Pocket doors are a great way to separate rooms and create privacy while maximizing space. You can search for standard pocket door sizes, or in some cases you may need some custom models. But in any case, using sliding doors in your home can add a unique charm to the interior.
Standard pocket doors are usually the same sizes as regular swing doors, between 30 and 36 inches wide and 80 inches high. However, you must consider the overall dimensions for the entire system, which are much larger. Overall, pocket door systems can range from 51 to 162 inches wide and 86 inches high or more.
The greatest appeal of pocket doors is their space-saving value. However, you need to make sure you have the right space to install them. Read on to familiarize yourself with standard pocket door sizes and other important information.
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What are the standard pocket door sizes?
When you buy a standard sliding door, you have standard sliding door sizes to choose from. These prefabricated systems usually come with the panels, rails and extra wall required for installation.
It’s important to consider the passage size, meaning the space you actually have to walk through. Then you also need to consider the overall dimensions that encompass the entire system. This system includes the extra wall that the panel slides into and the rails.
What size is a single pocket door?
A one-piece door panel ranges from 24 inches to 40 inches wide and 80 inches high. (These numbers are given by companies in rounded numbers to make it easier to identify the panels, but they are usually slightly above or below these exact numbers.)
| pocket door size | overall dimensions | passage dimensions | door panel |
| Small | 51.75 x 82.25 inches | 23.625 x 78.75 inches | 24 inches |
| medium | 59.625 x 82.25 inches | 27 by 78.75 inches | 28 inches |
| Big | 75.375 x 82.25 inches | 35 x 78.75 inches | 36 inches |
| Extra big | 81.83 x 82.25 inches | 37.375 x 78.75 inches | 38 inches |
| Alternative extra large size | 83.25 x 82.25 inches | 38.375 x 78.75 inches | 40 inches |
How big are double pocket doors?
Dual pocket doors essentially place two individual pocket panels in an opening. But now you need a cavity wall on both sides of the doors instead of just one. Double doors can add a great look and can be a great way to separate living areas when you need extra privacy.
You can find some double door sets with some extra small panels. This is great if you want that double door look in a smaller opening.
Snapshot of double pocket door sizes
| Double pocket door size | overall dimensions | passage dimensions | door panel |
| extra small | 58.9375 x 82.25 inches | 55.125 x 78.75 inches | 28 inches |
| Small | 66.3 3 times 82.25 | 63 times 78.75 | 32 inches |
| medium | 99.625 times 82.25 | 47/25 x 78.75 inches | 24 inches |
| Big | 146.875 x 82.25 inches | 70.8125 x 78.75 inches | 36 inches |
| Extra big | 162.625 x 82.25 inches | 78.75 by 78.75 | 40 inches |
Note that most pocket doors also offer a taller style to accommodate higher ceilings. These doors have an overall dimension of 86 inches and provide 82 inches of passage.
What is the smallest pocket door?
Typically the smallest standard size pocket door you can get is a 24 inch panel. It would require an approximate opening of 49.75 inches. The standard height for the panel is 80 inches and fits an approximate opening of 84.5 inches.
What is the rough opening for pocket doors?
The rough opening for a sliding door is the total space required between the studs to install the sliding door system. Typically, the rule of thumb is to take the pocket door panel size and multiply it by two.
Then you need to add 1 to 1 ¾ inch depending on the size. Add 2.25 inches for the height – so the rough opening for an 82.25 system should be 84.5 inches.
For example, the rough opening of a 30″ pocket door would be 61″ wide. The rough opening for a 36″ pocket door would be 73 ¾” wide. Before framing your wall for a sliding door, check the manufacturer’s specific dimensions.
How to measure for pocket doors
To determine the necessary sliding door width, measure from your wooden frame on the closed side to the pocket side. Take that number and subtract one inch, then divide by two to get the door width.
For example, if your rough opening width is 61 inches, you need a 30 inch door. If your gross opening is 121 inches, you would get 60 inches. In that case, you’re probably opting for two 30-inch doors for a double pocket door system.
For the height, measure from the sub-floor to the top header. Then subtract 3.5 inches for doors under 200 pounds and 4.75 inches for doors over 200 pounds. If you are measuring from a finished floor, subtract only 3 inches or 4 inches.
The cavity wall that the door slides into is usually between 1 and 2 inches wider than the panel. If the room in which you want to install sliding doors is not wide enough, choose the next smaller system.
How much clearance do you need for sliding doors?
The beauty of pocket doors is that you don’t need a lot of clearance in front of them like you would with a standard door. Because the sliding door slides into the wall, it doesn’t take up any floor space when open.
How much larger than the opening do sliding doors need to be?
Typically pocket door systems are approximately twice the size of your opening. So if you have a 30 inch opening the pocket door system would be about 60 inches.
How thick are sliding doors?
Most pocket doors are either 1 ⅜ inches or 1 ¾ inches thick. You can get solid core or hollow core doors.
The minimum wall thickness for a sliding door is 4 ½ inches. This assumes you have ½ inch thick drywall on each side of your wall. The hardware, bolts, and rails for the door occupy 3 ½ inches of the wall.
Tips for choosing the right sliding door size
Make sure you measure the total available wall space for your sliding doors. Then decide on a standard system that fits in that space.
If a standard phrase doesn’t work, you can consider a few possible solutions. You may just need to switch the pocket side of the door to the other side of the opening. Or you can consider telescopic doors.
Telescoping doors fit two panels in a wall pocket. One panel is smaller than the other and fits inside the larger panel that slides into the wall. You can also opt for custom-sized doors.
Can you get custom pocket door sizes?
Of course, you can always hire a professional installer and fabricator to build a custom pocket door system. This comes at a higher price, so be prepared. Contact specialist manufacturers to inquire about custom options.
Summary pocket door sizes
On average, standard pocket doors are 80 inches high and between 24 and 40 inches wide. The most common are the same sizes as regular swing doors, 30 or 36 inches wide. When determining the door size you need, take your rough opening, subtract one and divide by two.
Typically, the pocket door system is twice as wide as the opening. So a 24″ opening would require a 48″ pocket door system. Be sure to measure your available wall space so you can choose the right fit.