How to measure a garage door?

Follow this step-by-step process to measure various aspects of your garage. This will help you determine what size garage door will fit your home.

Step 1 - Measure the door’s opening width

Measure the width of the garage door opening at its widest point. The garage door’s width is the distance between the right and the left side of the finished opening. To obtain optimal results, there should be a wood frame approximately 2” x 6”. Inspect for any irregularities in the opening or measurements, such as irregular door jambs.

Step 2- Measure the door’s opening height

Measure the door’s opening height at its highest point. The height of the opening is the measurement of the distance between the floor and the top of the finished opening. Make a note of any irregularities that may affect the measurements, such as a floor that is not level.

Step 3- Measure areas adjacent to the door’s openings.

Measure the width of the areas adjacent to the door’s openings. Installation of the vertical track requires up to 5 inches on each side of the opening. For 2-door installations, a minimum of 10” wide is required for the center post.



Step 4- Measure the “headroom”.

Measure the “headroom,” the area between the ceiling, or its lowest obstruction, and the top of the door’s opening.

Step 5- Measure the “backroom”.

Measure the “backroom,” the distance from the opening to the garage’s rear, or the closest obstruction. In the case of sectional doors, the requirement for the back room is the height of the door with an additional 18 inches for manual lift doors.