Woodworking & Construction Calculators

Fine woodworking & cabinetry

Cabinet Door Sizing Calculator (Overlay vs Inset)

Overlay doors grow by the overlay on each edge. Inset doors shrink by the reveal. Pair doors share a centre gap. Rails run between the stiles.

Inputs

Units
in
in
in
in
in

Results

Doors
2
Door width
15.438in
Door height
25.000in
Rail length
10.938in
Stile length
25.000in

Recommended gear

Calculation method

Overlay adds to the opening; inset subtracts a reveal. A pair splits the remaining width after one centre gap. Rails are the short members between stiles, so rail length is door width minus two stile widths (no tenon extra).

Exact formula

Overlay pair: door width = (opening + 2×overlay − gap) / 2. Inset pair: (opening − 3×gap) / 2. Rail length = door width − 2×stile width. Stile length = door height.

Metric casework

Openings and stile widths convert millimetres ↔ inches. Overlay and gap are physical clearances, not unitless ratios.

Frequently asked questions

What overlay should I use?

½ in (13 mm) is a common full overlay. Match the hinge plate you bought.

Do rails need extra for tenons?

This length is the shoulder-to-shoulder distance. Add tenon length if you cut them separately from the rail blank.

Single vs pair?

Use a pair when the opening is too wide for one door to hang well, typically over about 24 in (610 mm).

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