What is the Standard Door Size for Residential Homes?

Whether you're building, remodeling, or replacing a door, knowing the standard dimensions for residential doors is essential. While custom sizes are available, most doors follow industry-standard measurements to simplify installation. Below, we cover the most common sizes for exterior single doors, double/French doors, and interior doors, along with standard door thickness.

Standard Exterior Door Size (Single Unit)

  • Width: 36 inches (3 feet)
  • Height: 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches)
  • Thickness: 1 ¾ inches

Other Common Variants: 30" and 32" widths; 84" and 96" heights for taller entryways.

Notes: 36" x 80" is the standard for front doors. Wider 42" options are available for a more dramatic entry or enhanced accessibility.

Standard Exterior Door Size (Double Unit / French Doors)

  • Combined Width: 60", 64", or 72"
  • Height: 80", 84", or 96"
  • Thickness: 1 ¾ inches (each door slab)

Examples:

  • 60" x 80" – Two 30" doors (common for patio use)
  • 72" x 80" – Two 36" doors (ideal for front entries)

Notes: Some units have one active and one passive door. Add 2" to width and height for rough openings.

Standard Interior Door Size

  • Width: 24", 28", 30", 32", or 36"
  • Height: 80"
  • Thickness: 1 ⅜ inches

Use Cases:

  • 24"–28": Closets, laundry rooms
  • 30": Small bedrooms or bathrooms
  • 32"–36": Larger bedrooms or ADA-compliant bathrooms

Standard Door Thickness

Door Type Typical Thickness
Exterior Door 1 ¾ inches
Interior Door 1 ⅜ inches
Custom/High-End Up to 2 ¼ inches

Why Thickness Matters: Thicker doors offer better insulation, soundproofing, and durability—especially in extreme climates or busy households.

Rough Opening Dimensions

The rough opening is the framed opening in the wall before the door is installed. As a rule of thumb, you should add:

  • +¼" to the each side of the door
  • +½" to the top and bottom to account for the frame and threshold

Example: A 36" x 80" door usually needs a rough opening of 36 ½" wide x 81" tall.

Pre-Hung vs Slab Doors

  • Pre-Hung Door: Comes mounted in its own frame and includes hinges — ideal for new construction or full door/frame replacement.
  • Slab Door: Just the door panel itself — best for replacing a door while keeping the existing frame.

ADA-Compliant Door Widths

For accessibility, doorways should allow at least 32 inches of clear width when the door is open at 90 degrees. In practice, this means using at least a 36-inch-wide door slab to meet ADA guidelines.

Energy Efficiency & Insulation

Exterior door size can influence energy performance. Taller and wider doors have more surface area, so look for:

  • Insulated cores (e.g. polyurethane, fiberglass)
  • Weatherstripping on all edges
  • Low-E or double-glazed glass in doors with lites
  • ENERGY STAR certification for optimal performance

Final Thoughts

These dimensions represent common standards, but it's always smart to measure your rough opening and consult local building codes or door professionals before purchasing. Custom sizes and styles are widely available for unique spaces or specific design preferences.