When designing or renovating a space, understanding the standard door width is one of the most important details. Door dimensions influence accessibility, movement, functionality, and overall aesthetics. Whether you’re planning a home, office, or commercial building, knowing the right width ensures smooth operation, compliance with building standards, and seamless integration into your design.
Understanding Door Width and Height
In any construction project, the width and height of a door must align to maintain balance and functionality. The width determines how comfortably people and objects can pass through, while the height affects visual proportion and architectural flow. In most North American homes, the standard door height is 80 inches (around 2,032 mm). For taller or more luxurious builds, heights of 84 inches (2,134 mm) or 96 inches (2,438 mm) are also common.
Standard Door Width in Inches and Feet
In Canada and the United States, door sizes are typically measured in inches or feet. The most common interior door widths are:
24 inches (2 feet): Typically used for closets, pantries, or utility rooms where space is limited.
30 inches (2 feet 6 inches): A practical width for bedrooms and bathrooms.
32 inches (2 feet 8 inches): A popular size that balances comfort and accessibility.
36 inches (3 feet): The most common width for main doors or areas requiring more clearance, such as living rooms or entryways.
A 36-inch door is especially preferred for accessibility, making it easier for wheelchairs and large furniture to pass through. Wider doors like 48 inches (4 feet) are less common and often used for double-door setups or large decorative entrances.
Standard Door Width in Millimetres
In Canada and other countries that follow the metric system, door sizes are measured in millimetres (mm). The standard widths include:
610 mm (24 inches)
762 mm (30 inches)
813 mm (32 inches)
914 mm (36 inches)
1,219 mm (48 inches)
The 762 mm and 813 mm widths are widely used for interior doors, while 914 mm is preferred for exterior entrances or wider interior access points. These standard measurements simplify design coordination, reduce lead times, and ensure compatibility with pre-manufactured door frames.
Standard Door Width in Centimetres and Meters
If you prefer measurements in centimetres or meters, the conversion is straightforward:
610 mm = 61 cm (0.61 m)
762 mm = 76.2 cm (0.76 m)
813 mm = 81.3 cm (0.81 m)
914 mm = 91.4 cm (0.91 m)
1,219 mm = 121.9 cm (1.22 m)
So, the standard door size in meters typically ranges between 0.76 m and 0.91 m for most interior and exterior doors.
Standard Interior Door Width
For interior doors, the most frequently used widths are 30 inches (762 mm) and 32 inches (813 mm). These sizes are comfortable for daily use, provide enough clearance for movement, and fit standard door frames. Bathrooms and smaller rooms often use 28-inch or 30-inch widths, while bedrooms, kitchens, or hallways generally feature 32-inch doors for easier access.
If accessibility is a concern, such as for people using mobility aids, the 32-inch (813 mm) width is considered ideal, while a 36-inch (914 mm) door guarantees compliance with most accessibility codes.
Standard Door Width in Canada
In Canada, most builders follow standard North American dimensions but use metric equivalents. The most common interior door sizes are:
762 mm × 2,032 mm (30 in × 80 in)
813 mm × 2,032 mm (32 in × 80 in)
914 mm × 2,032 mm (36 in × 80 in)
For exterior doors, widths of 838 mm (33 in) or 1,000 mm (39.4 in) are sometimes used for larger entryways. Following these measurements ensures that the doors fit readily available frames and jambs, reducing installation time and costs.
Standard Door Width in Feet
If you’re working in imperial units, these widths convert easily:
2 feet (24 inches) for compact spaces
2 feet 6 inches (30 inches) for average rooms
2 feet 8 inches (32 inches) for easy access
3 feet (36 inches) for primary and exterior doors
Each of these widths is readily available, making them practical for both new builds and renovations.
Standard Door Height
The standard door height for most residential and commercial spaces in Canada and the U.S. is 80 inches (2,032 mm). However, high-end or modern homes often feature doors that are 84 inches (2,134 mm) or 96 inches (2,438 mm). When you increase the height, the width usually remains within standard limits (30–36 inches) to maintain proportional design and avoid custom frame issues.
Choosing the Right Door Width
Selecting the right door width involves considering several key factors:
Function of the Room: Bedrooms and bathrooms can use narrower doors (30 inches), while living rooms or main corridors benefit from 32 or 36 inches.
Traffic and Accessibility: High-traffic areas should always use wider doors to ensure ease of movement.
Building Codes: Canadian and North American codes often require at least 32 inches of clear width for accessible pathways.
Future Flexibility: Choosing a wider door now ensures your space remains functional even if accessibility needs change later.
Visual Balance: Pairing an 80-inch height with a 32- or 36-inch width creates an aesthetically pleasing proportion.
For most residential projects, sticking with 30-, 32-, or 36-inch widths offers the best balance between cost, function, and design.
Benefits of Standard Door Sizes
Adhering to standard door sizes has numerous advantages:
Availability: Standard sizes are mass-produced and readily stocked, meaning quicker delivery and replacement.
Lower Cost: Custom doors can cost significantly more due to manufacturing adjustments.
Simplified Installation: Frames, jambs, and hardware are all designed for standard widths, ensuring smooth fitting.
Resale Value: Buyers appreciate the consistency and accessibility offered by standard dimensions.
Using standard widths also guarantees compatibility with future renovations or replacements, saving both time and money.
Custom Door Widths
Although standard sizes work for most applications, there are cases where custom widths become necessary:
Historic or Older Homes: Older properties may have non-standard openings.
Luxury Entrances: Oversized entryways or grand designs may require wider custom doors.
Commercial Buildings: Certain applications like hospitals, schools, or warehouses often need larger openings for equipment and accessibility.
Design Aesthetics: Some homeowners prefer custom widths for symmetry or architectural emphasis.
However, custom doors usually come with higher costs and longer lead times, so it’s wise to reserve them for unique situations.
Installation Considerations
When selecting a door width, always consider installation factors:
Rough opening: The space must accommodate the door leaf, frame, jamb, and clearance.
Trim and Casing: These elements slightly reduce the clear width.
Swing Direction: Wider doors require more swing clearance, especially in small rooms.
Hardware Requirements: Heavy or wide doors may need reinforced hinges and handles.
Proper planning prevents alignment issues and ensures smooth door operation for years.
Why Standard Widths Are the Smart Choice
Standard door widths remain the industry norm because they provide the best combination of availability, compatibility, and affordability. They make construction faster, simplify design choices, and maintain consistency across a property. Whether you’re building a home, remodeling a space, or designing a commercial structure, using standard door widths helps achieve both function and form effortlessly.
At Dwellmend.com, we always recommend aligning your design and construction practices with these common standards to ensure timeless, cost-effective results.