Door handing (or door swing direction) describes which side the hinges are on and whether the door opens inward or outward when viewed from the outside. It is critical when purchasing door locks, lever handles, hinges, and door closers — because many hardware components are handed, meaning they only work with a specific door configuration. Buying the wrong handing can result in a lock that installs upside down or a lever that points in the wrong direction.

• LH (Left Hand): Hinges on the left, door swings inward (pull toward you). The most common entry door configuration in North America.
• RH (Right Hand): Hinges on the right, door swings inward (pull toward you).
• LHR (Left Hand Reverse): Hinges on the left, door swings outward (push away). Common for patio doors and commercial exits.
• RHR (Right Hand Reverse): Hinges on the right, door swings outward (push away).

These terms follow the ANSI/BHMA A156 standard widely used in North America and internationally.

For exterior/entry doors: The outside is literally the exterior of the building — where you'd stand to ring the doorbell.

For apartment/condo doors: The outside is the hallway or common corridor side.

For interior doors: The outside is typically the hallway side or the side from which you approach the room. A good rule of thumb: if you can see the hinges, you're on the "inside" for an inswing door, or on the "outside" for an outswing door.

Key trick: The outside is usually where the keyhole or doorbell is located for entry doors.

Inswing doors open inward (you pull the door toward you when standing outside). These are the standard for residential entry doors in most of North America because they keep the hinges inside (more secure) and don't block exterior walkways.

Outswing doors open outward (you push the door away when standing outside). These are common in commercial buildings (for fire egress), patio doors, and in some regions like Florida where hurricane codes require outward-opening doors. Outswing doors have exposed hinges on the outside, so security hinges (with non-removable pins) are recommended.

Door locks and lever handles are often handed. The latch bolt has a beveled (angled) face that must match the direction the door closes. If you install a lock with the wrong handing, the latch won't engage the strike plate properly.

Lever handles must also match handing — a left-hand lever installed on a right-hand door will point in the wrong direction.

Many modern locksets are reversible (can be adjusted for either handing), but always check the product specifications. Traditional mortise locks and commercial-grade hardware are almost always handed.

Yes. The ANSI/BHMA standard (used in North America) defines handing from the outside looking in. The European standard (DIN) sometimes uses a different convention (DIN L / DIN R), which is determined from the hinge side rather than the outside. In the UK and Australia, handing is often described as "left-hand open in" or "right-hand open out" using similar logic.

Our tool follows the ANSI/BHMA A156 standard, which is the most widely recognized international standard. Always confirm with your hardware supplier which standard they use.

Absolutely! Stand on the outside of the door and observe:

1. Look at which side the hinges are on (left or right).
2. Determine if the door swings toward you (inward/pull) or away from you (outward/push).

If the hinges are visible from where you're standing, the door swings toward you. If the hinges are hidden (on the other side), the door swings away from you. No tools or door removal needed!

Residential entry doors: Left Hand (LH) is most common in North America, followed by Right Hand (RH). Both are inswing.

Patio / balcony doors: Often Left Hand Reverse (LHR) or Right Hand Reverse (RHR) — outswing to save interior space.

Commercial / public buildings: Outswing doors (LHR/RHR) are standard for fire code compliance and emergency egress.

Interior bedroom/bathroom doors: Typically inswing (LH or RH), with the door opening into the room.