wide, depending on the bathroom size. Powder rooms and half-baths often use 28-inch doors since space is limited.
Full bathrooms with tubs or showers usually get 30 or 32-inch doors. The extra width makes it easier to carry towels, hampers, and cleaning supplies through the doorway.
3. Closet Doors
Standard closet doors run 24 to 30 inches wide, with 24 inches being the minimum size that still allows reasonable access. Walk-in closets benefit from 30 to 36-inch doors for more effortless movement.
Reach-in closets work fine with narrower 24 to 28-inch doors since people need to reach inside rather than walk through.
4. Kitchen Doors
When homes have separate kitchen entrances, doors usually measure 32 to 36 inches wide. This width accommodates carrying groceries, large pots, and serving dishes.
Many modern homes skip kitchen doors entirely, preferring open-concept designs. But for those who want separation, 32 inches is the minimum recommended width for practical daily use.
5. Laundry Room Doors
Laundry room doors work best at 30 to 32 inches wide. This size allows people to carry laundry baskets through comfortably and makes room for moving appliances during installation or repairs.
6. Pantry Doors
Pantry doors measure between 24 and 32 inches wide. Walk-in pantries need 30 to 32-inch doors, while smaller reach-in pantries function well with 24 to 28-inch doors.
The choice depends on whether people need to walk into the space or reach in to grab items from shelves.
Nominal Vs Actual Interior Door Size
Understanding the difference between nominal and actual door sizes prevents ordering mistakes and installation issues:
| Nominal Size (Called) | Actual Size (Measured) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ x 80″ | 23½” x 79½” | Allows room for the door frame and smooth operation |
| 28″ x 80″ | 27½” x 79½” | Creates a necessary clearance gap around the door |
| 30″ x 80″ | 29½” x 79½” | Standard reduction for all pre-hung interior doors |
| 32″ x 80″ | 31½” x 79½” | Ensures the door doesn’t bind against the frame |
| 36″ x 80″ | 35½” x 79½” | Provides space for hinges and weather stripping |
Accessibility Considerations for Interior Door Size
Source: Accessibilitychecker.org
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets minimum requirements for accessible door widths. A 32-inch clear opening is mandatory for wheelchair access, which typically requires a 36-inch door.
This measurement accounts for the door frame and hinges that reduce the actual passable space.
People planning for aging in place should install 36-inch doors in key areas like master bedrooms and bathrooms. Wider doors also help people using walkers, crutches, or mobility scooters move through the home safely.
They make it easier to transport large items, too.
Lever-style handles work better than round knobs for people with arthritis or limited hand strength.
And swing-clear hinges can add an extra two inches of clearance, making standard 32-inch doors more accessible without major renovations.
Rough Opening Sizes for Interior Doors
Rough opening measurements tell contractors how much space to frame for a door, including room for the frame, shims, and leveling:
| Door Size (Nominal) | Rough Opening Width | Rough Opening Height | Extra Space Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24″ x 80″ | 26″ – 26½” | 82″ – 82½” | 2″ – 2½” wider and taller than the door |
| 28″ x 80″ | 30″ – 30½” | 82″ – 82½” | Accommodates frame jambs and shims |
| 30″ x 80″ | 32″ – 32½” | 82″ – 82½” | Standard allowance for installation |
| 32″ x 80″ | 34″ – 34½” | 82″ – 82½” | Space for leveling and adjustments |
| 36″ x 80″ | 38″ – 38½” | 82″ – 82½” | Room for proper door operation |
| 30″ x 96″ (8-foot) | 32″ – 32½” | 98″ – 98½” | Taller ceilings need larger openings |
Interior Door Dimensions by Door Type
The type of door chosen affects both the size needed and the rough opening required. Each style has its own standard measurements that work best for functionality and appearance.
1. Single Hinged Doors
Single-hinged doors are the most common type in residential homes, available in all standard widths from 24 to 36 inches.
They require minimal space for installation but need clearance to swing open. The 80-inch height remains consistent across all widths.
These doors work in nearly every room and come in both left-hand and right-hand swing configurations, depending on the layout.
2. Double Doors (French Doors)
French doors typically measure 60 to 72 inches wide when both panels are combined, with each door measuring 30 to 36 inches.
They create an elegant entrance for master suites, home offices, or between living spaces. The standard height stays at 80 inches, though luxury homes sometimes use 96-inch versions.
Installation requires a wider rough opening, usually 4 to 5 inches more than the total door width.
3. Pocket Doors
Pocket doors slide into the wall cavity, saving floor space where swing clearance is limited. They need the same width options as hinged doors, 24 to 36 inches, but require a pocket frame twice the door width.
A 30-inch pocket door needs roughly 60 inches of wall space for the door to slide completely into the pocket.
4. Barn Doors and Sliding Doors
Barn doors have become popular for their rustic look and space-saving design. Standard sizes range from 30 to 42 inches wide, though custom widths are standard.
They mount on exposed hardware that extends 4 to 6 inches beyond each side of the door opening.
The door itself should be at least 2 inches wider than the opening it covers to prevent gaps. Most barn doors measure 80 to 84 inches tall.
5. Bifold Doors
Bifold doors fold in the middle and work perfectly for closets with limited space. Single bifold units come in 24, 30, or 36-inch widths, while double bifold sets range from 48 to 72 inches wide total.
Each panel is typically 12 to 18 inches wide. They need 1 to 2 inches of clearance above the opening for the track hardware and pivot points.
What to Do if Your Interior Door is Not a Standard Size?
Non-standard door openings are standard in older homes, renovated spaces, or custom-built properties. People have several practical options to address this issue.
The first choice is ordering a custom door cut to exact specifications. This costs more than standard doors but guarantees a perfect fit.
Most door manufacturers offer custom sizing for an additional fee, typically 20 to 40 percent above standard pricing.
Another option is modifying the rough opening to fit a standard door size. This involves reframing the opening, which requires carpentry skills but saves money on the door itself.
Adding or removing framing studs brings the opening to standard dimensions.
For small gaps, trim and molding can fill the extra space around a standard door. This works when the difference is just an inch or two. It’s the most budget-friendly solution and doesn’t require major construction work.
The Bottom Line
Getting the standard interior door size right sets the foundation for a successful home project.
Understanding the difference between nominal and actual measurements prevents ordering errors, while knowing rough opening requirements helps communicate better with contractors.
The next step is measuring existing door openings in the home and comparing them to these standard sizes. For standard openings, ordering pre-hung doors saves time and installation costs.
Take those measurements and start planning the perfect door upgrade today.
