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What Is The Width of A Standard Interior Door?

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You usually see that the standard door width for interior doors in the United States is 32 inches. Builders call this a 2/8 door. Most interior doors range between 28 and 36 inches wide. Knowing the standard door width helps you select the right door for your home, ensures compliance with building codes, and aids in planning for future modifications. Some homes or businesses require wider doors, such as 36-inch doors, to accommodate larger openings. Closet doors and utility doors can be narrower. Exterior doors typically start at a standard door width of 36 inches. Choosing a steel door or fire door from Hele Doors provides both safety and style for your space.


  • Most interior doors in the U.S. are 28 to 36 inches wide. The most common size is 32 inches.

  • You should measure your door opening at three spots before buying a door. This helps you get the right fit and saves you from expensive errors.

  • Wider doors, like 36 inches, make it easier for people to get through. They also follow ADA rules and help everyone use your home.

  • Closet doors are usually smaller, from 18 to 36 inches wide. They come in different types, like hinged or sliding.

  • If you follow local building codes and pick the right door size, your home will be safer. It will also look better and be easier to upgrade later.


Standard Door Width

Standard Door Width

Common Sizes

In the United States, most interior doors are between 28 and 32 inches wide. Builders pick these sizes because they work well for bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Some doors can be as narrow as 24 inches or as wide as 36 inches. The size depends on the room and what you need. For example, a closet in a new house often has a door about 30 inches wide. In older houses, closet doors can be much smaller, sometimes only 18 inches wide. Because of these differences, you should always measure before you get a new door, especially in older homes.

Here is a quick table to help you see common interior door sizes:

Door Type

Standard Door Width (inches)

Typical Use

Bedroom/Bathroom

28, 30, 32

Main rooms

Closet

18, 24, 30

Storage, wardrobe

Bifold

24, 30, 36

Closets, laundry rooms

Barn Door

36, 42

Decorative, wide openings

Most interior doors are about 30 inches wide and 80 inches tall. The usual door thickness is 1 3/8 inches. This makes the door strong and solid. If you need a special door, like a fire door or a steel door, you can find them in many standard sizes.

Tip: Always measure the opening before you buy a new door. Door sizes are not always the same, especially in older houses.


ADA and Accessibility

If you want your home or business to be easy for everyone to use, you need to know the minimum door width. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has rules for this. The ADA says the smallest clear width for an interior door is 32 inches. You measure from the face of the door to the stop when the door is open at 90 degrees. This rule helps people who use wheelchairs or walkers move around.


For swinging doors, the opening must be at least 32 inches wide. If you have double doors, one side must open at least 32 inches. These rules are for homes and public buildings. Many new homes use a 36-inch standard door width for main rooms so everyone can get in and out easily.


The ADA also has rules for how high the door hardware should be and how easy it is to use. By following these rules, you make your space safer and more welcoming.

If you are fixing up your house or building a new one, picking doors that meet or go beyond the minimum door width will help you follow the rules and get ready for the future. Hele Doors has many steel doors, fire doors, and other choices that meet these standards, so you can find the right door for any room.


Standard Size for Interior Doors

Bedroom and Bathroom

When you choose doors for bedrooms and bathrooms, you want to make sure they fit both your needs and building codes. Most bedroom doors measure between 30 and 32 inches wide. This width gives you enough space to move furniture in and out and ensures privacy. For master bedrooms or primary suites, you often see doors that are 34 to 36 inches wide. These wider doors make the room feel more open and help with accessibility.


Bathroom doors can be a bit narrower. The International Residential Code (IRC) allows a minimum width of 24 inches for bathrooms, but many experts recommend at least 28 to 32 inches. If you want your home to be accessible for everyone, consider a 34- or 36-inch door. This size meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for a 32-inch clear opening. Wider doors also make it easier to carry laundry baskets or cleaning supplies in and out.


Here is a quick reference table for bedroom and bathroom door widths:

Room Type

Minimum Width (inches)

Recommended Width (inches)

Accessibility Notes

Bedroom

30 - 32

34 - 36 (primary/master)

Wider doors help with moving large items

Bathroom

24 (IRC minimum)

28 - 32

34-36 for ADA compliance and easy access

Tip: If you plan to remodel or build a new home, choose a standard interior door size that supports future accessibility needs.


Closet Doors

Closet doors come in many sizes, but they are usually narrower than bedroom or bathroom doors. The most common closet door width is 30 inches, but you will also find doors that are 28 or 32 inches wide. In modern homes, closet doors often measure between 24 and 36 inches wide. Older homes sometimes have closet doors as narrow as 18 inches.


You can pick from different types of closet doors. Hinged doors swing open and give you full access to the closet. Sliding doors, also called bypass doors, move along a track and save space in small rooms. Both types usually fall within the same width range, but sliding doors work better in tight spaces.

  • Hinged closet doors: 24 to 36 inches wide, need space to swing open.

  • Sliding closet doors: 24 to 36 inches wide, save floor space, but only open half the closet at a time.


If you want a door that matches your style and needs, Hele Doors offers a wide range of interior door sizes, including steel doors and fire doors. You can find the right standard size for interior doors for any room in your home. Visit the Hele Doors product page to explore more options and find the perfect fit for your next project.


Standard Size for Exterior Doors

Front Doors

When you look for a new front door, you want to know the standard size for exterior doors. In the United States, most front doors measure 36 inches wide and 80 inches tall. This size gives you enough space to move furniture and makes your home easy to enter. You often see this width because it meets accessibility needs and helps with moving large items. Some homes use wider doors, like 42 inches, for a grand entrance or double doors. If you want a custom look, you can find single doors up to 48 inches wide.


Here is a quick table to help you compare standard exterior door size options:

Door Type

Common Widths (inches)

Common Heights (inches)

Single Doors

30, 32, 34, 36

80, 96

Double Doors

60, 68, 72

80

Custom Options

Up to 48

72 to 96+

You can see that most front doors use the 36-inch width. Wider doors, like double doors, range from 60 to 72 inches. These options give your home a bold look and make it easier to bring in large items. Many homeowners choose steel doors or fire doors for extra security and style. Hele Doors offers a wide range of exterior door sizes to fit your needs.


Bar chart showing common exterior front door widths for single, double, and custom doors

Tip: A 36-inch front door works well for wheelchair access and meets most building codes.


Other Exterior Doors

Not all exterior doors need to be as wide as your front door. Back doors and side doors often use a 32-inch width. This size fits well in smaller spaces and still allows easy entry. If you have a patio or want more light, you might choose a sliding glass door. The standard size for sliding glass doors is usually 60 to 72 inches wide and 80 inches tall. French doors also add style and light. The standard size for french doors is about 72 inches wide for a pair.

Here is a table to show common sizes for other exterior doors:

Door Type

Typical Width (inches)

Notes

Back/Side Doors

32

Good for limited space

Sliding Glass

60-72

Great for patios and natural light

French Doors

72 (pair)

Adds elegance and wide opening

You can find many options for exterior door sizes at Hele Doors, including steel doors and aluminum alloy doors. Choosing the right size helps you improve your home's look and function.


Measuring Standard Door Size

Measuring Standard Door Size

Steps to Measure

Measuring the width of an interior door is easy if you follow a few clear steps. You want to make sure your new door fits perfectly, whether you choose a classic wooden door or a sturdy fire door. Here’s how you can get accurate results:

  1. Use a tape measure to measure the width of the door from left to right.

  2. Take three measurements: one at the top, one in the middle, and one at the bottom of the door.

  3. Write down each measurement. Sometimes, doors are not perfectly straight, so you may see small differences.

  4. Use the largest measurement as your final width. This helps you avoid a door that is too tight for the frame.

  5. If you are measuring the door frame or rough opening, measure at the same three points and use the smallest number. This ensures the new door will fit inside the frame.

  6. Double-check your numbers before you order. Standard door measurements for most interior doors are 24, 28, 30, 32, or 36 inches wide.

Tip: Always measure from the finished floor, not the subfloor, to get the most accurate height.

Common mistakes include measuring only once, ignoring the frame, or forgetting to check for out-of-square openings. You can avoid these problems by measuring at three points and double-checking your work.


Tools Needed

You do not need many tools to measure a door, but using the right ones makes the job easier and more accurate. Here is a list of basic and optional tools:

  • Tape measure (essential for all standard door measurements)

  • Pencil and notepad for recording numbers

  • Level (helps you check if the door and frame are straight)

  • Framing square (checks if corners are square)

  • Optional: Laser measuring tool for extra precision

If you plan to upgrade to a steel door or want to install a digital lock, accurate measurements are even more important. Careful measuring helps you avoid gaps, sticking doors, or costly mistakes.


Why Door Sizes Vary

Room Type

The width of an interior door depends on the room. Each room in a house has its own needs. Main living areas often have wider doors. This makes it easier to move furniture and lets more people walk through. Bedroom and bathroom doors are usually 28 to 32 inches wide. These sizes give privacy and save space. Closet doors can be even smaller, sometimes only 24 inches wide. Older homes often have these narrow closet doors.

Here is a table that lists common door widths for each room:

Room Type

Typical Door Width (inches)

Bedroom

30 - 32

Bathroom

28 - 30

Closet

24 - 30

Main Living Areas

32 - 36

Some rooms, like laundry rooms, need wider doors. Wider doors, such as 36 inches, help move big things and make the house easier to use. If you want your home to be ready for the future, pick a wider nominal door size. You can also choose special doors, like a fire door or a steel door, for more safety and strength.

Note: Most interior doors are 1 3/8 inches thick. This thickness makes the door strong and steady.


Home Age and Codes

How old your house is and local rules affect door size. Older houses often have narrow closet or utility doors, sometimes just 18 inches wide. Newer homes usually have wider doors, starting at 30 inches. This meets today’s standards and helps with accessibility.


Building codes set the smallest and biggest door sizes for safety. For example, the International Residential Code (IRC) allows bathroom doors as small as 24 inches. But it is better to have at least 28 inches for easier access. The International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) say you need a 32-inch clear opening for accessible paths. This means you often need a 36-inch door slab.

Code/Regulation

Building Type/Use

Minimum Door Dimensions (Width x Height)

Notes on Variation and Influence

IRC

Single-family homes, duplexes

24" (bathrooms), 28" (other rooms) x 78" height minimum

Allows smaller doors; varies by state

IBC

Commercial, multifamily

32" clear opening width x 78" height minimum

Stricter minimums for accessibility

ADA

Accessibility compliance

36" door width to achieve 32" clear opening

Ensures wheelchair access

Fire Code

Apartments, hotels, commercial

Minimum thickness 1 3/4"; no trimming allowed

Fire-rated doors have strict size and hardware requirements

Bar chart comparing minimum and maximum standard widths for various interior door types

Always check your local rules before you change or add new doors. If you want to upgrade your house, you can pick digital lock systems or aluminum alloy doors for more safety and ease.

You have learned that standard interior door widths are between 24 and 36 inches. Bedroom and bathroom doors are usually 30 or 32 inches wide.

  • Always measure your door’s width, height, and thickness before you buy a new one.

  • Make sure to check the rough opening and local building codes so you do not make expensive mistakes.

  • Picking the right size helps with accessibility and makes installation easier.

    Taking careful measurements saves you time and money when you fix up your home. Check out Hele Doors for steel doors, fire doors, and digital lock choices that fit any room in your house.

FAQ

What is the standard width for an interior door?

You usually find that the standard interior door width is 32 inches. Some doors measure 28, 30, or 36 inches. Always measure your opening before you buy a new door.


Can I use a steel door inside my home?

Yes, you can use a steel door for interior rooms. Steel doors from Hele Doors offer extra security and durability. They work well for utility rooms, basements, or safe rooms.


How do I know if my door meets ADA requirements?

You need a clear opening of at least 32 inches for ADA compliance. Measure from the face of the open door to the doorstop. Hele Doors offers many options that meet these standards.


What tools do I need to measure my door?

You need a tape measure, a pencil, and a notepad. A level helps check if the frame is straight. For best results, measure at the top, middle, and bottom.


Are digital locks compatible with standard interior doors?

Yes, most digital locks fit standard interior doors. You can upgrade your bedroom or office door with a digital lock from Hele Doors for added convenience and security.

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