How to Measure Your Door and Gate for a Digital Lock
Before choosing a digital lock, you may need to check whether there is enough space for the lock body, handle and locking mechanism.
However, you normally do not need to measure every part of the entrance.
Interlock Singapore will first review your door and gate photos. Depending on what we see, we may ask for one or more of these measurements:
- Door-to-gate distance or clearance
- Distance from the inner door edge to an existing handlebar
- Gap between the door and frame
- Door thickness, where required
This guide explains how to take these measurements accurately using a normal measuring tape.
Already Have Your Measurements?
Send the measurements together with clear photos of your door, gate and existing lock to Interlock Singapore.
Our team will review the entrance and recommend digital locks that are more likely to fit your actual setup.
Quick summary:
Measure in millimetres, keep the measuring tape straight and take a photo showing where the measurement begins and ends. If you are unsure about the measuring points, send us the entrance photos first and we will guide you.
Jump to a Section
- Send photos before measuring
- What you need
- 1. Door-to-gate clearance
- 2. Door edge to handlebar distance
- 3. Door-to-frame gap
- 4. Door thickness
- How to record the measurements
- Common measuring mistakes
- What to send Interlock
- What Interlock checks
- Frequently asked questions
Start with Photos Before Taking Measurements
Do not begin by measuring every part of your entrance.
First, send Interlock clear photos showing:
- The front of the existing lock
- The back of the existing lock
- The side or edge of the door
- The strike area on the frame
- The full doorway, including the gate where applicable
These photos help us identify which measurements are actually relevant.
For the complete photo guide, read:
Five Photos We Need Before Recommending a Digital Lock
Why We Do Not Ask Everyone for the Same Measurements
Different entrances have different compatibility concerns.
For example:
- A home without a gate may not need a door-to-gate measurement
- A door without a handlebar may not need a handlebar-clearance measurement
- A normal-looking door gap may not need to be measured
- Door thickness is required only for certain compatibility checks
By reviewing the photos first, Interlock can guide you towards the measurements that matter for your entrance.
Save yourself unnecessary work:
Send us the five entrance photos first. We will tell you which areas need to be measured and where to place the measuring tape.
What You Need
You normally need only:
- A measuring tape or rigid ruler
- A phone camera
- Another person to help where possible
- Good lighting
Measure in Millimetres
We recommend recording measurements in millimetres.
For example:
- 55 mm
- 82 mm
- 115 mm
Millimetres provide more useful detail than rounding the measurement to the nearest centimetre.
Photograph the Measuring Tape
Take a photo while the measuring tape is still in position.
The photo should clearly show:
- The starting point
- The ending point
- The number on the tape
- The surrounding door or gate area
This allows our team to confirm that the correct area was measured.
Keep the Tape Straight
A measuring tape placed diagonally can give a larger and inaccurate result.
Keep it:
- Level
- Straight
- Firmly positioned
- Against the correct measuring points
1. How to Measure the Door-to-Gate Distance
This is one of the most important measurements for an entrance with both a main door and a gate.
The available clearance can affect whether:
- The door-lock handle fits behind the gate
- The gate-lock body fits in front of the door
- The two lock handles collide
- The door and gate can close fully
- A door-and-gate digital lock bundle is suitable
What Is Door-to-Gate Clearance?
Door-to-gate clearance is the available space between the main door and gate when both are closed.
However, the flat distance between the door panel and gate may not tell the complete story.
The closest projecting parts may include:
- An existing door handle
- A gate handle
- A digital lock body
- A handlebar
- A decorative gate section
The practical clearance is therefore the shortest distance between the parts that are most likely to interfere.
How to Take the Measurement
- Close the main door fully.
- Close the gate fully.
- Identify the narrowest space between them.
- Place the measuring tape straight across that space.
- Record the measurement in millimetres.
- Take a photo showing the tape and both the door and gate.
Tape showing the narrowest available clearance
Measure the Closest Point
Do not measure only from the flat door surface if an existing handle projects farther towards the gate.
Similarly, do not measure from a wide-open gate. The important condition is how the entrance sits when both the door and gate are closed.
Why the Measurement Must Be Accurate
A few millimetres can affect whether two handles:
- Pass each other
- Touch slightly
- Prevent the door or gate from closing
- Place pressure on the lock body
Do not round the figure upwards to create more apparent space.
Important:
Send both the measurement and a full photo of the closed entrance. The number alone may not show which handles, lock bodies or gate sections are closest together.
2. How to Measure from the Inner Door Edge to the Handlebar
Some doors have a separate handlebar near the existing lock.
This may reduce the space available for a larger digital lock body or push-pull handle.
If a handlebar is present, Interlock may ask for the distance between the inner edge of the door and the handlebar.
Which Door Edge Should You Use?
Measure from the door edge nearest to the existing lock and handle area.
The exact measuring points may vary according to the door layout.
Where necessary, Interlock will mark the correct starting and ending points on your photo.
How to Take the Measurement
- Open the door so the edge is easy to see.
- Identify the inner door edge nearest to the handlebar.
- Measure straight across to the closest part of the handlebar.
- Keep the measuring tape level rather than diagonal.
- Record the result in millimetres.
- Take a wider photo showing the door edge, handlebar and tape.
Straight measurement from the relevant inner door edge to the closest part of the handlebar
Why This Measurement Matters
A digital lock requires sufficient surface area around the installation position.
An existing handlebar may affect:
- The width available for the exterior lock body
- The movement of a new handle
- The ability to cover previous lock holes
- The visual position of the new lock
- The installer’s available drilling area
Do Not Measure Only the Handlebar Length
The total length of the handlebar is usually less important than how close it sits to the proposed digital lock area.
Show the entire handlebar and existing lock in the same photo.
Unsure where to measure?
Send Interlock a clear front photo first. We can indicate the exact two points required for your door instead of asking you to guess.
3. How to Measure the Gap Between the Door and Frame
We do not need this measurement for every entrance.
Interlock may request it when the gap appears unusually large in the photos.
The gap can affect:
- The position of the latch and locking bolts
- How deeply the bolts enter the strike
- Door alignment
- Whether additional adjustment is required
Where Should the Gap Be Measured?
Measure the space between the edge of the closed door and the nearby frame.
Interlock may request the measurement:
- Beside the existing lock
- Near the latch or bolt area
- At another point where the gap appears uneven
Use the location shown or requested by our team.
How to Take the Measurement
- Close the door normally.
- Do not push or pull it into an unusual position.
- Place the ruler or measuring tape across the visible gap.
- Keep it level with the lock or strike area.
- Record the measurement in millimetres.
- Take a clear photo showing the gap and measurement.
Door closed normally, with the gap measured near the lock and strike position
Check Whether the Gap Is Even
Look at the complete edge of the door.
A gap that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom may indicate that the door is not sitting evenly.
Send a full photo if:
- The gap changes from top to bottom
- The door appears to sag
- The door rubs against the frame
- The existing bolt does not line up well
Do Not Force the Door While Measuring
Measure the entrance in its normal closed position.
Pushing the door tightly into the frame may create a smaller figure that does not represent its normal resting position.
4. How to Measure Door Thickness
Door thickness is not always required.
Interlock may ask for it when:
- The door appears unusually thin or thick
- The selected lock has a specific thickness requirement
- The door has additional panels or layers
- The photo does not clearly show the door construction
How to Measure the Thickness
- Open the door.
- Locate a clear section of the door edge.
- Place the measuring tape across the complete thickness.
- Avoid measuring over the mortise faceplate if it projects from the door.
- Record the result in millimetres.
- Take a photo showing the measurement and door edge.
Measurement taken across the complete door thickness at a clear section of the edge
Measure the Door, Not the Decorative Trim
Some doors have:
- Raised panels
- Decorative strips
- Metal cladding
- Additional surface layers
Show these clearly in the photo.
If the thickness changes across different areas, let Interlock know rather than choosing only the narrowest point.
Door thickness is rarely the first measurement we need. Send the side photo first and measure it only when requested or when the door appears unusual.
How to Record and Send the Measurements
Do not send only a message such as:
“The gap is around 8 cm.”
Instead, send:
- The exact number in millimetres
- A photo showing the measuring tape in position
- A wider photo showing the surrounding entrance
- A short label explaining what was measured
Example Measurement List
| Measurement | Example |
|---|---|
| Door-to-gate clearance | 92 mm |
| Door edge to handlebar | 118 mm |
| Door-to-frame gap | 7 mm |
| Door thickness | 45 mm |
The figures above are only formatting examples. They are not compatibility requirements.
Label Each Photo
You can send a short message such as:
- Photo 1: Door-to-gate clearance — 92 mm
- Photo 2: Door edge to handlebar — 118 mm
- Photo 3: Door-frame gap — 7 mm
This helps our team review the enquiry more quickly.
Common Measuring Mistakes
1. Measuring with the Door or Gate Open
Door-to-gate clearance should normally be measured when both are fully closed.
2. Measuring Diagonally
A diagonal measurement may be longer than the actual straight-line clearance.
3. Measuring from the Wrong Surface
The narrowest clearance may be between two handles rather than between the flat door and gate panels.
4. Rounding the Figure
Do not round 87 mm to 90 mm or describe it only as approximately 9 cm.
5. Sending a Close-Up Without Context
A close-up may show the number but not the exact area being measured.
Send both a close photo and a wider entrance photo.
6. Holding the Tape in Mid-Air
Keep the tape against or between the actual measuring points.
7. Pulling the Door into a Different Position
Measure the door in its normal resting or closed position unless Interlock gives different instructions.
8. Measuring Every Possible Gap
More measurements do not always make the assessment easier.
Send the entrance photos first so we can ask for the relevant figures.
Best practice:
Every measurement should come with a photo showing exactly where the tape was placed. This is more useful than sending a number by itself.
What Should You Send Interlock After Measuring?
Send the following information together:
1. The Five Entrance Photos
- Front
- Back
- Side
- Strike
- Full doorway
2. The Requested Measurements
These may include:
- Door-to-gate clearance
- Door edge to handlebar distance
- Door-to-frame gap
- Door thickness
3. Photos of the Measuring Tape
Keep the full measuring area visible.
4. Your Preferred Lock Features
Tell us whether you are interested in:
- Fingerprint recognition
- Facial recognition
- Palm vein recognition
- PIN access
- Access card
- App control
- Camera or video viewing
- A synchronised door-and-gate setup
5. Your Estimated Budget
This helps us recommend suitable options without showing you locks outside the range you are considering.
Finished Measuring?
Send the photos, measurements, preferred features and budget to Interlock. We will review the entrance and help narrow the suitable digital lock options.
What Does Interlock Check from the Measurements?
The measurements help us assess possible issues that may not be clear from photos alone.
Depending on the entrance, we may check:
- Whether the door and gate locks have enough clearance
- Whether two handles may collide
- Whether the existing handlebar limits the installation area
- Whether the door gap may affect the strike or locking bolt
- Whether the door thickness is suitable for the selected lock
- Whether another model would be a better fit
- Whether an onsite confirmation may still be needed
The Measurement Does Not Select the Lock by Itself
Compatibility also depends on:
- The existing lock cut-out
- The door or gate material
- The frame design
- The strike position
- The handle design
- The internal and external lock-body dimensions
This is why measurements should be reviewed together with clear entrance photos.
Final Compatibility May Still Be Confirmed Onsite
Photos and measurements provide a useful initial assessment.
However, they may not reveal:
- Hidden reinforcement
- Internal wiring
- The exact existing cut-out
- Door warping
- Structural movement
- Small differences that are difficult to see remotely
The installer may still need to confirm the physical condition before permanent work begins.
Measurement Checklist
Before sending the measurements, confirm that:
- You measured in millimetres
- The measuring tape was straight
- The door and gate were in the correct closed position
- You measured the closest projecting points
- You took a photo showing the tape in place
- You included a wider photo for context
- You labelled each measurement clearly
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to measure my door before contacting Interlock?
No. Send the entrance photos first. We will advise which measurements are required after reviewing them.
What measurements are usually needed?
Depending on the entrance, we may request the door-to-gate clearance, door edge to handlebar distance, door-to-frame gap or door thickness.
Should I measure in centimetres or millimetres?
Use millimetres for a more precise result.
Why do I need to photograph the measuring tape?
The photo allows us to confirm the starting point, ending point and surrounding entrance area.
How do I measure the distance between the door and gate?
Close both fully and measure the narrowest straight-line distance between the closest projecting points.
Should I measure between the flat door and gate panels?
Not always. If a handle or lock body projects farther into the gap, that may be the more important clearance.
Why does door-to-gate distance matter?
The lock bodies and handles need enough space to avoid colliding when the door and gate are closed.
Where can I learn more about door-to-gate clearance?
Read Door-to-Gate Distance: Why Your Digital-Lock Handle May Not Fit.
Why do you need the distance to an existing handlebar?
The handlebar may reduce the available surface area or interfere with the position and movement of a new digital lock.
Do I need to measure the entire handlebar?
Usually, the more useful measurement is the clearance between the relevant door edge and the closest part of the handlebar.
What if I do not know where to start measuring?
Send us a clear photo. Interlock can indicate the correct measuring points for your entrance.
Why would you ask for the door-to-frame gap?
We may request it when the gap appears unusually large or uneven and could affect the lock bolt or strike alignment.
Should I push the door tightly while measuring the gap?
No. Measure it in its normal closed position unless our team provides different instructions.
Do you always need the door thickness?
No. Door thickness is requested only when it is relevant to the selected lock or the door appears unusual.
Where should I measure door thickness?
Measure across a clear section of the door edge, avoiding a projecting faceplate or decorative trim.
Can measurements guarantee that the lock will fit?
Not completely. Measurements and photos provide an initial assessment, while final suitability may still depend on the existing cut-out and onsite condition.
What if my measurement is not exact?
Retake it using a straight tape and send a photo. Do not round the figure upwards.
Can I send a video instead of photos?
A video may provide useful context, but still photos with the measuring tape clearly visible are easier to review closely.
What should I send after completing the measurements?
Send the figures, measurement photos, five entrance photos, preferred lock features and estimated budget to Interlock.
Ready for a Digital Lock Compatibility Assessment?
Do not choose a digital lock based only on the product dimensions or appearance.
Send Interlock:
- The five entrance photos
- The requested measurements
- Photos showing the measuring tape
- Your preferred features
- Your estimated budget
Our team will review the entrance and recommend options that are more likely to suit your actual door and gate.
Send Your Measurements to Interlock Singapore
Send us the clear entrance photos and measurements together with the features you want from your digital lock.
If you are unsure about any measurement, send the photos first. We will guide you on the exact points to measure instead of asking you to guess.
Once the entrance has been reviewed, our team can help you narrow the suitable door-lock, gate-lock or complete bundle options.
Photo and measurement review provides an initial compatibility assessment. Final installation suitability may depend on the existing cut-out, door or gate material, frame design, hidden reinforcement and physical conditions found onsite.