The Essential Guide to Standard Door Size in The UK

Last Updated: 9 January 2026

The Essential Guide to Standard Door Size in The UK

There are not any rules made just for doors in homes in the UK. But there are building regulations that the UK has for all buildings, and this includes homes as well. The Building Regulations 2010 gives the main rules for how people should build, change, or add to their buildings. These rules help to make things safe, easy for people to use, and better for saving energy. These also have the door width you need, and what a standard door width has to be as part of building regulations.

The building regulations do not give exact rules for doors in homes. But there are some points about doors, like the most common internal door size, that the rules include. For example, all doors in homes must help stop fire from spreading. This means the doors need to be made with fire-resistant materials, and they have to meet set standards for how they work.

Doors should also give a safe way out if there is a fire. They need to open fast and be big enough in size and height for people to get out. This is important for everyone, and it includes people who need wheelchair access. This way, all people can leave the place quickly and safely.

Even though there is no one strict rule for door sizes or a single standard door size, it is key to pick doors that are safe and reliable. Make sure the door you choose does the job you want. You will also need to check that the door fits right and is put in the right way. This will help your door meet all building regulations. A standard door or even any other door size must follow these rules.

How tall are doors in the UK?

In the UK, the standard door height for homes is usually 1981mm. That is about 6 feet, 6 inches, or 78 inches. You will see this size for both inside doors and outside doors. But some external doors can be taller and reach up to 2032mm, which is 80 inches. These door sizes are for the door leaf and do not include the door frame. Door height and actual door sizes may change based on who makes the door or what the building needs. So, always check if you need standard door height for your project. This helps you with door sizes and finding the right external doors.

How thick are doors in the UK?

  1. Internal doors: Standard internal doors are usually 35mm (1.38 inches) or 40mm (1.57 inches) thick. This door thickness works well to give some privacy, cut down noise, and help keep heat in. For most rooms, this is enough. The only difference comes if you need more strength or security for a certain door.

  2. External doors: External doors tend to be thicker than internal doors. You will often see the door thickness can be between 44mm (1.73 inches) and 54mm (2.13 inches), but the width can go up in some cases. This extra thickness helps make external doors more secure, better at keeping out bad weather, and helps with keeping warmth inside the house.

How wide are doors in the UK?

Internal doors are often made in standard widths. The common door sizes are 610mm (24 inches), 686mm (27 inches), 762mm (30 inches), and 838mm (33 inches). These metric door sizes help people and furniture move in and out of rooms easily. They are good for most homes and give a nice mix of privacy and less noise. The widths work well for many needs in your house.

External doors come in standard widths. These are usually 813mm (32 inches), 838mm (33 inches), and 914mm (36 inches). Patio doors, including sliding types, follow these sizes too. A wider door lets you bring in big things like furniture or appliances. The width also gives more security and keeps heat in better. External doors must be stronger than internal doors.

Why are there standard sizes for doors in the UK?

  1. Practicality: The standard UK door size gives enough room for most people to go through with ease. You can move through even if you have things in your hands or use help to walk.

  2. Building regulations: UK rules for building set up clear steps for design and building. A standard UK door size helps builders and planners follow one set of plans. This makes the work faster, less mixed up, and helps everyone use the same door sizes.

  3. Historical influences: With time, the size of doors comes from old building styles. How people built and designed over the years brings us the standard UK door size we see today.

  4. Economies of scale: The building industry gets benefits when door sizes are the same. Makers of doors and shops can buy and sell doors in bigger numbers, and this helps keep prices down for both the people who build buildings and those who buy doors. For both shops and anyone fixing their house, having the standard UK door size lets you get a door that fits in your space without issues.

light oak composite door rockdoor

Common Internal Door Sizes and Their Uses

When you pick internal doors, like internal french doors, you should know about the common sizes and where people use them. The UK has one usual size for these doors. It is 1981mm by 762mm (6’6” by 2’6”). A lot of people use this size in living rooms, bedrooms, and lounges. It gives enough room, keeps things looking good, and also gives you privacy.

There are other popular sizes as well. A door that is 1981mm by 610mm (2’0”) is common for small rooms, such as bathrooms or utility rooms. A bigger size, 1981mm by 838mm (2’9”), is good for wheelchair users. This size lets people move in and out easily.

If you pick the right door size, you get the look you want while also helping your home work well for everyone. This is true for all internal doors and when you select french doors inside your house.

Along with the standard door sizes, you should know that some door styles come in different sizes. For example, bi-fold doors can be wider. They are made to fit bigger spaces. Fire doors, on the other hand, must follow strict rules about internal door sizes and how thick they are. Knowing about these common door sizes, like internal door sizes and when to use them, can help people make good choices when they work on their home or build something new.

Most Common Internal Door Sizes in the UK

In the UK, most internal doors are made to fit standard sizes. These sizes help the door work well and also look good in your home. The most common internal door size is 1981mm high and 762mm wide. This size is good for most spaces, as it gives enough clearance and is easy for people to use.

It is important to know these dimensions, even the less common ones, so you get a perfect fit for your door frame. Following building regulations matters, too. If there are people in the home who use wheelchairs, you may need a wider door. A bigger width helps wheelchair users get through the opening without trouble.

Minimum Size Requirements for Internal Doorways

When you plan to set up internal doors in visitable dwellings, it is important to follow the minimum size rules. These rules make sure the doors work well and meet building regulations. The width of an internal doorway should be at least 750mm. This gives enough space for most people, including those who use mobility aids, to get through with no problem. A width like this keeps internal doors easy to use and friendly for everyone, especially in homes that need to be flexible.

You should think about the minimum door height as well as width. Most internal doors are 1981mm tall. This is a common size to use. When the door height matches this size, it helps keep the feel of the home the same.

Some doors, like internal fire doors, need extra core component materials. Because of this, the size and how the door works can be more important. These rules are set to meet safety standards.

If you know these minimum size needs for internal doors, you can make sure your space works well and follows all the rules.

How to determine what size your door is?

To find out the size of your door, you have to measure the height. You also need to check the width and the thickness. Use this simple step-by-step guide to help you measure your door.

  1. Close the door.

  2. Use a tape measure to check the height. Start at the top edge of your current door and go down to the bottom edge. Make sure the tape stays straight and level.

  3. Measure the width of the door from one side to the other. Do this once at the top and then once at the bottom.

  4. Open the door a little so you can see the edge.

  5. To check the thickness of the door, measure from the front face to the back face. Do this once at the top and once at the bottom.

Door Size Conversion Chart: Imperial & Metric

Knowing the difference between imperial measurements and metric door sizes is very important when you shop for the right doors for your home. Use this easy conversion chart to help you move between these two systems and find the door sizes that fit your needs.

Metric (mm)

Imperial (inches)

Imperial (feet & inches)

1981 x 457

78″ x 18″

6’6″ x 1’6″

1981 x 610

78″ x 24″

6’6″ x 2’0″

1981 x 762

78″ x 30″

6’6″ x 2’6″

1981 x 838

78″ x 33″

6’6″ x 2’9″

2040 x 826

80″ x 32½”

6’8″ x 2’8½”

2040 x 926

80″ x 36⅜”

6’8″ x 3’0⅜”

This chart helps you match common door sizes between the imperial and metric systems. It can make it easy to get a perfect fit for your door openings. Keep in mind that some manufacturers may have changes or small differences in their door sizes, so it is always a good idea to check the specifications before you buy.

Internal Door Sizes and UK Building Regulations

In the UK, there are building regulations for internal door sizes. These rules help keep people safe and make sure everyone can get around the house. Part M of the rules says that the clear opening width for internal doors must be at least 750mm. This matches the clear opening width needed for good access, especially if someone comes straight from a 900mm wide corridor. This rule is very important. It makes it much easier for people with mobility aids to move through these doorways. When building or changing homes, following the right door sizes and building regulations helps give people more comfort and support.

Also, even though there are not hard rules for the minimum door height, many builders use the standard height of 1981mm. This helps keep things the same across a home and fits both metric and imperial units. Following these rules is good because it means your home meets safety needs and is easy for everyone to use. If you know about these door height and door size needs, you can make better choices for your place. This way, your home will be right for both every day use and the law.

Building Regulations for Internal Door Width

Knowing about the different internal door sizes is important for homeowners and builders. The most common internal door dimensions have widths from 24 to 36 inches. The standard height is usually 78 inches. These common sizes give a perfect fit for most door frames. They also help people move in and out easily. At the same time, using the right door sizes means you follow building regulations. That is good for both safety and how well things will work.

Sometimes, you may need to use special door dimensions. For things like fire doors or if you need wheelchair access, there might need to be some changes. This helps make sure all spaces be safe and easy to use for everyone.

Building Regulations for Minimum Door Height

The most common size for interior doors in the UK is 1981 mm high and 762 mm wide. That is about 78 inches tall and 30 inches wide. These doors give a good clear opening, making them easy to use. They also fit well with different room setups. If a space is small, you can get interior doors that are 686 mm, or 27 inches wide.

It is important to check the thickness of the door too. A standard interior door is usually 35 mm thick, or about 1.375 inches. These standard sizes help you get a perfect fit for your door frame and give all the space you need with a clear opening.

Why does door size matter?

The size of the door is important for a few reasons. It can change how well a living space works for you. It also helps keep the space safe and comfortable for people. A door and its size can shape how easy it is to move in and get out. A well-sized door can change how the inside of your home looks.

Internal door sizing is also linked to how safe your home is. Door size can even play a part when you go to sell your house. Most people may not put door size at the top of their list, but it still matters.

  1. Accessibility: If door sizes are not standard or are too small, some people may find it hard to use them. This can be hard for those who use mobility aids, wheelchairs, or prams. Using solid core doors can help with some of these problems.

  2. Furniture moving: A smaller door can make it tough to get big furniture in or out of the house. This can be a worry for some buyers.

  3. Aesthetics: The size of the door adds to the look and style of a home. A door that is too large or small for the space might not look right and could hurt how people feel about the home. If all door sizes and styles match, the house will look more put together and pleasant.

  4. Compliance with building regulations: If the door sizes do not follow the building regulations, buyers may see this as a problem. They may also need to change the doors or add new ones to meet the rules. This can mean extra cost and work.

  5. Energy efficiency: External doors that are the right size and are well-insulated can keep energy bills low, which matters for many people now. A door that is not efficient can make heating and cooling cost more and can be less attractive for people who care about saving energy.

Standard Door Sizes for Accessibility (Wheelchair Access)

Making sure there is access for wheelchair users is very important. The right door sizes help with this need. For internal doors, the clear opening width should be at least 32 inches, or 81.3 cm. This lets wheelchair users get through with no trouble. For external doors, you will often need a width of 36 inches, or 91.4 cm, as the standard size. This makes it easier and more comfortable for everyone to enter or leave.

Following these clear opening width standards not only helps people move around more easily but also means you are meeting building regulations. These rules are there to help make homes and other places more open to all.

Door Types and Their Standard Sizes

There are many kinds of doors, and each has its own size. For example, standard internal doors are usually 1981mm high and 762mm wide. A door with a fire rating is built to meet safety rules. This kind of door is often the same height but can be wider, so people can get out fast in case of a fire. External doors like French doors or patio doors are often bigger in both height and width. This makes it easy for people to come in or go out, and gives a smooth feel between inside and outside spaces.

Internal doors, external doors, standard internal doors, fire rating, and patio doors are important keywords when you think about safety and design in your house.

Fire Door Standard Sizes

When it comes to internal door sizes in the UK, you will find that most of the time, they are made to meet different needs. A standard door height will be about 1981 mm, with a width of 762 mm. This size gives a clear opening that lets most people walk through the door with ease. It also looks good in most homes and works with building regulations.

If you need something special, like wheelchair access, you can get doors made just for that need. This ensures a perfect fit for any doorway. Using the right door height and width means your home can feel open and comfortable for everyone.

Patio Door Sizes

Understanding door sizes for inside your home in the UK is important. It helps with both how the door works and how it looks. The most common internal door sizes are 24 inches, 27 inches, and 30 inches wide. The usual height is 80 inches. The main difference in door dimensions is that these sizes let you get a clear opening, which is good for daily use and moving around your living spaces. Doors also have to follow building regulations. This is so they make room for wheelchair users and are safe. So, it is a good idea to think about these things when you pick or change doors in your home.

Bi-Fold Door Sizes

The most common internal door sizes in the UK match different types of buildings and what people need. If you want to change your internal doors for the first time, most standard internal doors are 2,000 mm tall and 762 mm wide. This size helps give a clear opening, which makes it easy for people to walk through. A smaller size, like 686 mm width, is also often used. Knowing all these door sizes helps you get a perfect fit for your frames. These sizes work for everyday use, and help meet special needs like wheelchair access or fire safety rules in your place.

French Door Sizes

In the UK, there are several standard internal door sizes. The most common height for a door is 1981mm (78 inches). A typical width is 762mm (30 inches) for a single door. There is not one single standard size for all types of doors. Most doors are about 35mm (1.375 inches) thick. This door thickness works well with most door frames.

Some doors, like internal fire doors or doors made for wheelchair access, may have different sizes. These changes make sure there is a perfect fit and that the doors meet the needs of modern buildings.

People need to keep in mind door sizes, door thickness, and the use of a door when choosing the right one. This helps you get a door that is good for the space, such as when you want to allow wheelchair access or need an internal fire door. A perfect fit is important for how a door works and how it looks.

How front door size specifications differ from internal door size specifications?

Front doors are often wider than internal doors. This is so you can get big things, like furniture or appliances, into your home or building. Front doors are made to be strong. They give you better security. They also do a good job at keeping out weather and helping with insulation, much better than internal doors. You should know about common internal door dimensions if you want to pick the right internal doors for your project. This will help you get the size you need.

These standard door sizes help you know what to expect for interior door sizes. But the real size of a door can change depending on the company that makes it or what your building needs. Sometimes, you may need a custom or non-standard door size. This can happen if someone needs the door for easy access or if the space has a special look.

What If Your Door Opening Is Not a Standard Size?

If you have a door opening that is not the standard size, it can feel hard to deal with. Still, there are some good options for you. You can order custom internal doors that are made just for your space. This helps you get the perfect fit, and your room will look and feel better. Another way is to trim a standard door so it works with a door space that is a different size. This way, you still follow building regulations and get what you need. Working with professionals can also help. They know what to do, so you can count on them for the right answers and a perfect look. This will make your room feel just right and everything will fit as it should.

Options for Trimming or Ordering Made-to-Measure Doors

Most internal doors in the UK come in different sizes to fit many spaces and styles. This is true, especially for older homes. A single standard door size is usually 762mm (30 inches) wide and 1981mm (78 inches) high. This is the most common internal door size for inside rooms. If you use a standard door, it is important to make sure there is a perfect fit in the door frame. There are also different sizes for other needs. For example, there are fire doors and doors made for wheelchair access. These doors must follow building regulations so that they work well and are safe.

If you need new doors, give us a shout!

Change your living space with our expertly crafted bespoke doors. Add more style and use to your home with special doors, made just for you. Get the perfect bifold door that fits in your place. Contact us today for a free consultation and find the right custom door size for your home. See the difference our company can make for you.

Written by

Related Posts