Standard Door Sizes & Dimensions Guide

The most common interior door size is 30" wide × 6'8" tall × 1⅜" thick. For exterior doors, 32" wide × 6'8" tall × 1¾" thick is standard. These sizes provide good accessibility while fitting standard rough openings and are readily available at most home improvement stores.

Step-by-step measurement process:

1. Remove the existing door from its hinges
2. Measure width: top, middle, and bottom - use the smallest measurement
3. Measure height: left, center, and right - use the smallest measurement
4. Measure thickness with calipers or ruler
5. Check rough opening dimensions for proper clearance

Pro tip: Always measure twice and order once to avoid costly mistakes.

Interior doors: 1⅜" thick - lighter, less expensive, sufficient for indoor use

Exterior doors: 1¾" thick - provides better security, weather resistance, and insulation

The extra ⅜" thickness requires different door jambs, hinges, and locksets. You cannot interchange hardware between interior and exterior door thicknesses.

Short answer: No, not without significant structural modifications.

What's required:

• Remove existing frame and trim
• Cut wall studs and drywall
• Install new header beam
• Frame new rough opening
• Install new door and frame
• Patch and finish drywall

Cost: $500-$1,500+ depending on complexity. Always consult a contractor for load-bearing walls.

ADA Requirements:

• Minimum width: 32" clear opening (36" door recommended)
• Maneuvering space: 18" on pull side, 12" on push side
• Threshold height: Maximum ¼" for interior, ½" for exterior
• Opening force: Maximum 5 pounds to operate
• Hardware height: 34" to 48" above floor

Standard wheelchairs are 24-27" wide, so a 32" clear opening provides adequate passage.

Benefits: Dramatic appearance, makes rooms feel larger, luxury appeal, better proportions with 9-10' ceilings

Costs:

• Doors: 2-3x more expensive ($300-800 vs $100-300)
• Installation: $200-500 additional labor
• Framing modifications may be required
• Custom jambs and trim needed

Verdict: Worth it for high-end homes with tall ceilings, adds significant value and visual impact.

Standard door height is 6'8" (80 inches) for both interior and exterior doors.

Other common heights:

• 6'6" (78"): Older homes, mobile homes
• 7'0" (84"): Luxury applications
• 8'0" (96"): High-end custom homes

The 6'8" standard was established to accommodate 8-foot ceiling heights with proper head clearance for average-height individuals.

Interior Door Replacement:

• Door only: $80-$400
• Professional installation: $150-$300
• Total cost: $230-$700

Exterior Door Replacement:

• Door only: $200-$1,500
• Professional installation: $300-$800
• Total cost: $500-$2,300

Costs vary based on door material, complexity, and regional labor rates.

Rough Opening Formula:

• Width: Door width + 2" (interior) or + 2¼" (exterior)
• Height: Door height + 2½" (allows for flooring)

Examples:

• 30" interior door = 32" × 82½" rough opening
• 32" exterior door = 34¼" × 82½" rough opening
• 36" door = 38" × 82½" rough opening

Extra space allows for shimming, insulation, and proper door frame installation.

Yes, but with limitations:

• Solid wood doors: Can trim up to 2" safely
• Hollow core doors: Maximum 1½" (avoid hollow sections)
• Fiberglass/steel: Usually cannot be cut significantly

Best practices:

• Always cut from the bottom
• Use fine-tooth saw to prevent splintering
• Sand and seal cut edge
• Consider professional installation

Hollow Core Doors:

• Weight: 15-25 lbs
• Cost: $80-$200
• Sound insulation: Poor
• Best for: Closets, non-essential rooms

Solid Core Doors:

• Weight: 30-50 lbs
• Cost: $150-$400
• Sound insulation: Excellent
• Best for: Bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices

Solid core doors provide better privacy, durability, and feel more substantial when closing.

Bedroom Door Size Guidelines:

• Master bedroom: 32" or 36" for furniture access
• Secondary bedrooms: 30" or 32" standard
• Guest rooms: 30" minimum

Consider these factors:

• Furniture size (beds, dressers, desks)
• Room layout and traffic flow
• Accessibility needs
• Building codes and fire egress requirements

Most bedroom doors are 30", but 32" provides better accessibility and furniture movement.

Bathroom Door Requirements:

• Minimum code: 24" width in most areas
• Recommended: 28" or 30" for comfort
• ADA compliant: 32" clear opening required

By bathroom type:

• Powder rooms: 24" or 28" acceptable
• Full bathrooms: 30" or 32" preferred
• Master bathrooms: 32" or 36" for luxury feel

Consider swing direction - doors should not hit fixtures when opened.

Front Door Width Standards:

• Minimum: 32" for accessibility compliance
• Standard: 36" most popular choice
• Luxury: 42" for grand entrances

Benefits of wider front doors:

• Better curb appeal and first impression
• Easier furniture moving
• Improved accessibility
• Enhanced natural light entry
• Higher home value

36" is the sweet spot for most homes, providing both function and visual appeal.

Closet Door Size Guide:

• Linen closets: 18" or 24" width
• Coat closets: 24" or 30" width
• Bedroom closets: 24" to 32" width
• Walk-in closets: 30" to 36" width

Alternative closet door options:

• Bifold doors: Good for wider openings (48" to 96")
• Sliding doors: Space-saving for tight areas
• Barn doors: Decorative option, requires wall space

Consider what you'll store and how often you'll access items when choosing size.

Yes, door sizes can impact home value:

Positive impacts:

• 36" front doors increase curb appeal
• 32" doors throughout improve accessibility
• 8-foot tall doors in luxury homes add premium feel
• Consistent sizing creates cohesive appearance

Negative impacts:

• Narrow doors (under 30") feel cramped
• Non-standard sizes limit buyer appeal
• Poor accessibility compliance

Investment in proper door sizing typically returns 70-90% of costs in increased home value.