Calculate door dimensions for face-frame cabinet construction. This tool assumes uniform overlay and works for single and double door configurations with standard symmetric gaps.
Last updated: March 2026
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for cabinet overlay and gap dimensions. Actual installation requirements may vary based on cabinet construction method, door styles, hinge type, and manufacturer specifications. Always verify measurements with cabinet documentation or consult a cabinetmaker.
Overlay refers to the amount a cabinet door covers (or "overlays") the face frame. A 1/2" overlay means the door extends 1/2" past the opening on all sides, making the door 1" wider and 1" taller than the opening. Overlay type determines both the visual style and the hinge type you'll need.
The most common types are: Inset (door sits flush inside the frame with no overlay), Partial Overlay (1/2" or 3/4" overlay, showing some frame between doors), and Full Overlay (1-1/4" overlay, where doors nearly touch and hide most of the frame). European-style cup hinges are specifically manufactured for different overlay amounts, so your hinge selection must match your overlay measurement.
The overlay is added to both sides, so you multiply by 2. For example, a 24" wide opening with 1/2" overlay needs a 25" wide door (24 + 0.5 + 0.5).
For double doors, you subtract the gap between doors before dividing by 2. Common gaps are 1/8" to allow doors to open without binding. Height calculation remains the same.
Calculate door size for a 24" × 30" opening with 1/2" overlay, double doors, 1/8" gap:
When closed, the two doors combined cover 24.875" with a 1/8" gap between them.
Yes. European cup hinges are specifically manufactured for different overlay amounts (0mm inset, 3mm, 6mm, 19mm, etc.). Match your hinge to your overlay measurement.
Face-frame cabinets have a wooden frame on the front where doors mount. Frameless (European-style) cabinets have no frame—doors mount directly to the cabinet box sides.
For double doors, 1/8" (3mm) is standard. This prevents binding while keeping the gap minimal. Inset doors typically need 1/16" to 1/8" all around.
Not recommended. All doors and drawers on a cabinet run should use the same overlay for visual consistency and to simplify hinge selection.
Measure at multiple points and use the smallest dimension. Cabinet doors can't compensate for out-of-square frames—the frame must be corrected first.
Yes, drawer fronts typically match the door overlay for consistency. Some designs use a slightly larger overlay (1/16" more) to account for the gap above/below the drawer.
Inset doors (0" overlay) sit flush inside the frame. Subtract your desired gap (usually 1/16" to 1/8" all around) from the opening size to get door dimensions. Use inset hinges, not overlay hinges.
This calculator gives finished door dimensions. If building raised panel doors, the rail/stile frame must account for panel thickness and joinery. The final assembled door should match these calculated dimensions.
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