Understanding standard entry door sizes is essential when planning door selection, production, and installation. From a manufacturer’s standpoint, “standard size” does not mean a single fixed dimension, but rather a range of commonly accepted sizes that align with building practices, structural openings, and hardware compatibility. Knowing these standards helps reduce customization risk, shorten lead times, and ensure reliable on-site installation.

1. What Is Considered a Standard Entry Door Size?

In most residential and light commercial construction, the most widely used standard entry door size is:

• Width: 36 inches

• Height: 80 inches

• Thickness: typically 1¾ inches for Exterior Doors

This size is often treated as the default because it balances accessibility, structural stability, and ease of manufacturing. Door frames, hinges, locksets, and thresholds are widely standardized around this dimension, making it the most efficient option for production and installation.

2. Common Standard Width Options

While 36 inches is the most common, manufacturers typically recognize several standard widths to suit different architectural needs.

From a manufacturing view, these widths share similar structural logic, allowing internal components such as reinforcement zones and hinge layouts to be adapted without redesigning the entire door system.

3. Standard Entry Door Heights Explained

80 inches: The Traditional Standard

An 80-inch door height has long been the industry baseline. It fits most conventional wall heights and aligns with standard framing practices.

84 and 96 inches: Growing Demand

Modern architecture increasingly favors taller entry doors, typically:

• 84 inches

• 96 inches

These heights create a stronger visual presence and are often used for modern Front Doors or premium façades. From a production standpoint, taller doors require increased attention to internal structure, hinge load distribution, and transport handling, even though they are still considered “standardized” within modern manufacturing systems.

4. Door Thickness: An Often Overlooked Standard

For exterior entry doors, 1¾ inches thickness is widely regarded as the standard. This thickness:

• Supports multi-point or heavy-duty lock systems

• Improves rigidity and resistance to warping

• Provides sufficient depth for weather seals and insulation layers

Some security-oriented or architectural designs may exceed this thickness, but 1¾ inches remains the most compatible size for standard frames and hardware preparations.

5. Rough Opening vs. Door Size: Understanding the Difference

A common mistake is confusing door size with rough opening size.

• Door size refers to the actual leaf dimensions.

• Rough opening is the framed opening in the wall, which must be larger to allow for shimming, leveling, and sealing.

Typical rough opening allowance:

• Door width + 2 to 2½ inches

• Door height + 1 to 1½ inches

From a manufacturer’s perspective, accurate rough opening information is critical. It ensures the supplied frame and door unit can be installed without forcing, which directly affects long-term performance and alignment.

6. Single vs. Double Entry Door Sizes

Single Entry Doors

Most single entry doors follow the standard sizes discussed above, especially 36 × 80 inches.

Double Entry Doors

Double doors are usually specified as:

• 60 inches total width (two 30-inch leaves)

• 72 inches total width (two 36-inch leaves)

These configurations maintain symmetry while using standardized leaf dimensions, which simplifies production and ensures consistent hinge and lock behavior across projects.

7. Why Standard Sizes Matter in Manufacturing

From the manufacturing side, standard entry door sizes offer several advantages:

• More stable structural design due to repeated validation

• Predictable hardware placement and reinforcement zones

• Lower risk during transportation and installation

• Better consistency across large production runs

Even when customization is required, starting from a standard size platform helps control quality and delivery timelines.

8. When Should You Go Beyond Standard Sizes?

Non-standard entry door sizes are typically chosen when:

• Architectural proportions demand a taller or wider entrance

• The project requires a unique visual statement

• Existing buildings have non-standard openings that cannot be altered

In these cases, manufacturers adjust internal structures, frame profiles, and hardware layouts to maintain performance, but careful coordination during specification becomes even more important.

9. A Simple Reference Table

Key Takeaway for Entry Door Selection

A standard entry door size is best understood as a proven dimensional system, not a single number. Choosing within these standards simplifies production, installation, and long-term use, while still allowing flexibility in style, material, and configuration. When sizing decisions are aligned early with manufacturing norms, the result is a door system that installs smoothly and performs reliably over time.