The Ultimate Guide for Bifold Door Sizes With Charts

Bifold doors are extremely stylish and functional, especially in spaces where you might want to adjust the opening size as per the situation. However getting the right size for bifold doors can sometimes get tricky, as they involve more measurements than standard doors.

Don’t worry—let us help you measure your bifold door sizes to avoid unnecessary returns, all in just a few easy steps.

What are the Standard Bifold Door Sizes?

Bifold doors, also called folding doors, have multiple panes (often two but could be more) hinged together that fold and slide along a track in the frame. Each pane is considered a single door, and measured as such.

For a starting size, you’ll typically find a minimum of 9 inches per pane (18 inches total width) for a two-pane door. For odd-number configurations, such as a three-panel door, you can find panes as narrow as 8 inches each in width. On the higher end, they can go up to 18 inches per pane. Standard heights for interior bifold doors are typically 80 inches or 96 inches. Of course, with customization, you can create doors in virtually any size you need.

Nominal Size vs. Actual Size

When you order a standard door from a store, the actual door you receive will be slightly smaller than the listed size—usually by about half an inch to an inch. For instance, if you order a 36-inch-wide bifold door, the actual panels may measure 35 inches—half an inch short in each. 

But don’t panic, because this difference, called the “fitting tolerance,” is actually useful. It allows room for hinges and tracks and also ensures that the doors fold without pressing against each other, improving alignment and proper fit. 

So when ordering a custom size, keep this tolerance in mind and let the manufacturer know, if you’ve already considered it or not, to avoid surprises during installation.

Standard Bifold Door Size Chart

Because bifold doors suit so many spaces—literally from barn bifold doors for pantry to wooden bifold doors dividing entire rooms—they are available in at least a dozen different sizes on even standard shelves in stores. Here’s the chart we have created for you.

The actual dimensions may vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with the supplier before finalizing your purchase.

How to Measure Bifold Door Sizes

1. Measure the width: Place the tape measure inside the frame where the bifold door will be installed. Take three measurements across the opening—at the top, middle, and bottom. Make sure the tape is held straight and level. Record the smallest measurement.
2. Measure the Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the opening on both the left and right sides. Again, place the tape firmly inside the frame and hold it vertically straight. Record the smaller measurements.
3. Verify Squareness: Measure diagonally across the opening from top-left to bottom-right and vice versa. If the measurements differ significantly, adjustments to the frame might be needed, or you may need a custom-sized door.
4. Account for Fitting Tolerance: Typically, manufacturers already consider the tolerance and produce doors slightly smaller than the listed size, but it’s good practice to subtract ½ to 1 inch from your measurements for extra flexibility.

Finally, give these measurements to the manufacturer or the store to find a door according to your requirements.

Here’s a quick video to help you better measure your door opening:

Tips for Choosing Bifold Door Sizes

Here are some practical tips to help you pick the perfect size for your bifold doors:

• Know Your Space: For closets and pantries, measure carefully to ensure the doors won’t interfere with nearby furniture or walls when fully opened.
• Think About Accessibility: If the bifold door is for a high-traffic area like a patio, opt for wider panels or multi-panel options for easier access.
• Consider Ceiling Height: Standard bifold doors are 80 inches tall, but if you have taller ceilings, look for extended-height options or consider custom sizing.
• Account for Tracks and Hardware: Remember that the overall opening size includes room for tracks and hinges, so check with the manufacturer for exact specifications.
• Custom Needs? If your opening is an unusual size, custom-made bifold doors ensure a perfect fit and eliminate the hassle of resizing the frame. At Mannlee, our team is ready to assist you in choosing the right material and size for your door, ensuring a tailor-made and hassle-free experience. 

FAQ’s

What is the rough opening for a bifold door?

The rough opening for a bifold door depends on the size of the door. Generally, it should be about ½ to 1 inch wider and taller than the door’s actual dimensions to accommodate the frame, track, and fitting adjustments.

What size opening do you need for a 36-inch bifold door?

A bifold door listed as 36 inches is actually 35 inches wide, making it suitable for a 36-inch-wide opening. The 1-inch difference allows for proper clearance and ensures the bifold door operates smoothly.

Can bifold doors be any size?

Yes, bifold doors can be custom-made to fit virtually any size. While standard bifold doors are available in common dimensions, custom sizing allows them to fit unique or non-standard openings.

Conclusion

Bifold doors come in a variety of sizes, starting from as small as 8 inches to as wide as 18 inches per panel. They can also be configured to cover any width you need with multiple panes. Just follow this bifold door size measuring guide correctly, and you’ll be able to find your perfect bifold door.

If you’re looking to add bifold door varieties to your product portfolio, Mannlee offers a wide selection with exceptional manufacturing services, ensuring you provide the best products to your customers. Give us a call today to talk to our experts and receive professional guidance and the best service.