How Tall Is a Door? Standard Heights for Residential, Commercial & Custom Use

2025-07-02

If you're renovating or building a new space, you’ve likely asked: How tall is a door? Whether for residential or commercial use, door height matters for functionality, design, and compliance with building codes. In this article, we break down standard door heights, regional differences, and customization options.

Standard Residential Door Height

In most homes, the standard door height is 80 inches, which equals 6 feet 8 inches or about 2032 mm. This size is widely accepted in the U.S., Canada, and many parts of Europe for interior passage doors. Exterior entry doors may be the same height or slightly taller (up to 96 inches or 8 feet) depending on the home's architecture. Source: Home Depot Door Size Guide

Residential Door

Other Common Sizes

78 inches (6'6") – Seen in older buildings or compact homes.
84 inches (7') – Popular for modern or luxury designs.
96 inches (8') – Often used for tall ceilings and large entrances.

Commercial Door Heights

Commercial doors generally follow stricter code requirements, especially for accessibility and emergency egress. The most common heights are:

84 inches (7 feet)
90 inches (7.5 feet)
96 inches (8 feet)

Some industrial doors and high-traffic areas may feature even taller configurations. Always refer to local building codes and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements for compliance. Source: ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Commercial Door

International Variations

Door heights may vary by country. For instance:

UK: Standard interior door height is typically 1981 mm (about 78 inches). Source: BSI British Standards
Australia: 2040 mm (around 80.3 inches) is most common. Source: Australian Building Codes Board
Europe (general): 2030 mm (approx. 79.9 inches) is widely used. Source: European Standards (EN 14351)

Custom Door Heights

Modern construction and design allow for full customization. Whether you need a towering entryway for a luxury home or a short door for an attic access, most door manufacturers offer custom height options. However, keep in mind that taller doors may require special hinges and framing adjustments.

Custom Door

Why Door Height Matters

Choosing the correct door height ensures:

Compliance with safety and accessibility standards
Consistent aesthetic flow throughout the space
Ease of furniture and equipment movement
Energy efficiency in exterior applications

Conclusion

So, how tall is a door? The answer varies by type and region, but for most homes, 80 inches is the norm. Commercial and custom doors can go up to 96 inches or beyond. When selecting a door, always consider the space, purpose, and regulations that apply to your project.