What Size Hinges Should I Buy?

When it comes to choosing hinges for your application, the size of the hinges will depend on the weight and thickness of the door.
Please use this table to guide you on what the industry recommends for hinge sizes in relation to door height.  

Door Thickness	Door Width	Hinge Size to Use
1-3/8 inches thick	up to 32 inches	3 x 3 hinge
1-3/8 inches thick	between 32 and 37 inches	4 x 4 hinge
1-3/4 inches thick	up to 36 inches	4.5 x 4.5 hinge
1-3/4 inches thick	between 36 and 48 inches	5 x 5 hinge

The number of hinges for your door will depend on the height of your door. The industry standard is one hinge for every 30 inches of height. Below is a short guide on sizing hinges and some further tips on determining what size heavy duty door hinges to buy.

Door hinge sizes

Hinges range from 3 inches to 6 inches, with 4 inches being the most common. The size of the hinge you need will depend on the door’s weight, height, and width, as well as the number of hinges required to support the door.

For standard 1 3/8-inch interior doors, two 3 1/2-inch hinges are usually sufficient. For exterior doors and heavier interior doors, three 4-inch hinges are recommended. It’s important to note that the weight of the door will also affect the size of the hinge required. For instance, a heavy solid wood door will require a larger hinge than a hollow core door of the same size.

Measuring door thickness

The first step in determining what size door hinge you need is to measure the thickness of your door. To do this, you’ll need a tape measure. Measure the door’s thickness from edge to edge, excluding any molding or trim. Most interior doors are 1 3/8 inches thick, while exterior doors are usually 1 3/4 inches thick.

Measuring hinge leaf height

As the table above indicates, the hinge height you’ll need will be a product of door thickness and door width. For example, a 1 3/4-inch exterior door that is 36 inches wide will require a 4 1/2-inch or 5-inch hinge.

Determining backset

Backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the edge of the hinge or hinge mortise (cutout). This measurement is important because it determines where the door will sit in relation to the frame. A general rule of thumb for calculating hinge backset is as follows: for door thickness from 1 3/8 inches to 2 ¼ inches, the standard backset should be 1/4 of an inch. For a 2 1/2 inch door thickness, the standard backset is usually 3/8 of an inch. If you’re in doubt about backset measurements, ask our friendly team.

Other considerations

When choosing the right size door hinge, you’ll also need to consider other factors, such as the door swing direction, the door frame, and the aesthetic design of the door. The door swing direction refers to whether the door swings inward or outward. If the door swings inward, the hinge must be installed on the inside, while an outward-swinging door requires the hinge to be installed on the outside.

The door frame is another important factor to consider. The frame must be strong enough to support the weight of the door and the hinges. If the frame is weak or damaged, it can cause the door to sag, making it difficult to open and close. It’s also essential to ensure that the hinge screws are securely fastened into the frame to avoid the risk of the door falling off the hinges.

Aesthetics should also be considered when selecting the right size hinge for your door. Hinges come in various finishes, such as brass, chrome, nickel, and bronze, to complement the door’s design and overall aesthetic. Remember, even when hinges are made of one metal, such as solid brass hinges, they can come in a variety of finishes (colors) such as polished brass, satin brass, antique brass, oil rubbed bronze, matte black, pewter, polished chrome, satin nickel, or polished nickel.