How to Measure Door Hinges
October 22, 2024
October 22, 2024
Let’s jump in!
DOOR ANATOMY
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.
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.”
THE HOW-TO ON DOOR HINGES
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.
Use the tape measure to measure the height of the hinge from top to bottom.
There are several ways to measure a radius hinge:
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
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.
Match the door thickness to the hinge width. The width of the hinge should be slightly less than double the thickness of the door.
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.
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.
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.
