The traditional method for placing hinges is based on simple, reliable rules that ensure proper door support.

1. Determine Hinge Count: For most interior doors up to 80" high, two or three hinges are sufficient. Use three hinges for doors over 80", heavy solid-core doors, or any exterior door to prevent warping.
2. Mark the Top Hinge: Measure down from the top edge of the door. A standard measurement is 7 inches to the top of the hinge. Mark this line.
3. Mark the Bottom Hinge: Measure up from the bottom edge of the door. A standard measurement is 11 inches to the bottom of the hinge. This larger bottom offset helps support the door's weight more effectively.
4. Place the Middle Hinge(s): For a three-hinge layout, the middle hinge is centered exactly between the top and bottom hinges. For a four-hinge layout, the two middle hinges are spaced evenly between the top and bottom ones.

• Hinge: A mechanical bearing that connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them.
• Butt Hinge: The most common type of door hinge, composed of two leaves (plates) joined by a central pin.
• Mortise: A recess cut into the door and frame to allow the hinge leaf to sit flush with the surface.
• Hinge Stile: The vertical edge of a door where the hinges are attached.
• Jamb: The vertical portion of a door frame onto which a door is secured.
• Offset: The distance from the top or bottom of the door to the edge of the hinge.

"Don't just measure for your hinge locations; use them as a reference to check the door jamb for plumb and the header for level. If your frame is out of square, you may need to slightly adjust a hinge mortise to get an even gap around the door. I often use a nickel or a dime as a spacer. Placing a nickel between the door and the jamb at the top and along the side gives you a perfect, consistent gap. It's a simple trick that makes for a professional installation." - Experienced Finish Carpenter

Standard 80" Interior Door: This door is over 60" tall, so it should receive three hinges.
Top Hinge: Center at 7" from the top.
Bottom Hinge: Center at 11" from the bottom.
Middle Hinge: Centered between the top and bottom hinges, at the 40" mark on the door.

24" Tall Cabinet Door: This is a small, light door, so two hinges are sufficient. The standard 7"/11" rule would look strange.
A better proportional placement would be 3" from the top and 3" from the bottom, providing a balanced appearance suitable for cabinetry.

• Using Too Few Hinges: Using only two hinges on a heavy or tall door will inevitably lead to sagging over time.
• Mortising Too Deep: If the hinge is set too deep, the door will be 'hinge-bound' and will not close properly. The hinge should sit perfectly flush with the wood surface.
• Incorrectly Sized Hinges: Using small cabinet hinges on a heavy interior door is a recipe for failure. The hinge size must be appropriate for the door's weight and size.
• Misaligned Hinges: If the hinges on the door do not perfectly align with the hinges on the jamb, the door will not swing correctly and the pins will wear out prematurely.

• Interior & Exterior Doors: Determining the correct number and location of butt hinges for standard passage doors.
• Cabinet Making: Laying out hinge positions for kitchen cabinets, vanities, and furniture.
• Gate Construction: Placing heavy-duty strap hinges on outdoor gates to ensure they don't sag.
• Toy Chests & Tool Boxes: Correctly placing hinges on lidded boxes to ensure they open smoothly and align properly when closed.