Cabinet Door Overlay Calculator
Calculate the exact door overlay and center reveal for your custom cabinet builds based on cabinet opening and door dimensions.
How to Use the Cabinet Door Overlay Calculator
- 1. Cabinet Opening (in): Measure the exact inside width of the empty space your doors will cover.
- 2. Single Door Width (in): Enter the width of one individual cabinet door.
- 3. Number of Doors: Select whether you are hanging a single door or double doors over the opening.
- 4. Center Reveal (in): If you are using 2 or more doors, enter the gap you want between them (the standard is typically 0.125 or 1/8 inch).
Once your dimensions are entered, the calculator will automatically output your Total Door Span and the exact Hinge Side Overlay required to mount your doors properly.
Introduction
Figuring out the exact cabinet door overlay for your custom builds can be frustrating, especially when dealing with full overlay cabinets. A fraction of an inch off, and your doors will either rub together or leave an unsightly gap. Whether you are working with a traditional cabinet face frame or sleek frameless boxes, getting the math right before you cut or order your doors is crucial for a professional finish.
This free tool removes the guesswork from sizing your full overlay cabinet doors. By automatically calculating your cabinet overlay and factoring in your center reveal, you can confidently shop for hinges and mount your doors knowing they will fit perfectly the first time.
What is the standard reveal for full overlay cabinets?
When designing full overlay cabinets, the standard reveal (the gap left exposed on the cabinet box) generally follows these rules of thumb:
- Standard Center Reveal (Gap between two doors): 1/8 inch (0.125″) to 1/16 inch.
- Standard Perimeter Reveal (Exposed cabinet edge): 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch.
- Hinge Clearances: Always verify your specific hinge specifications, as most full overlay hinges require a minimum 1/16″ gap to swing open without binding against the adjacent door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much smaller should a cabinet door be than the opening?
A. If you are building inset cabinets (where the doors sit inside the frame), the door should be 1/4 inch smaller than the opening width and height, which leaves a 1/8 inch gap all the way around. However, if you are building full overlay cabinets, the doors will actually be larger than the opening to overlap the cabinet edges.
Q. How do I calculate cabinet door size vs opening?
A. To find the proper door width for a double-door full overlay cabinet, measure the exact opening width. Add your total desired overlay times two (for both the left and right sides), subtract your center reveal (the gap between the doors), and divide that total number by two.
Q. How much space should be between cabinet doors?
For a clean, professional look on double cabinet doors, the space between them (known as the center reveal) should typically be 1/8 inch (0.125″). This provides enough mechanical clearance for the doors to swing completely open while maintaining a tight, modern aesthetic.
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