Hinge Layout (from top of door)
Door Hinge Placement Chart
| Door height | Hinges |
|---|---|
| Under 60 in | 2 |
| 60 – 90 in | 3 |
| 90 – 120 in | 4 |
| Over 120 in | 5+ |
Top and Bottom Offset Guide
| Door type | Typical end offset |
|---|---|
| Interior / exterior door | 5 – 7 in top, 7 – 11 in bottom |
| Cabinet / furniture door | 3 – 4 in from each end |
| Access panel | 2 – 3 in from each end |
Many residential installers set the bottom hinge a little higher (10 to 11 in); adjust the offsets above to match your standard.
Where Should Hinges Be Placed?
Hinge placement follows a simple rule: set the top and bottom hinges a fixed distance from each end, then space any middle hinges evenly between them. A common layout puts the top hinge about 7 inches from the top, the bottom hinge about 7 to 11 inches from the bottom, and the third hinge centered in between. For a 7-foot door that lands near 7, 42, and 77 inches from the top. This calculator takes the door height and type, suggests the hinge count, and lays out the exact positions with a diagram you can measure from.
How Many Hinges Do I Need?
Hinge count rises with door height and weight. Doors under 60 inches usually take two hinges, standard doors from 60 to 90 inches take three, tall doors up to 120 inches take four, and anything taller takes five or more. Heavy exterior or solid-core doors often get an extra hinge beyond the height rule to carry the weight and prevent sag. The calculator suggests a count from the height, and you can override it for heavy doors.
Cabinet Hinge Placement
Cabinet doors use concealed European hinges set near the top and bottom, typically three to four inches from each end, with the cup bored a set distance from the door edge. Tall or heavy cabinet doors add a third or even fourth hinge spaced evenly between. The overlay type, full overlay, partial overlay, or inset, determines the hinge and mounting plate you buy, while the vertical spacing follows the same even-layout rule as any other door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should hinges be placed? Top and bottom hinges a fixed offset from each end, middle hinges evenly spaced between them.
How many hinges do I need? Two under 60 inches, three for standard doors, four for tall doors, more for very tall or heavy ones.
Cabinet hinge spacing? About 3 to 4 inches from the top and bottom, with extra hinges for tall or heavy doors.
How far from the top is the first hinge? Usually 5 to 7 inches from the top of the door to the top of the hinge.