🚪 Hinge Calculator Pro
Door, window, cabinet, and gate hinge selector & sizing guide
Hinge Calculator Pro
Hinge Types & Applications
| Hinge Type | Best For | Max Weight | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butt Hinge | Standard doors, cabinets | 100-200 lbs | $2-10 each | Most common, reliable |
| Ball Bearing | Heavy doors (200+ lbs) | 300-500 lbs | $15-40 each | Smooth, heavy-duty |
| Spring Hinge | Self-closing doors | 150-300 lbs | $20-60 each | Auto-closes, adjustable |
| Casement Window | Casement windows (side-opening) | 30-80 lbs | $3-12 pair | Friction-stay, adjustable |
| Awning Window | Awning windows (top-opening) | 40-100 lbs | $5-15 pair | Vertical support, stays open |
| Continuous (Piano) | Full-length support | 300+ lbs | $30-100+ | Runs entire edge |
| Pivot Hinge | Heavy commercial doors | 400-600 lbs | $50-150 pair | Top & bottom mounted |
| T-Hinge | Gates, sheds | 200-400 lbs | $10-30 each | T-shaped, decorative |
🪟 Window Hinges
Casement Window Hinge: Side-opening windows, friction-stay design keeps window open at any angle, 30-80 lbs capacity per pair
Awning Window Hinge: Top-opening windows, vertical support hinges, 40-100 lbs capacity per pair
Tilt-Turn Hinge: European-style, tilts and swings, 50-100 lbs, $15-30 per pair
Sash Balance Hinge: Double-hung windows, spring-loaded, 25-60 lbs per hinge
🚪 Door Hinges
Butt Hinge (3-4"): Standard house doors, 100-150 lbs capacity, 2-3 per door
Ball Bearing (3-4"): Heavy commercial/exterior doors, 300-500 lbs, 3 hinges recommended
Spring Hinge (2-3"): Automatic closing, adjustable tension, 1-2 per door
🗄️ Cabinet Hinges
Concealed (European): Hidden inside cabinet, 50-150 lbs, 2-3 per door
Soft-Close: Damped closing, prevents slamming
Overlay: Door covers frame, adjustable 3-ways
Hinge Sizing & Installation Guide
📏 Standard Hinge Sizes
1.5" - 2": Small cabinet doors, lightweight, windows
2.5" - 3": Most standard doors (interior/exterior), casement windows
3.5" - 4": Heavy doors, commercial use, awning windows
4" - 6": Extra heavy doors, pivot systems, specialty
🔢 How Many Hinges Needed?
Standard Interior Door (30-40 lbs, 80" height): 3 hinges
Heavy Exterior Door (80-100 lbs, 80" height): 3-4 hinges
Casement Window (30-80 lbs): 2-3 hinges
Awning Window (40-100 lbs): 2-3 friction-stay hinges
Cabinet Door (10-30 lbs): 2 hinges
Rule of Thumb: One hinge per 25-30 lbs (minimum 2)
📐 Window Hinge Installation
Casement Windows: 2-3 hinges on vertical edge, top hinge 5-8" from top, bottom 5-8" from bottom
Awning Windows: Horizontal hinges at top, 3-5" from corners, support entire weight
Friction-Stay Type: Allows window to stay open at any angle (30-120°)
Hardware-Mount: Screw directly into frame or use special brackets
📋 Door Hinge Placement
Top Hinge: 5-10" from top of door
Middle Hinge: Centered (only for 80"+ doors)
Bottom Hinge: 10-15" from bottom
Distance from edge: 2-3" for standard doors
🔧 Installation Steps
1. Mark hinge locations precisely
2. Use hinge as template for screw holes
3. Drill pilot holes (prevents splitting)
4. Install hinge on door/window first
5. Hang door/window and mark frame locations
6. Install hinge on frame/jamb
7. Check alignment and adjust if needed
8. Tighten all screws fully
💡 Material Selection
Steel: Most common, good for interior & light exterior
Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant, outdoor use
Brass: Decorative, good corrosion resistance
Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant (light use)
Hinge Calculator Guidelines: Your Complete Guide to Perfect Installation
Accurate hinge placement can make or break your woodworking or cabinetry project. Whether you’re installing European concealed hinges on kitchen cabinets or mounting heavy-duty gate hinges, precision matters. A hinge calculator takes the guesswork out of determining overlay, gap, drilling distance, and placement—ensuring professional results every time.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to use a hinge calculator effectively, from the basics to avoiding common mistakes that can compromise your installation.
Understanding the Basics: Hinge Types and Their Applications
Before diving into calculations, you need to understand which hinge type suits your project. Different hinges serve different purposes, and each has unique installation requirements.
European Concealed Hinges
These are the workhorses of modern cabinetry. European concealed hinges (also called cup hinges or Euro hinges) feature a circular cup that fits into a hole drilled in the door, plus a mounting plate that attaches to the cabinet side. The standard cup diameter is 35mm (1-3/8″), and the cup depth must be at least 13mm (1/2″) deep—a critical measurement that determines whether the hinge will fit properly.
These are the workhorses of modern cabinetry. European concealed hinges (also called cup hinges or Euro hinges) feature a circular cup that fits into a hole drilled in the door, plus a mounting plate that attaches to the cabinet side. The standard cup diameter is 35mm (1-3/8″), and the cup depth must be at least 13mm (1/2″) deep—a critical measurement that determines whether the hinge will fit properly.
These hinges come in three main configurations:
- Full overlay: The door covers the cabinet face frame completely
- Half overlay (partial overlay): Used when two doors meet at a centre panel
- Inset: The door sits flush with the cabinet frame
Butt Hinges
Traditional butt hinges are common in doors and older cabinets. They require mortising (cutting a recess) into both the door and frame for a flush fit. While simpler in concept than European hinges, proper placement is still essential.
Traditional butt hinges are common in doors and older cabinets. They require mortising (cutting a recess) into both the door and frame for a flush fit. While simpler in concept than European hinges, proper placement is still essential.
Strap Hinges and Gate Hinges
Heavy-duty applications like barn doors, gates, and outdoor structures often use strap hinges or specialised gate hinges. These need careful calculation for weight distribution and proper swing clearance.
Heavy-duty applications like barn doors, gates, and outdoor structures often use strap hinges or specialised gate hinges. These need careful calculation for weight distribution and proper swing clearance.
Piano Hinges
Also called continuous hinges, piano hinges run the entire length of the door or lid. They’re popular for toolboxes, benches, and applications requiring maximum support.
Also called continuous hinges, piano hinges run the entire length of the door or lid. They’re popular for toolboxes, benches, and applications requiring maximum support.
Hinge Size Chart
Choosing the right hinge size is crucial to ensure proper functionality and durability. Below is a general guide for selecting hinge sizes based on door or lid dimensions:
| Up to 12 inches | 2 – 3 inches | Cabinet Hinges, Decorative Hinges |
| 12 to 36 inches | 3 – 4 inches | Butt Hinges, Strap Hinges |
| 36 to 60 inches | 4 – 6 inches | Heavy-Duty Hinges, Gate Hinges |
| Over 60 inches | 6 inches or longer | Continuous Hinges, Heavy-Duty Hinges |
This chart serves as a general recommendation, but always consider material weight and the specific application to ensure optimal performance.
| Up to 12 inches | 2 – 3 inches | Friction Hinges, Concealed Hinges |
| 12 to 24 inches | 3 – 4 inches | Butt Hinges, Friction Hinges |
| 24 to 48 inches | 4 – 6 inches | Heavy-Duty Hinges, Pivot Hinges |
| Over 48 inches | 6 inches or longer | Continuous Hinges, Heavy-Duty Hinges |
This chart provides guidance for selecting hinge sizes for windows based on width. Ensure you account for the window material, weight, and operating mechanism to ensure precise hinge selection and performance.
How a Hinge Calculator Works
A hinge calculator uses your specific measurements to determine three critical values: the overlay (or reveal), the gap, and the drilling distance. Understanding these terms is essential.
Overlay
Overlay refers to the extent to which the door covers the cabinet opening. For European hinges, overlay is calculated using a formula based on the hinge’s fixed distance (X), boring distance (B), and mounting plate height (H):
Overlay refers to the extent to which the door covers the cabinet opening. For European hinges, overlay is calculated using a formula based on the hinge’s fixed distance (X), boring distance (B), and mounting plate height (H):
Overlay = X + B – H
According to Blum’s technical documentation, the fixed distance (X) is “the distance that the cup overlays the cabinet side panel when a hinge is attached to a 0mm mounting plate.” For standard Blum hinges, X = 11mm for 110° hinges.
The boring distance (B) is how far the centre of the hinge cup sits from the edge of the door. For modern European hinges, the boring distance typically ranges from 3mm to 7mm (1/8″ to 9/32″).
Gap or Reveal
For inset doors, you need to calculate the reveal—the space between the door edge and the cabinet frame. A hinge calculator can determine the minimum reveal based on your door thickness and boring distance. Blum provides minimum-reveal tables showing that thicker doors and shorter boring distances require larger reveals to prevent the door from hitting the frame.
For inset doors, you need to calculate the reveal—the space between the door edge and the cabinet frame. A hinge calculator can determine the minimum reveal based on your door thickness and boring distance. Blum provides minimum-reveal tables showing that thicker doors and shorter boring distances require larger reveals to prevent the door from hitting the frame.
Drilling Distance
This is the measurement from the top or bottom of the door to the centre of the hinge cup. Proper spacing prevents doors from sagging and ensures smooth operation.
This is the measurement from the top or bottom of the door to the centre of the hinge cup. Proper spacing prevents doors from sagging and ensures smooth operation.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using a Hinge Calculator for Professional Results
Follow these steps to use a hinge calculator effectively and achieve precise hinge placement.
Step 1: Gather Your Measurements
Before you start, you’ll need:
- Door thickness
- Cabinet opening width and height
- Desired overlay or reveal
- Type of hinge (and its specifications)
- Mounting plate height (if using European hinges)
For European hinges, confirm your cup specifications. Modern Blum CLIP top hinges require a 35mm diameter cup drilled to a depth of at least 13mm. Older Blum hinges only require 12.5mm cup depth, so verify your hinge model before drilling.
Step 2: Determine Your Boring Distance
The boring distance affects your final overlay. For European hinges, you can typically choose any value between 3mm and 7mm, but many woodworkers use 4.5mm as a standard. Here’s why: according to Blum’s documentation, “Bore all doors at 4.5mm to achieve 13mm (1/2″) overlay on frame cabinets and 17.5mm (11/16″) overlay on panel cabinets.” This single machine setting works for both applications.
Step 3: Calculate Overlay or Reveal
Input your measurements into the calculator. For overlay doors, the calculator shows how far the door extends past the cabinet frame. For inset doors, it shows the required gap between the door and the frame.
Check the minimum reveal table for your specific hinge. For example, with a 4mm boring distance and 19mm (3/4″) door thickness, Blum specifies a minimum reveal of 1.0mm to prevent contact between door and frame.
Step 4: Determine Hinge Placement
Calculate the drilling distance for the top and bottom hinges. Industry standards suggest placing hinges approximately 2-3 inches from the top and bottom of the door, but this varies based on door size and weight.
According to reference charts, every door should have at least one hinge for every 30 inches in height. A 90-inch door needs three hinges, while a 91-inch door requires four. For cabinet doors, two hinges are standard for doors up to about 40 inches tall; add a third hinge for taller or heavier doors.
Important note: The distance between the top and bottom hinges must be greater than the width of the door to prevent binding.
Step 5: Account for Weight Distribution
Heavy doors require additional hinges and possibly heavy-duty hardware with ball bearings. Consider the weight of your door material. Solid wood doors are significantly heavier than plywood or particleboard and may need hinges with higher load ratings.
Step 6: Mark and Drill
Transfer your calculated measurements to the door and cabinet. Use a marking template or jig for consistency, especially when installing multiple cabinets.
For European hinges, drill the 35mm cup hole to the full 13mm depth. The two 8mm mounting holes for the hinge arm should also be at least 13mm deep. Use a Forstner bit for clean, flat-bottomed holes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a calculator, certain errors can compromise your installation. Here’s what to watch out for.
Incorrect Cup Depth
This is one of the most common errors with European hinges. If you drill the cup hole too shallow, the hinge won’t sit flush, causing the door to protrude. Modern Blum CLIP top hinges require a minimum cup depth of 13 mm. If you’re retrofitting doors originally drilled to 12.5mm, you’ll need to use a 1.5mm hinge cup spacer plate to compensate.
This is one of the most common errors with European hinges. If you drill the cup hole too shallow, the hinge won’t sit flush, causing the door to protrude. Modern Blum CLIP top hinges require a minimum cup depth of 13 mm. If you’re retrofitting doors originally drilled to 12.5mm, you’ll need to use a 1.5mm hinge cup spacer plate to compensate.
Wrong Boring Distance
Using an inconsistent boring distance across multiple doors creates uneven reveals and misaligned door fronts. Choose your boring distance at the start of the project and stick with it throughout.
Using an inconsistent boring distance across multiple doors creates uneven reveals and misaligned door fronts. Choose your boring distance at the start of the project and stick with it throughout.
Ignoring Minimum Gap Requirements
The minimum gap (or reveal) prevents the door edge from hitting the cabinet frame when opening. This measurement increases with thicker doors and decreases with larger boring distances. Always consult the manufacturer’s minimum reveal table for your specific combination of door thickness and boring distance.
The minimum gap (or reveal) prevents the door edge from hitting the cabinet frame when opening. This measurement increases with thicker doors and decreases with larger boring distances. Always consult the manufacturer’s minimum reveal table for your specific combination of door thickness and boring distance.
Improper Hinge Quantity
Skimping on hinges causes sagging and premature wear. Use at least one hinge per 30 inches of door height, and add extra hinges for particularly heavy doors. For cabinet doors, the general rule is two hinges for standard doors, three for tall or heavy doors.
Skimping on hinges causes sagging and premature wear. Use at least one hinge per 30 inches of door height, and add extra hinges for particularly heavy doors. For cabinet doors, the general rule is two hinges for standard doors, three for tall or heavy doors.
Neglecting Temperature Considerations
Soft-close mechanisms like Blum’s BLUMOTION are designed to operate between 65°F and 85°F. Temperatures outside this range won’t damage the hinge but will affect closing speed. If installing hinges in a garage or outdoor kitchen, account for temperature fluctuations.
Soft-close mechanisms like Blum’s BLUMOTION are designed to operate between 65°F and 85°F. Temperatures outside this range won’t damage the hinge but will affect closing speed. If installing hinges in a garage or outdoor kitchen, account for temperature fluctuations.
Using the Wrong Mounting Plate Height
European hinges achieve different overlays by combining different mounting plate heights with your chosen boring distance. Using the wrong plate height will throw off your overlay calculation. For example, a 0mm plate creates a different overlay than a 3mm or 6mm plate—even with the same boring distance.
European hinges achieve different overlays by combining different mounting plate heights with your chosen boring distance. Using the wrong plate height will throw off your overlay calculation. For example, a 0mm plate creates a different overlay than a 3mm or 6mm plate—even with the same boring distance.
Skipping the Test Fit
Always test-fit your hinges before permanently installing all of them. Mount the top hinge, check door alignment and operation, then proceed with the remaining hinges. This lets you catch calculation errors before they become expensive mistakes.
Always test-fit your hinges before permanently installing all of them. Mount the top hinge, check door alignment and operation, then proceed with the remaining hinges. This lets you catch calculation errors before they become expensive mistakes.
Advanced Tips for Heavy-Duty and Specialised Installations
Complex installations require additional considerations beyond basic calculations.
Installing Heavy-Duty Gate Hinges
For large gates or doors over 100 pounds, choose hinges with ball bearings or greasable pins. Calculate the total weight of your door, then divide it by the number of hinges to ensure each hinge can handle the load. Heavy-duty applications may benefit from adjustable gate hinges that let you fine-tune alignment after installation.
For large gates or doors over 100 pounds, choose hinges with ball bearings or greasable pins. Calculate the total weight of your door, then divide it by the number of hinges to ensure each hinge can handle the load. Heavy-duty applications may benefit from adjustable gate hinges that let you fine-tune alignment after installation.
When welding hinges to metal gates, ensure your boring distance and offset calculations account for the gate material thickness and any frame protrusion. Weld-on bullet hinges require precise alignment before welding to prevent binding.
Working with Corner Cabinets
Lazy Susan corner cabinet doors use specialised hinges (typically 135° or 45° angle hinges) that require different calculations. These doors must clear adjacent walls and cabinet faces, so factor in the door’s arc of travel when determining placement.
Lazy Susan corner cabinet doors use specialised hinges (typically 135° or 45° angle hinges) that require different calculations. These doors must clear adjacent walls and cabinet faces, so factor in the door’s arc of travel when determining placement.
Installing Frameless Cabinet Hinges
Frameless (European-style) cabinets don’t have a face frame, which changes your overlay calculation. The door must cover the full thickness of the cabinet side panel. Most frameless installations use full overlay hinges with mounting plates in the 0-6mm range.
Frameless (European-style) cabinets don’t have a face frame, which changes your overlay calculation. The door must cover the full thickness of the cabinet side panel. Most frameless installations use full overlay hinges with mounting plates in the 0-6mm range.
Retrofit and Replacement Projects
When replacing old hinges, you may encounter non-standard hole patterns. If the existing cup holes are drilled only to 12.5mm depth, use hinge cup spacer plates rather than attempting to deepen the holes, as this risks breaking through the door face.
When replacing old hinges, you may encounter non-standard hole patterns. If the existing cup holes are drilled only to 12.5mm depth, use hinge cup spacer plates rather than attempting to deepen the holes, as this risks breaking through the door face.
For older cabinets with exposed pin hinges, switching to concealed hinges requires new cup holes. Calculate placement carefully to avoid interfering with existing mortises or holes.
Glass Door Applications
Glass cabinet doors use specialised glass-to-glass or glass-to-wood hinges with different mounting requirements. These often require drilling through tempered glass, which must be done before tempering. Work with pre-drilled glass or consult a glass professional for proper hole placement.
Glass cabinet doors use specialised glass-to-glass or glass-to-wood hinges with different mounting requirements. These often require drilling through tempered glass, which must be done before tempering. Work with pre-drilled glass or consult a glass professional for proper hole placement.
Adjusting for Door Warping
Solid wood doors can warp over time due to changes in humidity. Three-dimensional adjustable hinges (common on European concealed hinges) allow you to compensate for warping by adjusting height, depth, and side-to-side position without removing the door. Build in this adjustability by using mounting plates with elongated screw holes.
Solid wood doors can warp over time due to changes in humidity. Three-dimensional adjustable hinges (common on European concealed hinges) allow you to compensate for warping by adjusting height, depth, and side-to-side position without removing the door. Build in this adjustability by using mounting plates with elongated screw holes.
FAQs
🚪 Door Hinge Removal
1. How do you remove a door from its hinges?
Tap out the hinge pins with a screwdriver and hammer, then lift the door off.
2. How do you remove hinge pins?
Place a screwdriver under the pin and tap upward until it slides out.
3. How do you remove a door with spring-loaded hinges?
Release the spring tension first using a tension tool, then remove the pins.
4. How do you put a door back on its hinges?
Line up the hinges and slide the pins back in from the top.
🔧 Adjusting Door Hinges
5. How do you adjust door hinges so the door closes properly?
Tighten loose screws or slightly bend the hinge if needed.
6. How do you adjust self-closing hinges?
Use the adjustment screw to increase or decrease tension.
7. How do you fix squeaky hinges?
Apply a lubricant, such as WD-40 or household oil.
8. How do you shim door hinges?
Place thin cardboard or wood behind the hinge to adjust alignment.
🛠 Installing & Replacing Door Hinges
9. How do you install door hinges?
Mark the hinge position, chisel the recess, and screw the hinge in place.
10. How do you install hinges on a door frame?
Align the hinge with the door hinge, then secure it with screws.
11. How do you replace door hinges?
Remove the old screws, remove the hinge, and install the new one in the same position.
📏 Measuring Door Hinges
12. How do you measure door hinges?
Measure the hinge height and width when fully open.
13. How many hinges per door?
Most interior doors use 3 hinges. Heavy doors may need 4.
14. How much weight can door hinges hold?
Standard hinges hold about 50–70 pounds each, depending on size.
🗄 Cabinet Hinges
15. How do you adjust cabinet hinges?
Turn the small adjustment screws to move the door left, right, up, or down.
16. How do soft-close hinges work?
They use a built-in damper to slowly close the door.
17. How many hinges per cabinet door?
Small doors need 2 hinges; larger doors may need 3.
18. How do you install concealed hinges?
Drill a 35mm hole in the door, insert the hinge cup, and attach it to the cabinet frame.
🚜 Gate & Shed Hinges
19. How do you install gate hinges?
Attach one side to the gate, the other to the post, and secure with heavy screws or bolts.
20. How do you install hinges on a shed door?
Position the hinges evenly and screw them into both the door and frame.
🎨 Cleaning & Painting Hinges
21. How do you clean door hinges?
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
22. How do you remove paint from hinges?
Soak in warm soapy water or paint remover, then scrub gently.
23. Can you paint door hinges?
Yes, but remove them first for best results.
📚 General Questions
24. How do door hinges work?
They connect two objects and allow them to swing open and closed.
25. How many hinges are on an interior door?
Most interior doors have 3 hinges.
Get It Right the First Time
Precision in hinge installation isn’t optional—it’s the difference between doors that function smoothly for decades and ones that sag, bind, or fail within months. A hinge calculator removes uncertainty from the process, giving you exact measurements for overlay, gap, and drilling distance based on your specific hardware and application.
Start by understanding your hinge type and its requirements. Gather accurate measurements, choose your boring distance carefully, and always consult manufacturer specifications for cup depth, minimum reveals, and weight limits. Account for the number of hinges needed based on door height and weight, and don’t skip test-fitting before final installation.
Whether you’re tackling a kitchen remodel with European concealed hinges or building a farm gate with heavy-duty strap hinges, the principles remain the same: measure twice, calculate carefully, and install with precision. Your attention to detail will pay dividends in long-lasting, professional results.