How to Measure Door Hinges

When installing a door hinge, you want to ensure you get it right so your door functions properly. As simple as it seems, this can be tricky with the wide variety of doors you could work with.

Let’s jump in!

DOOR ANATOMY

Understanding Door Hinges

Door hinges attach a door to its frame, allowing it to swing open and shut. Before we dive into how to measure door hinges, let’s outline some of the terminology you might encounter.

While commercial hinges can vary, most residential door hinges are metal and feature two hinge sticks (also called flaps or hinge leaves) installed on the door edge and frame. These types of door hinges are called butt hinges.

With butt hinges, the flaps attach to an axis rod that connects the two parts, allowing the door to swing to the limit of its frame.

Pivot hinges are mounted at the top and bottom of the door rather than on its sides. Most often used for larger exterior doors, the door swings on an axis concealed within the door a few inches from the edge of the door frame.

Spring hinges are common in commercial buildings, on fire-rated doors, or for kitchens as they are self-closing.

Choosing the right hinge type, hinge size, hinge height, and hinge radius is critical to ensure doors open and close efficiently, quietly, and reliably for a long time to come.

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Hinge Components

  • The Hinge Leaf is the flat part of a door hinge, of which there are two. The leaves attach to and revolve around the axis pin (hinge knuckle) to allow the door to swing.

  • Hinge Knuckles or Barrels are hollow cylinders through which the axis pin threads to hold two hinge leaves together.

  • Hinge Pins slide through the hinge knuckle to join and lock the hinge leaves together.

Hinge Dimensions

Door hinges are measured by height, width, and corner radius. It is also critical to measure the thickness of the hinge, which should match that of the door.

Door hinge width measures the short side of the hinge from outer edge to outer edge when the leaves are joined and open.

Door hinge height is measured from the top edge to the bottom of the hinge.

Radius corners refer to hinges with curved (instead of square) corners. Standard radius sizes are either 5/8” or ¼.”

  • Residential door hinges are sized in ½��� increments and range from 3” x 3” to 6” x 6” or larger.
  • Standard residential interior doors require 3.5” x 3.5” hinges.
  • Front doors use 4” x 4” hinges, though this will depend on your door type.
  • Gauge refers to the thickness of the hinge. The higher the gauge, the thicker the leaf.
  • Knuckle length refers not to the length of the entire hinge but to the individual teeth of the knuckle. Standard knuckles are .25”, while larger hinges are .5”.
  • Pitch refers to the measure from one end of a knuckle to the end of the adjoining knuckle; generally, double the knuckle length.

THE HOW-TO ON DOOR HINGES

Supplies You’ll Need for Measuring and Installing Door Hinges

  • Philips screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Utility knife
  • One quarter, one dime
  • Enough door hinges suitable for the length of the door
  • Power drill with a 3/8” bit
  • Pencil
  • Hinges
  • 3/8” screws
  • Chisel

How to Measure Door Hinges: Step by Step

1. Measure the Hinge Width

Place the joined hinge open on a flat surface. Using your tape measure or ruler, measure from one side of the open hinge to the other.

2. Measure the Hinge Height

Use the tape measure to measure the height of the hinge from top to bottom.

3. Measure the Corner Radius

There are several ways to measure a radius hinge:

  • Use a tool called a radius gauge, which is a square ruler placed at the corners of the hinge. If using a radius gauge, measure the limit of the curve.
  • Use a quarter or a dime, as each corresponds to standard corner radius sizes. A 5/8” radius matches the curve of a US quarter, while a ¼�� radius matches the curve of a US dime.
  • Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure from the edge of the hinge to the end of the radius.

4. Note Your Measurements

Use a notebook to write down your measurements. For standard hinges, the height will be equal to the hinge width.

EVEN MORE ON DOOR HINGES

Key Factors to Consider for Door Hinge Selection and Installation

Ensuring you use the correct hinge sizes for your door’s thickness is critical. If you’re installing a new hinge, choosing the proper hinge size ensures it can take the door’s weight. A wider door is heavier and will need more load-bearing support.

Doors 1-3/8” thick x 32” wide: 3-1/2” hinge width.

Doors 1-3/8” thick x 32-36” wide: 4” hinge width.

Doors 1-3/4” thick x 36” wide: 4-1/2” hinge width.

Doors 1-3/4” thick x 36-48” wide: 5” hinge width.

Doors thicker than 1-3/4” and longer than 48” wide: 6” hinge width.

Doors 2” or more thick x 42” wide: 5” heavy-duty hinge.

Doors above 2-1/2” thick x 42” wide or more: 6” commercial grade hinge.

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Door Thickness

Match the door thickness to the hinge width. The width of the hinge should be slightly less than double the thickness of the door.

Door Weight

Heavy doors require door hinges with greater height to support the additional weight and may require additional hinges. As a rule, use one hinge for every 30” of door.

Hinge position is important, too. Position your hinges 5” from the top of the door and 10” from the bottom. If you require three hinges, position the third precisely between the other two.

Hinge Material

The material you choose will impact how long your hinges last. Consider that some hinges will be invisible, and others can be decorative to match the style of your home.

  • Choose stainless steel for exterior doors for durability.
  • A range of finishes and styles are available for interior doors.

Hinge Finish & Style

Decorative door hinges can be subtle or bold. Iron strap hinges, for example, can punctuate industrial interior design and would be striking on a wine cellar door. Surface mount hinges are mounted on the outside of the door and are lovely on cabinets. There are endless possibilities to suit your style, from brass hinges (lovely for mid-century homes) to patina hinges, iron hinges, shed door hinges, and more.

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Hinge Placement

  • Standard hinge screws are 3/8”.
  • Position your hinge according to the direction of the swing. For inward-swinging doors, place the pin on the inside.
  • Measure hinge placement precisely with your tape measure.
  • Place the hinge flap on the door according to the measurements above and mark the outline with a pencil.
  • Repeat the process on the door frame.
  • Remove the hinge and cut the outline with your utility knife to the depth (gauge) of the hinge.
  • Use the chisel to cut away the wood inside the pencil marks and knife cuts. This is called the mortise. Take care not to cut deeper than the hinge gauge.
  • Check the mortise depth. The hinge should be flush with the door surface. If the hinge sits above the door surface, keep working at the mortise until it is true.
  • Use your drill and screws to mount the hinge to the door.
  • Repeat the process on the door frame.

Door Hinges FAQs

A tape measure is the most versatile tool for measuring hinges.

Residential door hinges are sized in ½” increments and range from 3” x 3” to 6” x 6” or larger. Most interior doors use 3-1/2” hinges.

The type of hinge needed can vary depending on if you are looking for hinges for screen doors or heavier doors. There is a wide range of hinges, so ensure you find the right type to ensure smooth operation. Choose your hinges based on the door’s thickness, width, and weight. Wider doors require larger hinges to bear the extra weight.

Keep door hinges clean by wiping them down with a mild soap and water. Lubricate squeaky hinges with lithium grease or a silicone-based spray.

Visible rust or corrosion, audible grinding noises, difficulty opening and closing a door, or a sagging door are signs your hinges may need to be replaced.