Cabinet Door Overlay Calculator
Cut List Dimensions
Understanding Cabinet Overlays & Reveals — Cabinet Door Overlay Calculator
The difference between a professional cabinet job and a DIY disaster often comes down to the math of overlays and reveals. The Overlay is how much the door overlaps the cabinet face frame. The Reveal is the gap left between doors or drawers.
Common Configurations:
- 1/2" Overlay: The standard for American face-frame cabinets. The door is 1 inch wider than the opening (1/2" on left + 1/2" on right).
- Full Overlay: The door covers almost the entire frame, usually leaving just a 1/8" gap between cabinets. This mimics the look of frameless European cabinets.
- Inset: The door sits inside the frame flush with the front. This requires a precise "Reveal" gap (usually 3/32") on all sides.
💡 Expert Tip
Buy Hinges Before Cutting
Never assume an overlay. If you plan for a 1/2" overlay but accidentally buy 5/8" overlay hinges, your double doors will crash into each other in the middle. I always buy one pair of hinges, do a mock-up on scrap wood, and measure the actual overlay before cutting expensive hardwood.
— Carlos Rivera, Finish Carpenter (18 years experience)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
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Forgetting the Center Gap
On double doors, beginners often calculate (Opening + Overlays) / 2. This creates doors that touch in the middle. You MUST subtract the center gap (usually 1/8") before dividing.
Correct: (Opening + Overlays - Gap) / 2. -
Ignoring Door Swell
In humid climates, solid wood doors can expand by 1/16" or more. If you build inset doors with a tight nickel-gap (1/16"), they will stick in the summer.
Correct: Aim for a slightly larger gap (3/32") for solid wood in humid areas. -
Confusing Nominal vs. Actual
Plywood thickness is often undersized (23/32" not 3/4"). While this calculator gives exact dimensions, your saw blade kerf and material thickness matter for the box build.
Correct: Measure your material with calipers. -
Hinge Bore Distance (K)
Drilling the hinge cup hole too far from the edge prevents the door from opening fully. Most 35mm cup hinges need a bore distance (edge to hole edge) of 3mm-5mm.
Correct: Check the "Tab K" spec on your hinge bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (Cabinet Door Overlay Calculator)
What is the standard overlay for face frame cabinets?
The most common standard is 1/2 inch. This means the door is 1 inch wider and 1 inch taller than the opening. However, 1-1/4" overlay is popular for modern "full overlay" looks on face frames.
How much gap should be between cabinet doors?
For double doors, 1/8" (3mm) is the industry standard gap. It is small enough to look clean but large enough to prevent rubbing. For gaps between separate cabinet boxes (doors back-to-back), 1/8" is also standard.
Can I change my overlay?
Yes, but usually only by changing hinges. Compact face frame hinges are often sold in specific overlays (1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/4"). You cannot change the overlay just by adjusting the screw more than about 1/16". Our Cabinet Door Overlay Calculator makes this easy.
What is the "Reveal" on an inset door?
The reveal is the negative space around the door. A standard credit card is about 0.030", and 3 credit cards stacked is roughly 3/32" (0.09"). Using a 3/32" shim on all sides is a classic way to set inset doors. Use the Cabinet Door Overlay Calculator above to verify.