Here’s two different ways to figure out the “handedness” of a door. Whichever one is easier for you to remember is the one to use, but double-check yourself to be sure you get it right when you are ordering a pre-hung door.

First method: Stand in front the door on the side that opens toward you. If the knob is on the left, it’s a left-handed door. On the right means it’s a right-handed door. Most people find this system easier for evaluating an existing door. 

Second method: Stand in the door opening with your back up against the door jamb on the side where the hinges are—or where you plan for them to be.  Extend your arms directly out in front of you horizontally, then sweep your left or right hand in the direction of the door swing. The arm that you use indicates the hand of the door. This way may be easier if there is no door in the opening.

   For an exterior door, you will also have to specify whether it is in-swinging or out-swinging, which will determine the configuration of the door sill.

    Also, see our blog posts How many exit doors are required for a house? and Should a front door swing in or out?

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  To learn more about doors and windows, see these other blog posts:

• What causes sweating (condensation) on the inside of windows in the winter? 

• Is every exterior door of a house required to have a landing outside? 

• What are the small slots at the bottom of the outside of my window? 

• Why does condensation form on the outside of some windows and not others in the morning? 

• Why is the garage door track a white tube? 

• What is the raised metal plate on the floor under the garage door?

• Why do I have to hold down the button to close the garage door? 

• How can I tell if a window or glass door is safety glass? 

• What are the code requirements for safety tempered glass for doors?

• How many exit doors are required for a mobile/manufactured home? 

• Are openable windows required to have window screens? Will windows with no screens pass a home inspection? 

• Can a bedroom door open into the garage?

• What are the building code requirements for a door from the garage to the house?

• What is "low-E" window glass? 

• What does ANSI 297.1 on glass mean?

• Why is a double cylinder deadbolt lock on an exterior door a safety hazard? 

• How can I check my garage door to make sure it is safe?  

• What is an egress window?

• Does a home inspector test all the windows and doors in a home? 

• How difficult is it to change a window to french doors or a sliding glass door?

• Why are window security bars dangerous? 

• What are the common problems you find inspecting windows?

• What is causing a foggy haze on my windows? 

• What do those numbers on the manufacturer's stickers in new windows mean?

• What does a home inspector check on an electric garage door? 

• What is the tempered label on glass at windows and sliding glass doors called?

• Why is pressure washing double pane windows an expensive mistake? 

• Do I need to have two exterior exit doors in my house? 

• When is safety glass required for windows at stairs and stair landings?

   Visit our DOORS AND WINDOWS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.