Do you need to measure for a new door and don’t know how? Maybe you have never measured for a door and need some assistance.
Or are you curious about measuring doors and want to know more? No matter the reason that brought you here, we have the answer for you.
Finding out how to measure a door can be tricky, especially if you have never done it before.
You head online for some guidance but are met with page after page of conflicting and contradicting advice.
You are left frustrated and disappointed, unsure where to turn or who to trust. How will you know how to measure a door now?
Well, that is where we come in to save the day! Keep reading to find out how to measure a door.
We have a step-by-step guide and everything you need below. Let’s dive in and get you your answers now.
How To Measure A Door
If you already have a door in your home and want to know the size of it, use our step-by-step guide below to see how to measure the door.
You will need a measuring tape to do this. If you don’t have one, you can grab them for an affordable price at most hardware stores or online.
Once you have one, follow our steps below.
Step 1 – Measure The Width
Take your measuring tape and run it along your door from the left corner to the right corner. Make a note of the number, and if it is centimeters or inches.
Door widths are often listed in inches, so it’s best to record the number in inches as it saves you from needing to convert the numbers later.
When measuring the widths, only measure the door. You don’t need to include any other elements like door frames or weather stripping.
For older doors, measure in more than one location. The door might not be perfectly rectangular, so measure at the top, middle, and bottom.
Use the largest figure if you have a variety of numbers.
Door widths of 30 inches, 32 inches, and 36 inches are considered standard and can be easily found should you want to replace the door.
Step 2 – Measure The Height
Take your tape measure and run it from the top corner to the bottom corner of your door.
This will give you the height of the door. Make a note of this number. You can use a chair or a friend to help you here if the door is taller than you.
Make sure you only measure the door and no steps underneath.
You can measure the door in more than one spot to ensure there aren’t any discrepancies. Again, use the largest figure if there is one.
Typically, doors have a height of 80 inches.
Step 3 – Calculate The Thickness
You are almost there! To measure the thickness of the door, hold your tape measure to the edge of the door and measure how thick it is.
Use the edge of the door frame, known as the jamb, too.
Both the numbers should be close or the same, but it’s worth knowing them if you plan to replace the door but not the frame.
Typically, doors have a thickness of 1.75 inches.
Step 4 – Measure The Door Frame
It is also worth measuring the door frame, or space where the door will go. After all, you don’t want to be stuck with a door that doesn’t fit, do you?
Measure the height and width of the space in your door frame and record this number too.
How To Measure A Door Frame For A New Door
If you have an empty door frame and want to purchase a door for it, use our steps below to see how to measure it for a new door!
Again, you will need a tape measure to do this and a pen and paper to record your measurements.
You can also use the Notes app on your phone if you prefer.
Check out our step-by-step guide now.
Step 1 – Measure The Width
To start, take three measurements of the width of the frame. Run the tape measure from left to right and record the number in inches.
Make your measurements from the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Doing so ensures that any discrepancies are recorded.
You want your door to fit correctly, so it’s best to check that the door frame is a perfect rectangle.
You tend to find more discrepancies in size in older door frames or ones that were custom-built for an oddly shaped space, like narrow or ultra-wide doors.
Step 2 – Measure The Height
Next, you want to measure the height of the frame. You want to measure inside the frame vertically.
There might be some differences across the frame, so use the largest number.
When measuring the height of your door frame, measure each side from the corner to the bottom, using a chair or a friend to help you reach the top.
Consider any floor too. If you have carpet currently, are you likely to remove it before the door is fitted or after?
If you do make changes to the floor, will there be a gap between the door and the floor?
If so, make the changes to your floor first so you don’t have a draught underneath your door!
Step 3 – Measure The Thickness
To finish, record the thickness of the door frame. If you have a door you took from the space, measure the thickness and make a note of it.
If not, measure the thickness of the frame to know how thick a door you need. The thickness of the door and frame should be close or the same.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, four easy steps that allow you to measure your door!
Make sure you record all your measurements to ensure that you can purchase a door that fits the space perfectly.
No task is too small. We can guide you and offer advice, no matter if you are filling in gaps in the wall, hiding cords, or simply fixing up construction mistakes. We love to help, and strive to do so in any way that we can.
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