Cabinet Door Calculator
Calculate cabinet door sizes, quantities, and material needs for your kitchen or bathroom project
Enter Your Cabinet Details
Standard gap is 1/8" (0.125")
Quick Answer
For full overlay cabinet doors, add 1" to both the width and height of your cabinet opening. For a 15" × 30" opening, you need a 16" × 31" door. For double doors, divide the width by 2 and subtract 1/16" for the center gap.
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
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How to Measure for Cabinet Doors
Accurate measurements are essential for ordering replacement cabinet doors or building new ones. Whether you're refreshing your kitchen cabinets or installing new bathroom vanities, proper measuring ensures your doors fit perfectly and function smoothly.
The most common mistake DIYers make is measuring the existing door instead of the cabinet opening. Always measure the opening itself, then add the appropriate overlay amount based on your chosen style.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
- Remove existing doors: Take off the old doors and hinges to expose the face frame opening.
- Measure opening width: Measure from the inside left edge to the inside right edge of the face frame. Measure at top, middle, and bottom, using the smallest measurement.
- Measure opening height: Measure from the inside top edge to the inside bottom edge. Measure at left, center, and right, using the smallest measurement.
- Note the overlay type: Look at your existing doors or decide what style you want to determine the overlay amount.
- Record all measurements: Label each cabinet location (upper left, lower right, etc.) with its dimensions.
Pro Tip
Take photos of each cabinet as you measure. This creates a visual reference that helps prevent ordering mistakes and makes reinstallation easier.
Understanding Overlay Types
The overlay determines how much of the cabinet face frame is visible when the doors are closed. This choice affects both aesthetics and functionality, and different overlays require different door sizes.
Full Overlay
- • Covers most of face frame
- • 1/4" to 1/2" frame visible
- • Modern, seamless look
- • Add 1" to opening size
Half Overlay
- • Covers half the frame
- • ~1" frame visible
- • Traditional appearance
- • Add 1/2" to opening size
Inset
- • Sits inside the frame
- • Full frame visible
- • Classic, high-end look
- • Subtract 1/8" from opening
Cabinet Door Size Formulas
Once you know your opening dimensions and overlay type, calculating door sizes is straightforward. Use these formulas to determine the exact door dimensions you need.
Full Overlay Formula
Door Width = Opening Width + 1"Door Height = Opening Height + 1"Adds 1/2" overlay on each side of the opening.
Half Overlay Formula
Door Width = Opening Width + 0.5"Door Height = Opening Height + 0.5"Adds 1/4" overlay on each side of the opening.
Inset Formula
Door Width = Opening Width - 0.125"Door Height = Opening Height - 0.125"Subtracts 1/16" on each side for clearance.
Calculating Double Door Sizes
Double door cabinets require additional calculations to account for the gap between the two doors. This gap, typically 1/8", allows both doors to open and close without interference.
Double Door Formula (Full Overlay)
Each Door Width = (Opening Width + 1") ÷ 2 - 0.0625"Door Height = Opening Height + 1"Worked Example
Opening: 30" wide × 30" tall
Overlay: Full (add 1")
Total door width = 30 + 1 = 31"
Each door width = 31 ÷ 2 - 0.0625 = 15.4375"
Door height = 30 + 1 = 31"
Result: Two doors at 15-7/16" × 31"
Popular Cabinet Door Styles
Shaker
The most popular style featuring a flat center panel surrounded by a simple frame. Works with any decor from traditional to modern.
Best for: Any kitchen style
Slab (Flat Panel)
Completely flat surface with no frame or panel. Creates a sleek, minimalist look perfect for contemporary spaces.
Best for: Modern, minimalist kitchens
Raised Panel
Features a center panel that's raised above the surrounding frame. Adds depth and traditional elegance to the cabinet.
Best for: Traditional, formal kitchens
Glass Front
Features glass panels (clear, frosted, or seeded) within a frame. Perfect for displaying dishes or adding visual interest.
Best for: Display cabinets, upper cabinets
Cabinet Door Materials
| Material | Cost | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood | $$$ | High-end kitchens | Durable, can be refinished, may warp |
| MDF | $$ | Painted doors | Smooth finish, won't warp, not water-resistant |
| Plywood | $$ | DIY projects | Strong, stable, requires edge banding |
| Thermofoil | $ | Budget renovations | Low cost, easy clean, can peel over time |
| Laminate | $-$$ | High-traffic areas | Durable, many designs, edges can chip |
Hinge Selection Guide
The overlay type you choose directly affects which hinges you need. Using the wrong hinges will result in doors that don't close properly or have uneven gaps.
Full Overlay Hinges
- • Most common type
- • Concealed or European style
- • 1/2" to 3/4" overlay adjustment
Half Overlay Hinges
- • For shared center stiles
- • 1/4" to 3/8" overlay
- • Used in pairs on center cabinets
Inset Hinges
- • Door sits inside frame
- • Visible or concealed options
- • Requires precise fitting
Hinge Quantity Guide
- • Doors up to 40" tall: 2 hinges
- • Doors 40" to 60" tall: 3 hinges
- • Doors over 60" tall: 4 hinges
Common Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes That Lead to Wrong-Sized Doors
- • Measuring existing doors: Always measure the opening, not the old door
- • Forgetting overlay: Raw opening size is not the door size
- • Not accounting for gaps: Double doors need gap allowance
- • Inconsistent measurements: Measure each opening; they may vary
- • Wrong hinge type: Mismatched overlay and hinge won't work
- • Ignoring out-of-square openings: Use the smallest dimension
Best Practices for Accurate Measurements
- Use a steel tape measure: Cloth tapes stretch and give inaccurate readings.
- Measure three times: Check width at top, middle, and bottom; height at left, center, and right.
- Record everything: Create a diagram with all measurements labeled by location.
- Order samples first: If possible, order one door to verify fit before ordering the complete set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard overlay for cabinet doors?
The most common overlay is full overlay, where the door covers most of the cabinet face frame with only 1/4" to 1/2" of the frame visible between doors. This gives a modern, seamless appearance. Half overlay shows about 1" of frame, while inset doors sit completely inside the frame opening.
How do I measure for replacement cabinet doors?
Measure the width and height of the cabinet opening (the inside of the face frame), not the existing door. Then add the appropriate overlay amount: for full overlay add 1" to each dimension, for half overlay add 1/2", and for inset subtract 1/8" for clearance.
What is the gap between double cabinet doors?
The standard gap between double cabinet doors is 1/8" (3mm). This allows both doors to open and close without rubbing while maintaining a clean, consistent appearance. Some prefer a slightly smaller 3/32" gap for a tighter look.
How much bigger should a cabinet door be than the opening?
For full overlay doors, the door should be 1" wider and 1" taller than the opening (adding 1/2" overlay on each side). For half overlay, add 1/2" to each dimension. Inset doors should be 1/8" smaller than the opening to allow for proper clearance.
Can I mix overlay types in the same kitchen?
While possible, mixing overlay types is generally not recommended as it creates an inconsistent appearance. The only exception is using inset doors on a few feature cabinets while the rest are full overlay, which can add visual interest when done intentionally.
How do I calculate square footage for cabinet doors?
Multiply each door's width by its height (both in inches), then divide by 144 to convert to square feet. Add up all doors for total square footage. This helps estimate material costs, painting supplies, and refinishing labor.
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Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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