Door Weight Calculator
Accurate estimation for architects, builders, and installers
Standard height is usually 2032mm (80 inches).
Please enter a valid height.
Standard width is usually 813mm (32 inches).
Please enter a valid width.
Standard thickness is usually 35mm or 44mm.
Please enter a valid thickness.
Hollow Core (Honeycomb) – ~150 kg/m³
Pine (Softwood) – ~450 kg/m³
Solid Core (Particleboard) – ~600 kg/m³
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) – ~700 kg/m³
Oak (Hardwood) – ~750 kg/m³
Mahogany – ~850 kg/m³
Glass (Tempered) – ~2500 kg/m³
Steel (Security) – ~7850 kg/m³
Select the primary material or core construction type.
Include hinges, handles, locks, and kickplates.
Value cannot be negative.
Estimated Total Weight
0.00 kg
0.00 lbs
Weight in Pounds
0.00 m²
Surface Area
0.00 m³
Material Volume
Formula used: Weight = (Volume × Density) + Hardware
Weight Comparison by Material
Comparison of your door dimensions across common materials.
Typical Material Densities
| Material Type | Density (kg/m³) | Density (lbs/ft³) |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow Core (Honeycomb) | 150 | 9.4 |
| Softwood (Pine) | 450 | 28.1 |
| Solid Core (Particle) | 600 | 37.5 |
| MDF | 700 | 43.7 |
| Hardwood (Oak) | 750 | 46.8 |
| Glass (Plate/Tempered) | 2500 | 156.1 |
What is calculate weight of the door?
When architects, builders, and homeowners seek to calculate weight of the door, they are performing a critical physics-based estimation of the total mass of a door unit. This process involves determining the volume of the door based on its physical dimensions (height, width, and thickness) and multiplying it by the specific density of the construction material, adding the weight of any attached hardware.
This calculation is not merely academic. Accurately determining the weight is essential for selecting the correct hinges, pivots, and closers. A door that is too heavy for its hardware will sag, scrape the floor, or fail structurally, creating safety hazards and maintenance issues. Conversely, over-specifying hardware for a light door results in unnecessary costs.
Who should use this calculation?
- Carpenters & Installers: To ensure hinge load ratings are not exceeded.
- Architects: To specify appropriate structural support in framing.
- Interior Designers: To understand the "feel" and swing resistance of a door.
A common misconception is that all doors of the same size weigh the same. As the calculator above demonstrates, a solid oak door can weigh nearly five times as much as a hollow core door of identical dimensions.
Door Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
To manually calculate weight of the door, we rely on the fundamental relationship between mass, density, and volume. The formula is derived in two steps.
Step 1: Calculate Volume
First, we determine the volume of the door slab in cubic meters (m³).
Volume (V) = Height (H) × Width (W) × Thickness (T)
Note: If measuring in millimeters, divide the result by 1,000,000,000 to get cubic meters.
Step 2: Calculate Total Mass
Next, we multiply the volume by the material density and add the hardware weight.
Total Weight = (Volume × Density) + Hardware Weight
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit (Metric) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| H, W, T | Dimensions | Millimeters (mm) | H: 1981-2400, W: 610-1200 |
| Density (ρ) | Mass per unit volume | kg/m³ | 150 (Hollow) – 2500 (Glass) |
| Hardware | Hinges, locks, handles | Kilograms (kg) | 1.0 – 5.0 kg |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Standard Residential Bedroom Door
A homeowner wants to replace a bedroom door. The door is a standard "Hollow Core" typically found in modern homes.
- Inputs: Height: 2032mm, Width: 813mm, Thickness: 35mm.
- Material: Hollow Core (Density ~150 kg/m³).
- Hardware: Standard knob and hinges (1.0 kg).
- Calculation: Volume = 0.0578 m³. Weight = (0.0578 × 150) + 1.0.
- Result: Approx 9.67 kg (21.3 lbs).
- Interpretation: This is a light door; standard residential hinges (Grade 3) are perfectly adequate.
Example 2: Commercial Solid Oak Entrance Door
A business is installing a heavy main entry door made of solid Oak.
- Inputs: Height: 2100mm, Width: 900mm, Thickness: 44mm.
- Material: Oak (Density ~750 kg/m³).
- Hardware: Heavy duty closer, push bar, kick plate (4.5 kg).
- Calculation: Volume = 0.08316 m³. Weight = (0.08316 × 750) + 4.5.
- Result: Approx 66.87 kg (147.4 lbs).
- Interpretation: This door requires ball-bearing hinges or a pivot set rated for at least 70kg to prevent sagging.
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure Dimensions: Measure the height, width, and thickness of your door slab in millimeters. Do not include the frame.
- Select Material: Choose the material that best matches your door. If unsure, "Solid Core" is a safe average for solid-feeling apartment doors, while "Hollow Core" is for light interior doors.
- Estimate Hardware: Add an estimated weight for handles, locks, and closers. 1.5kg is a good average.
- Review Results: The calculator updates instantly. Use the "Total Weight" to check against your hinge manufacturer's specifications.
Key Factors That Affect Door Weight Results
When you calculate weight of the door, several physical and financial factors come into play:
- Core Construction: The difference between a hollow honeycomb core and a solid particleboard core is the single biggest factor, often tripling the weight.
- Moisture Content: Wood is hygroscopic. A door in a humid environment (bathroom or coastal area) can absorb moisture, increasing its density and weight by 5-10%.
- Glazing (Glass): If the door has glass panels, the weight increases drastically. Glass (2500 kg/m³) is over 3 times denser than Oak.
- Hardware Specification: Commercial panic bars and automatic closers add significant localized weight, affecting the moment of inertia on the hinges.
- Veneer vs Solid: A "Solid Oak" door is solid wood throughout. An "Oak Veneer" door may have a lighter particle core with a thin skin, weighing less.
- Safety Factor: When selecting hinges based on this calculation, always add a 10-20% safety margin to account for variable densities and dynamic forces (slamming).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it important to calculate weight of the door accurately?
Accurate weight calculation prevents hardware failure. Using hinges rated for 40kg on a 60kg door will lead to door sagging, binding against the frame, and potential injury.
How do I find the density of my door if it's not listed?
If your material isn't listed, check manufacturer specs. General rule: if you can easily lift it with one hand, it's likely hollow core (~150-200 kg/m³). If it requires effort, it's solid core (~500-700 kg/m³).
Does paint add significant weight?
Generally, no. Multiple coats of paint might add 0.5kg to 1kg max, which is usually negligible compared to the slab weight.
How does a fire rating affect door weight?
Fire-rated doors (FD30, FD60) are significantly heavier because they use high-density cores to resist burn-through. An FD30 door is often 30-50% heavier than a standard solid core door.
What if my door is glazed?
You must calculate the weight of the glass separately and the wood frame separately, then add them together. Glass is very heavy.
Does the calculator include the frame weight?
No, this tool helps you calculate weight of the door slab (the moving part). The frame is fixed to the wall and carries the load.
What is the weight of a standard 30-inch hollow door?
A standard 30″ x 80″ hollow core door typically weighs between 9kg and 11kg (20-24 lbs).
Can I use 2 hinges for a 50kg door?
It is recommended to use 3 hinges (1.5 pairs) for any door over 15-20kg to prevent warping and ensure smooth operation.