DIY
Find the floor space a hinged door needs to swing, and check whether it fits. Enter the door width (and the depth you have) to get the clearance and swept area.
Clear Depth Needed
— in.
Keep this much floor clear on the swing side.Usage Tip
If a door will not fit its swing, options are a narrower door, reversing the hinge side or swing direction, or switching to a pocket or sliding door. Measure to the nearest obstruction, not just the wall.
THE MATH
Clear depth needed = Door width (the swing tip reaches out one door width)
Floor area swept = factor × π × r², with r = door width
Quarter (90°) factor = 1/4; full (180°) factor = 1/2
Floor area swept = factor × π × r², with r = door width
Quarter (90°) factor = 1/4; full (180°) factor = 1/2
A hinged door tip traces an arc of radius equal to the door width, so it needs a clear square that size on the swing side.
Floor area swept is the fan-shaped region the door actually passes through.
Floor area swept is the fan-shaped region the door actually passes through.
This is the geometric swing clearance. For accessible (ADA) doors, add maneuvering clearance beside the latch and in the approach — commonly 18 to 24 in. on the pull-side latch and a 60 in. deep approach — which is larger than the bare swing.
Watch for door-to-door conflicts in tight hallways and corners; two doors swinging into the same space can collide.
A pocket, barn, or sliding door removes the swing entirely where floor space is tight.
Watch for door-to-door conflicts in tight hallways and corners; two doors swinging into the same space can collide.
A pocket, barn, or sliding door removes the swing entirely where floor space is tight.
Spotted an error or have a suggestion for this calculator? Let us know →