Exterior Door
Measure the rough opening width and height, jamb size, and door swing for your replacement exterior door.
- ✓ Rough Opening
- ✓ Width and Height
- ✓ Jamb Size
- ✓ Door Swing
Nick's Door Measuring Center
Get the measurements Nick's needs for an accurate door quote.
To Prepare an Accurate Quote, We'll Need:
Rough Opening or Masonry Opening
Jamb Size
Door Swing Direction
Don't worry if you're not completely sure. Our Door Project Wizard walks you through each measurement, and every submission is reviewed by a Nick's door specialist before your quote is prepared.
Already know your measurements? Start the Door Project Wizard.
Jamb Size
Height
Door Swing
Width
The #1 Measuring Mistake
Whenever possible, the person installing the door should also take the measurements.
Small differences can lead to the wrong door size, added labor, delays, or costly changes. If a contractor or installer will handle the installation, ask that person to verify the rough opening or masonry opening, jamb size, and door swing before the order is finalized.
Step 1
Choose What You Need to Measure
Select your project below. Each guide explains what to measure and the information Nick's needs to prepare an accurate quote.
Interior Door
Measure the rough opening and jamb size for your interior prehung door. A standard rough opening is typically about 2 inches wider and 2 inches higher than the slab.
- ✓ Rough Opening
- ✓ Width and Height
- ✓ Jamb Size
Masonry Opening
Measure the outside opening when brick, stone, stucco, siding, or exterior trim surrounds your entry door.
- ✓ Masonry Width
- ✓ Masonry Height
Door Parts
Not sure what a jamb, brickmold, threshold, or weatherstrip is? Use the illustrated guide to identify the parts mentioned throughout the measuring process.
Have Your Measurements?
Continue to the Door Project Wizard to upload your measurements and photos. Every submission is reviewed by a Nick's door specialist before your quote is prepared.
Door Anatomy
Know the parts before you order.
Click any door part below to see a quick illustrated guide.
Step 2: Watch & Learn
Watch before you measure.
Review these videos before measuring or installing your door. They are especially helpful for confirming proper measuring and installation technique.
How to Measure and Install
Overview video for understanding the measuring and installation process.
Installing an Exterior Door
Installation video for exterior door projects and replacement entry doors.
Still unsure?
Upload photos in the Door Project Wizard. Nick's can review the opening before preparing your quote.
Avoid Ordering Errors
Avoid these common ordering mistakes
A few small details can make a big difference when ordering a prehung exterior door.
Measuring trim instead of the door unit
Brickmold, trim, and casing can make the opening look larger than the actual door unit.
Only measuring one spot
Openings may be out of square. Measure width and height in multiple places.
Guessing the door swing
Stand outside facing the door and confirm the hinge side and swing direction.
Important: Confirm the Rough Opening and Masonry Opening
It is vital to get the rough opening measurement correct. You typically need approximately 1" of play and shim room when installing a prehung door. When measuring for a replacement door, also get the masonry opening measurement if there is existing brick, stone, stucco, wood siding, or vinyl siding around the entry door, because the surrounding material can affect proper fitment and installation.
Helpful Downloads
Prefer a guide or a fillable form?
Use the Door Project Wizard for the easiest online experience, or download the PDFs below if you prefer to work offline.
Standard Door Size Guide
Download our free Door Size Guide with standard door sizes, rough opening dimensions, and measuring tips.
Download Door Size GuideFillable Door List / Schedule PDF
Prefer paper or need a contractor-friendly format? Complete the fillable Door Schedule PDF and email it back to Nick's.
Download Fillable Door List / Schedule
Ready to Start?
Send Nick's your measurements and photos.
Use the guided Door Project Wizard, or download the fillable form when you prefer to work offline.
FAQ
Exterior door measuring questions
Do I measure the slab or the frame?
It depends on what you are ordering. The Door Project Wizard helps organize slab size, unit size, rough opening, and masonry opening information.
What is a rough opening?
The rough opening is the framed opening that allows space for the prehung unit, shimming, and adjustment.
What is brickmold?
Brickmold is exterior trim around the door unit. It is not the same as the slab size or rough opening.
What is a masonry opening?
The masonry opening is the outside opening where the door meets the home's exterior materials such as brick, stone, stucco, siding, or trim.
Can Nick's verify my measurements?
Yes. Use the Door Project Wizard to upload photos and send your project details to Nick's for review.
What if my opening is not square?
Measure in multiple places and send photos. Nick's can help review unusual or out-of-square openings.
How do I measure sidelites?
Record the quantity, width, and whether they are fixed, active, or venting. The Door Project Wizard helps organize this information.
What if I prefer not to use the Door Project Wizard?
You can download the fillable Door List / Schedule PDF, complete it offline, and email it back to Nick's.
