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Cabinet Door Overlay and Gap Calculator

For two overlay doors, start with opening width, add overlay on both outside edges, then subtract the centre gap and divide by two. Hinge clearance and manufacturing tolerance may reduce the practical door width further. This calculator handles a symmetric pair only; face-frame details, hinge geometry, reveals, and out-of-square openings require a physical layout.

Planning estimate only. Check measurements and real-world constraints before buying materials or making a commitment.

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Calculate your scenario

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Your results

Width per door

15.375 in

Symmetric paired-door result.

Door height

24.875 in

Opening plus top and bottom overlay less tolerance.

Total paired door width

30.875 in

Both doors plus finished centre gap.

How the calculation works

The calculator applies this relationship to the inputs above. Keep every measurement in the unit shown.

door width = (opening width + two overlays − centre gap − tolerance allowance) ÷ 2
Cabinet opening width30 in
Outside overlay per side0.5 in
Gap between paired doors0.125 in
Total sizing tolerance0.125 in
Cabinet opening height24 in
Top and bottom overlay0.5 in

Worked example

Use this example to check the calculator by hand before relying on a result.

1
Add outside overlays
Doors cover beyond both opening edges.
30 + 2 × 0.5 = 31 in
2
Remove centre gap and tolerance
This is material width shared by two doors.
31 − 0.125 − 0.125 = 30.75 in
3
Divide the pair
Verify hinge and adjacent-door clearances before ordering.
30.75 ÷ 2 = 15.375 in

Assumptions behind the result

  • Doors are equal width.
  • Opening is reasonably square.
  • Overlay is symmetric.
  • Tolerance is shared across the pair.
  • Hinge manufacturer requirements are checked.

Mistakes that change the answer

  • Adding overlay to each door at the centre.
  • Ignoring adjacent door collisions.
  • Ordering from one opening measurement.

Questions about cabinet door overlay and gap calculator

What is cabinet overlay?
It is how far the door covers the cabinet face beyond the edge of the opening.
Why measure the opening more than once?
Openings and frames can be out of square, so top, middle, bottom, and diagonal measurements reveal fit risks.
Does this calculate hinge boring?
No. Cup location, setback, plate, reveal, thickness, and opening angle depend on the hinge system.

What to calculate next

Calculator methods and editorial structure reviewed July 11, 2026. Results are estimates; verify regulated rates, eligibility rules, and professional decisions with the cited primary source.

Important: Educational Purposes OnlyThe calculators, estimates, and financial formulas provided on CalculatorVillage.com are for informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended as certified financial planning, tax, legal, or investment advice. Actual rates, terms, and returns will vary. Always consult with a qualified professional before making significant financial decisions.