Bifold doors can be categorized into two main types: interior bifolds, which are perfect for closets, pantries, and laundry rooms, and exterior bifolds, like those stunning large folding glass walls that open up your patio or living area. Both types work by hinging panels together and sliding them along a track, allowing them to fold away neatly to the side.
Choosing the right bifold door sizes is crucial. If it’s too small, you’ll miss out on usable access, and if it’s too large, you might run into issues like binding, clearance problems, or even structural strain. In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Exact size charts for interior and exterior bifold doors, with inches and metric measurements.
- Rough opening guides and measurement steps, along with diagrams.
- Configuration and code notes for real-world installations.
- Troubleshooting, panel count charts, and buying tips.
Whether you’re planning a simple closet upgrade or designing a glass wall for your patio, this guide is for you. We’ll go through charts, tips, and real-world examples to show you what to expect.
Standard Bifold Door Sizes
Getting the right bifold door size starts with understanding what “standard” means. Most manufacturers provide common nominal dimensions, but the actual leaf width and rough opening requirements often differ. Interior bifolds for closets and pantries usually follow standard dimensions. In contrast, exterior glass wall bifolds vary greatly among manufacturers. Knowing these guidelines helps you make better buying choices and avoid expensive mistakes during installation.
Interior Bifold Door Size Chart
Interior bifold doors are quite common, especially in spaces like closets, laundry rooms, and pantries. They’re affordable, save space, and you can find them easily at home improvement stores. But here’s a little surprise for many homeowners: that door labeled “24 inches” isn’t actually 24 inches wide once it’s installed. Bifold doors are sold based on nominal size, which refers to the overall opening rather than the precise width of the panels. Most interior bifolds come in nominal widths like 24″, 30″, and 36″, but the actual leaf size and rough opening (RO) can vary. Here are some standard bifold door sizes to help you out.
| Nominal Width (in) | Nominal Height (in) | Actual Leaf Width (in) | Recommended RO (W × H, in) | Nominal Width (mm) | Height (mm) | RO (mm) |
| 24 | 80 | 11 13/16 each | 25 × 81 | 610 | 2032 | 635 × 2057 |
| 30 | 80 | 14 13/16 each | 31 × 81 | 762 | 2032 | 787 × 2057 |
| 36 | 80 | 17 13/16 each | 37 × 81 | 914 | 2032 | 940 × 2057 |
As a general guideline, the rough opening tends to be about ½ to 1 inch wider than the nominal width. This extra space is important for track installation, ensuring proper clearance, and allowing for shimming.
Exterior Bifold Door Panel Sizes & System Limits
When it comes to exterior bifold systems, especially for patios and living room extensions, there’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” approach. These systems are specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of each project. The dimensions of each glass panel (both width and height) play a crucial role in determining the frame’s strength, the smoothness of the folding action, and the level of structural support needed for the opening. Brands like Marvin and LaCantina set practical limits for panel sizes to balance aesthetics, performance, and safety.
| Manufacturer | Min Panel Width (in / mm) | Max Panel Width (in / mm) | Max Panel Height (in / mm) | Max System Width |
| Andersen | 24″ / 610 mm | 48″ / 1219 mm | 120″ / 3048 mm | 48 ft (14.6 m) |
| Marvin | 18″ / 457 mm | 42″ / 1067 mm | 120″ / 3048 mm | 55 ft (16.7 m) |
| LaCantina | 28″ / 711 mm | 39″ / 991 mm | 120″ / 3048 mm | 65 ft (19.8 m) |
Panel count vs. opening width:
| Panel Count | Approx. Opening Width (ft) | Clear Opening % |
| 3 Panels | 9–12 ft | ~80% |
| 4 Panels | 12–16 ft | ~85% |
| 5 Panels | 15–20 ft | ~85% |
| 6 Panels | 18–24 ft | ~90% |
Note: Large bifolds often come with a traffic door (swing leaf) for everyday use.
How to Measure for Bifold Doors
Even the best bifold doors can run into trouble if they’re not measured correctly. It’s not just about getting the width and height right; you also need to ensure that the opening is square, allow for track and flooring clearance, and consider the tolerances for the rough opening. Taking the time to get this step right can save you from future headaches, like doors that bind, don’t close properly, or leave unsightly gaps.
Accurate measurements are crucial, so you can follow these steps to make sure:
- Width – Measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Always go with the smallest measurement.
- Height – Measure from the left, center, and right. Again, stick with the smallest number.
- Check for plumb and square – Use a level to ensure everything is straight. If the openings are out of square, they’ll need some adjustments.
- Headroom – Make sure to allow extra space for the track system, which is usually about 2 inches.
- Floor drop – Don’t forget to take into account any thresholds or step-downs.
Here’s a quick tip: to find the right size, just take the nominal size and add about half an inch to an inch to both the width and height.
Interior Bifold Doors: What You Need to Know
Interior bifold doors are a great choice if you’re looking for something budget-friendly and practical, but they do have their little quirks. A lot of homeowners find themselves asking how much they can trim them, what to do if the panels get stuck, and if there are different height options available. By understanding some basic guidelines, you can achieve a smoother installation and avoid potential long-term problems.
- Trimming: Most hollow-core bifold doors can be adjusted by up to ½” on each side, while solid-core doors can be trimmed by as much as 1″
- Heights: The standard measurement is 80″ (2032 mm), and if you need something taller, you can go for 96″ (2438 mm).
- Uses: Perfect for tight spaces like closets, pantries, and laundry rooms.
Troubleshooting Interior Bifold Doors
When bifold doors start to act up, it’s often not the panels that are the problem, but rather the track or how they’re aligned. A quick tweak can turn those stubborn doors that give you a hard time every morning into ones that glide open with just a gentle touch.
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
| Doors won’t close fully | Track misaligned | Adjust top pivot/track screws |
| Uneven gaps | Out-of-plumb jamb | Shim frame, re-level track |
| Binding at the floor | Carpet or flooring swell | Plane bottom edge slightly |
| Panels pop out | Worn roller guides | Replace hardware kit |
Exterior Bifold Doors: Sizes, Configurations & Options
When it comes to creating a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces, exterior bifolds are a top-notch option. They offer stunning views and really open up your home, but they do need some thoughtful planning. Every detail matters, from the number of panels you choose to the type of threshold, as these factors can influence usability, compliance with building codes, and how well they perform over time.
Choosing the Right Panel Count
The number of panels you go for will dictate how wide your opening can be and how much of that space will be clear for use. If you have a smaller opening, two or three panels might do the trick, but for larger walls, you’ll likely need four to six. If you opt for an odd number of panels, you might want to include a “traffic door” for easy access, so take a moment to consider how you plan to use the area.
Inside vs Outside Stacking
The way your panels fold—whether they stack inside or outside—can impact both the look and functionality of your space. An inside stack keeps the panels shielded from the elements but takes up some room inside. On the other hand, an outside stack frees up your interior but requires a bit more patio space. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; it really comes down to your lifestyle and the layout of your home.
Thresholds & Sills
Thresholds and sills are more than just finishing touches; they play a crucial role in comfort and performance. A low-profile or flush sill can provide ADA compliance and smooth transitions, but it might compromise on weather resistance. Conversely, a high-performance sill offers better protection against wind and rain, which is especially vital in coastal areas or high-velocity hurricane zones.
Bifold Doors vs Other Options
Bifold doors offer a lot of flexibility, but they might not always be the best fit for your space. Sliding doors and multi-slide doors are also contenders in this category, each bringing its own set of advantages and disadvantages. By comparing them directly, you can better determine if bifolds truly suit your needs or if another option would be a more sensible choice.
| Feature | Bifold Doors | Sliding Patio Doors | Multi-Slide Doors |
| Opening % | Up to 90% | ~50% | 60–80% |
| Cost | Mid-high | Lower | High |
| Maintenance | Track + panels | Low | Medium |
| Best For | Wide openings, indoor-outdoor flow | Simple patio access | Luxury installs |
Get Expert Help from Fusion Windows & Doors
Even with all the charts and measurement guides out there, picking the right bifold doors can be a bit daunting. Should you opt for a 3-panel stack, or would 4 panels work better for your space? Do you need a traffic door, or are sliders more your style? That’s where having an expert to guide you really makes a difference.
At Fusion Windows & Doors, our dedicated team takes care of everything from measuring and designing to installing custom bifold systems throughout Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for small closet bifolds or expansive glass wall systems, we make sure your doors fit just right and comply with all the necessary codes.
You can also check out our related guide on standard door sizes and configurations here. Looking for expert advice? Set up a consultation with the door specialists at Fusion today!