Home Garden

How to Measure Doorways

Measuring a doorway correctly enables you to know if a piece of furniture you're considering would fit through the opening. If not, your choices are to find furniture that will fit or take down the door framing. Another time homeowners need the exact measurements is when purchasing a new door. Obtaining the right size door is crucial to the fit and security of your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pull out a measuring tape and stretch it across the door width. Measure inside the door from one frame to the other. Write down the measurement in feet and inches.

    • 2

      Stretch the tape measure down the length of the door opening. Measure from the floor to the inside of the top frame in the doorway. Write down the feet and inches so you'll have them when you shop for furniture or order a new door.

    • 3

      Take more measurements in other areas. For instance, if you measured the height on the right side, measure it also on the left side. If you measured the width at the bottom, repeat the measurement at the top. This is wise to ensure the fit, particularly if you live in an older home whose openings might not be perfectly symmetrical. Purchase a new door to fit the smallest measurements. Fill in any gaps with weather stripping on exterior doors.