How to Measure a Steel Door

I hope it fits!
Measuring Steel Doors with confidence.

Contrary to most belief there really is no such thing as a standard size steel door. When taking a steel door order, one of the first questions our trained sales staff will ask you is, “What size is your existing steel door?”  Steel doors come in endless combinations of height and width with just as many hinge and lock combinations. Keeping this in mind there are a few simple guidelines to be followed when measuring for a replacement steel door that will ensure an exact fit every time.   

1. Measure the exact Width of the existing steel door. This dimension is also called the net door width. Measure in multiple places along the height of the door to confirm it is the same width along the entire door.
   
   
2. Measure the exact Height of the existing steel door. This dimension is also called the net door height. Measure in multiple places along the width of the door to confirm it is the same height along the entire door.
   
   
3. Measure the hinge locations on the steel door by hooking the tape measure on the top of the door and pulling down to the top of each hinge. Record these dimensions in order. Example: 4 7/8” – 37 1/8” – 69 3/8”
   
   
4. Measure the height of the individual hinge. (For commercial steel doors typically 4 ½”.)
   
   
5. Measure the lock locations on the steel door by measuring from the top of the door down to the center of the lock. If there is more than one lock repeat this step for as many locks as you have.  
   
   
6. Measure the faceplate dimensions for each lock. The faceplate is the cutout on the edge of the door for the lock. Typical sizes for a cylindrical lock are 1 1/8” x 2 ¼” and 1 ¼” x 8” for a mortise lock. Whatever your dimensions are write them down so we can duplicate your steel door perfectly.
   
   
7. Measure the backset for each lock. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the lock bore. Typically 2 ¾” for commercial steel doors and 2 3/8” for a residential application.
   
   
8. Measure the diameter of the lock bores. For a commercial steel door the typical lock bore sizes are 2 1/8” cylindrical lock and 1 ½” or 2 1/8” for a deadbolt.

Using these guidelines will get you well on your way to a trouble free steel door installation.
Stay tuned for our next installment of “Measuring steel doors with confidence!” as we discuss measuring and prepping the face of the door.    

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