French Door Dimensions: 7 Things to Measure

Ever thought about how precise you’ve got to be when measuring for French doors? Getting those dimensions right is the key to a hassle-free installation. Let’s break down the seven crucial things you need to measure to ensure these doors swing perfectly in your space.

Get precise french door dimensions fast with a simple, step‑by‑step checklist for rough openings, panels, and hardware. This guide covers french door sizes for interior and exterior door dimensions so you pick the right frame, swing, and security in one read with actionable tips.

1. Measure the rough opening

Three-point width and height

Grab a tape and measure the rough opening (stud-to-stud, subfloor to header), not the door slabs or casing; record width at top, middle, and bottom, then height at left, center, and right—this avoids surprises from framing that’s out of square; use 1/2 inch of wiggle room for shims if you’re ordering prehung. For quick reference on common french door sizes during this step, see Angi: French Door Sizes.

1. Measure rough opening width at top, middle, bottom.
2. Measure rough opening height at left, center, right.
3. Write down each number to 1/16 inch.
4. Compare and pick the smallest width and smallest height.
5. Add notes on any bowing, hump in subfloor, or low header.

Include trim and threshold

For exterior replacements, account for trim and threshold: measure outside edge of casing to casing if you’re matching existing footprint, then note threshold height relative to finished flooring for weather, water, and step-over. If the new unit has a wider sill or brickmould, mark those dimensions so siding and interior casing still fit cleanly.

Use smallest measurement

Order to the tightest size you recorded, not the largest; doors can be shimmed larger, but they won’t shrink. This habit avoids binding, keeps reveals even, and saves you from trimming new door slabs.

2. Measure panel width and height

Standard panel sizes

Most french door panels come in 24, 30, or 36 inches wide per leaf and 80 inches tall; many lines also offer 84- and 96-inch heights for tall rooms. For a broad look at interior and exterior standards, scan Panda Windows: Standard Door Sizes and match your opening to the nearest catalog option.

Interior vs exterior panels

Interior sets often use 24–30 inch leaves to save space, while exterior units favor 36-inch panels for accessibility, moving furniture, and airflow. If you plan to add screens, review low-profile options like french screen doors so jamb depth and handle projection play nicely together.

Tall door heights

High ceilings benefit from 84- or 96-inch doors for better proportions; taller slabs often need longer hinges and sturdier top jamb fastening. Check hinge count (often three for 80-inch, four for 96-inch) and verify headroom for casing and transoms.

3. Confirm total width and exterior door dimensions

Double-door combinations

Total set width equals both leaves plus the gaps: for example, two 36-inch panels create a 72-inch unit before jambs, astragal, and margins. Manufacturers list “unit width” that includes the frame; compare that to your rough opening with room for shims.

Standard french door size

A common standard french door size is 60 inches (two 30-inch panels) or 72 inches (two 36-inch panels) at 80 inches tall; smaller rooms may use 48 inches with two 24-inch leaves. For more comparisons and visuals, see Hotian Windows: French Door Size.

Typical french door size

The most typical french door size for exterior units ranges from 48 to 72 inches wide by 80 inches high; custom sets can reach 96 inches high or 120 inches wide with sidelites or transoms. Interior pairs frequently land at 60 inches by 80 inches for a balanced opening.

Standard french door dimensions chart

Match your rough opening to these reference sizes before ordering a prehung unit or slab pair.

Door Height (inches)	Door Width (inches)	Typical Application
80	36	Single interior
80	48, 60, 72	Double interior/exterior
84, 96	30, 36	Tall rooms and entries

4. Check wall thickness and jamb depth

Standard jamb depths

Measure finished wall thickness so the jamb depth sits flush with drywall and exterior sheathing; common sizes are 4 9/16 inches for 2×4 walls and up to 6 9/16 inches for 2×6 walls. Note any tile, paneling, or plaster that adds thickness at the opening.

Prehung door considerations

Prehung french doors include the frame, hinges, and weatherstrip, so verify unit size against your rough opening with 1/2–3/4 inch of shim space. If your walls are nonstandard, a jamb kit with adjustable parts can speed setup and give cleaner casing lines .

5. Plan swing direction and clearances

In-swing vs out-swing

Pick in-swing for protected entries and rooms with space inside; choose out-swing for tight interiors, better weather seal compression, and patio layouts that favor clear indoor space. If you want bug protection without bulky panels, a slim double-door screen door can sit behind or ahead of the active leaves.

Handle and baseboard clearance

Check handle projection against walls, furniture, and baseboards; leave room so levers don’t hit trim or windowsills. On tight returns, choose low-profile levers and add a soft bumper to protect the hardware.

6. Account for threshold, sill, and flooring

Exterior threshold height

Record current threshold height and compare to finished patio or deck so rain stays out while step-over stays comfortable; many exterior units integrate a sloped sill and compression seal for weather performance. For photos and sizing notes, see Emerald Doors: Size of French Doors.

Flooring and rug clearance

Plan a 1/2 to 3/4 inch bottom gap for air return and rugs; increase slightly for thick doormats or high-pile carpet. Note transitions so the sweep or drop seal glides over flooring without scraping.

7. Map hardware layout and security

Bore spacing and astragal

Standard lock bores are 2-1/8 inches with a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset; many exterior sets use a 5-1/2 inch center-to-center spacing between handle and deadbolt. On double doors, the passive leaf needs an astragal with flush bolts top and bottom to seal the gap and lock both leaves firmly.

Reinforcement options

Boost security with 3-inch hinge screws into studs, a heavy strike plate, and a center deadbolt that locks into the astragal; for privacy and light control, add french door shutters that won’t interfere with handles. If you want more resistance to forced entry, consider a double-door reinforcement lock and a ready-to-fit jamb kit for cleaner installs.

These two picks fit most french door dimensions and simplify upgrades without special tools.

If you’re replacing only the frame, a jamb kit that matches your wall depth can save time and keep reveals even during install.

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