Construction
Garage Door Weight Calculator
Before you spec a spring or opener, you need to know how heavy the door is. Pick the panel material, dimensions, and insulation — we'll estimate weight from industry typicals.
Typical weights by door type
| Door size | Single-layer steel | Insulated steel | Solid wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 7 (single) | ~110 lb | ~140 lb | ~360 lb |
| 9 × 7 (single) | ~120 lb | ~155 lb | ~400 lb |
| 16 × 7 (double) | ~200 lb | ~270 lb | ~700 lb |
| 18 × 8 (double tall) | ~250 lb | ~330 lb | ~870 lb |
These are field rules of thumb. Actual weight depends on gauge, section count, struts, and decorative inserts. Always weigh a real door before specing springs — a bathroom scale + 2×4 lever works fine.
FAQ
Why does this matter? +
Spring sizing is keyed directly to door weight. Off by 10% and the door either drops fast (under-sprung) or won't stay down (over-sprung). Both are dangerous.
How do I weigh a door? +
Disconnect the opener, disengage the springs (or wait until they're broken). Put a bathroom scale under one side, lift the other end with a pry bar near the floor, read the scale, multiply by 2.
Steel gauge matters? +
Yes — 24-gauge is the residential standard. Commercial doors run 20-gauge and weigh 30–50% more per square foot. Use the "override" field if you know your specific gauge weight.
Two springs vs one? +
Most doors over 9' wide use two springs (split between the door's weight). Each spring carries half the load, so spec each spring for total_weight / 2 + ~5 lb margin.