Standard UK Door Sizes - Internal & External Doors

Standard Door Sizes

What is the standard internal door size?

The  standard internal door size in the UK is 1981mm x 762mm x 35mm.

Other door sizes tend to be used for rooms like toilets, or walk-in cupboards.
("Standard" in this context refers to the most common internal door size in British homes, this is what size you see in most British properties.)

What about New Builds?

The UK Building Regulations 2010 set out minimum standards for the construction, alteration, and extension of buildings to ensure they are safe, accessible, and energy efficient. These regulations include requirements for the size of doors in new builds.

• The minimum height for an entrance door in a new build is 2000mm - 6'6.74" - 78.73".
• The minimum clear opening width for an entrance door in a new build is 775mm - 2'6.5" - 29.72".

Important to know: Clear Opening Width vs Door Width

• Minimum clear opening width is the width of the doorway, measured from the face of the door stop on the latch side to the face of the door when open at 90°. This is the actual width of the opening that people and furniture can pass through.
• Door width is the width of the door leaf, measured from the face of one hinge to the face of the other hinge. This does not include the width of the door frame or any other obstructions, such as door handles or hinges.

It is important to note that these are just the minimum requirements. You may want to choose doors that are larger than the minimum size, if needed to accommodate furniture or other large items.

Door sizes for wheelchair access

There are also specific requirements for the size of doors in buildings that are accessible to wheelchair users. In these buildings, the minimum height is 2100mm and the minimum clear opening width for a door is 825mm.

The minimum clear opening width is always smaller than the door width. This is because the door frame and any other obstructions take up space. The amount of space that is taken up by the door frame and other obstructions will vary depending on the type of door and the way it is installed.

It is important to make sure that the minimum clear opening width is sufficient for the needs of the building. For example, a door that leads to a fire exit must have a minimum clear opening width of 825mm. A door that leads to a bedroom may only need a minimum clear opening width of 775mm.

Door Frames

A door frame is the structure that surrounds a door and provides support. Door frames are typically made of wood, metal, or composite materials.

The size of a door frame must match the size of the door. If the door frame is too small, the door will not fit. If the door frame is too large, the door will not be able to close properly.

In the UK, the most common door frame sizes for internal doors are 1981mm (6' 6") high and 762mm (2' 6") wide.

External Door Size

What is the standard external/front door size?

The most common front door size in the UK is 1981mm (6ft 6in) high and 762mm (2ft 6in) wide. Other door sizes tend to be used for things like garages, sheds, or outbuildings.

External doors on new builds

The minimum clear opening width for an external door in a new build is 775mm (2ft 5.4in). This means that the door must be at least 775mm wide from frame to frame, to allow people to pass through easily. The minimum clear opening height for an external door in a new build is 2000mm (6ft 6in).

How to measure a door

1. Measure the width of the door: Measure the distance between the two jambs. The jambs are the vertical pieces of wood that frame the doorway.
2. Measure the height of the door: Measure the distance from the top of the jamb to the bottom of the jamb. This is the longest length of the door.
3. Measure the thickness of the door: Measure the distance from the front of the door to the back of the door. This is the shortest length of the door

Once you have measured the width, height, and thickness of the door, you can start to  look for a new door that meets your needs.

What about door sizes around the world?

There are a few other nations that regulate door sizes, with the United States and Australia leading in length and width.

Conclusion

While no universal standard exists, certain dimensions have become common among British homes and door manufacturers. Internal doors typically have a size of 1981mm x 762mm x 35mm, with variations for specific rooms. New builds adhere to regulations, with minimum requirements for entrance doors in terms of height and clear opening width. Additionally, there are specific door size requirements for wheelchair access. Proper alignment between door sizes and frames is essential. By understanding these dimensions, you can make informed decisions when selecting doors for your spaces.

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