How Wide Is a Door? Standard Door Width Guide for Homes & Commercial Spaces
How wide is a door? — Typical interior doors are 28–32 inches (71–81 cm) wide; most exterior/entry doors are 36 inches (91 cm) wide. Commercial entrances often start at 36–42 inches (91–107 cm), and custom or sliding doors can be much wider. Measure the rough opening before ordering.
Why "how wide is a door" matters
Knowing how wide is a door affects accessibility, furniture movement, code compliance, and visual proportion. Choosing the right width avoids costly reframing and ensures the door functions as intended.
Standard Door Widths — Quick Reference Table
| Door Type | Typical Width (inches) | Metric (cm) | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior single door | 28, 30, 32 | 71, 76, 81 | Bedrooms, bathrooms, closets |
| Exterior / front door | 36 | 91 | Main entry, higher traffic |
| Commercial single door | 36–42 | 91–107 | Offices, public buildings |
| Double / French doors (each leaf) | 24–36 (total 48–72) | 61–91 (total 122–183) | Living rooms, patios |
| Sliding / patio doors | 60–120 | 152–305 | Balconies, large openings |
| Pocket / barn doors | 30–36 | 76–91 | Space-saving interiors |
Common Scenarios: how wide is a door by use
Interior doors
Most homeowners ask how wide is a door for bedrooms and bathrooms. Standard interior widths are 28–32 inches. Choose 30–32 inches if you expect to move furniture through the room or want a slightly roomier feel.
Exterior and entry doors
When the question is how wide is a door for the front entrance, the conventional answer is 36 inches. This width balances curb appeal, ease of carrying items, and ADA-friendly clearance when paired with proper thresholds.
Commercial and accessibility needs
For public buildings or ADA compliance, the clear opening is often the critical measure. If you wonder how wide is a door for wheelchair access, the minimum clear width is 32 inches at a 90° open position; designers commonly specify 36 inches or more to be safer.
Sliding, folding, and custom doors
If you ask how wide is a door for patios or modern interiors, sliding doors and folding systems may span 60 to 120 inches or more. Custom pivot doors can exceed 48 inches per leaf for dramatic entrances.
Factors that change the answer to "how wide is a door"
Building codes & standards
Local codes and accessibility standards influence how wide is a door allowed or required. Commercial builds often need wider doors than residential projects.
Material & frame type
Materials (wood, steel, WPC) and frame thickness affect the finished width and the rough opening needed. For example, a 36-inch door may require a 38-inch rough opening to accommodate the frame and shims.
Intended use and traffic
High-traffic areas and rooms where you move large items should use wider doors. Ask “how wide is a door” with the intended use in mind — a pantry can be narrow; an entry should be generous.
How to measure: steps to answer "how wide is a door" for your project
- Measure the current door leaf (if present) across the visible width.
- Measure the rough opening (framing opening) — width between studs.
- Subtract for jambs and clearance — typically leave ~2 inches extra for frame and shims.
- Decide final width based on use, accessibility, and style.
Example: a 36-inch door typically needs a 38-inch rough opening.
Installation checklist — ensure your chosen width fits
- Confirm wall framing can be adjusted for a wider opening.
- Verify thresholds for exterior doors match the chosen width.
- Check hinge and hardware specs for heavier oversized doors.
- For sliding/patio systems, ensure structural header supports the wider span.
Common mistakes when deciding "how wide is a door"
- Ordering a door without measuring the rough opening.
- Ignoring accessibility requirements (wheelchair width).
- Choosing a width that looks disproportionate to the wall.
- Forgetting additional clearance for trim and hardware.
Custom options & production notes
At Zonle Doors we manufacture custom WPC, wooden, and steel doors. If you need a specific answer to how wide is a door for a unique project, we offer custom widths from 24 inches up to 120 inches depending on type and structure. Custom thickness, finish, and hardware choices influence lead time and installation requirements.
FAQs — short answers to "how wide is a door" questions
What is the most common interior door width?
Most common interior doors are 30–32 inches.
How wide should an accessible door be?
Design for a 36-inch door for comfortable wheelchair access; minimum clear opening is 32 inches.
Can I install a wider door in an older house?
Yes — but expect reframing work. Ask a carpenter how much load-bearing modification is needed.
What width do double doors usually have?
Each leaf is often 24–36 inches; combined widths commonly reach 48–72 inches.
Related links & resources
Conclusion — final answer to "how wide is a door"
How wide is a door? — For most homes, interior doors are 28–32 inches and exterior doors are 36 inches; commercial doors and custom entrances may be wider. Always measure the rough opening and plan for frame clearance before ordering to ensure proper fit and function.
If you’re planning a renovation or export project, contact Zonle Doors for expert guidance and precision manufacturing.