The Nut House · 519 W 10th St, Borger, TX 79007 (806) 275-9274
The Nut House · Door Closer Guide

Door Closer Sizing Guide

A closer that is wrong for the door will slam, stall or fail early. Use these guides to match it to your door's width, weight and material.

Updated November 2026 · By The Nut House, Borger, TX

Sizing is where most door closer problems begin. The good news is that you only need a tape measure, a rough idea of the door's weight, and an honest look at where the door sits. Exterior doors, wide doors and parallel arms all ask more from a closer.

Find the guide for your door

Door closer size chart

Match spring sizes 1 to 6 to your door width, then adjust for wind and weight.

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Door closers for 400 lb doors

Ratings, hinges and setup for iron, steel and security doors around 400 lbs.

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Door closer for a 600 lb door

The honest options for doors beyond most closers' published ratings.

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Door closers for steel doors

Reinforcement, machine screws and sizing for hollow metal and steel doors.

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Door closers for glass storefronts

Narrow rails, mounting options and when a surface closer will not work.

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Exterior door closers for high wind

Choosing and setting a closer for wind, weather and big temperature swings.

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Three measurements to take first

  1. Door width: measure the door itself rather than the opening.
  2. Door weight: check the paperwork, or estimate from size and material.
  3. Top rail height: measure the flat area at the top of the door, as the closer needs room to mount.

When to go one size up

  • The door is exterior or faces prevailing wind.
  • The closer uses a parallel arm.
  • The door is heavier than usual for its width.
  • The building has air pressure issues from fans or HVAC.

Modern closers are adjustable from size 1 to 6, so you are usually setting a spring rather than buying a different closer. That is a big reason to choose an adjustable model.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know what size door closer I need?
Start with the door width. Size 1 suits narrow interior doors and size 6 suits doors up to about 60" wide. Go up a size for exterior use or heavy doors. See our chart for full details.
Is door closer size based on weight or width?
Both, but width usually comes first in sizing charts, because leverage matters as much as weight.

Talk to a real hardware store in Borger

Not sure which closer fits your door? Call us or stop by 519 W 10th St, Borger, TX 79007. Open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. See our door hardware department or go back to the The Nut House homepage.