How to Measure for Shower Doors
Shower Door Measuring Guide
Accurate measurements are the first step to choosing the right shower door. Before ordering a BAKIWHS shower door, measure your finished shower opening carefully to make sure the door fits properly and works smoothly.
Always measure after tile, wall panels, shower base, tub deck, or any finished surfaces have been installed. Do not use rough framing measurements, because finished walls can reduce the final opening size.
What You Need Before Measuring
Prepare a steel tape measure, a level, and a notebook or phone to record your measurements.
For best results, measure in inches and write down each number clearly. If your opening is uneven, take photos and contact us before placing your order.
Step 1: Measure the Width
Measure the finished opening from wall to wall in three places:
- Top width
- Middle width
- Bottom width
Use the smallest width when selecting your shower door size. This helps account for walls that are not perfectly straight.
For sliding shower doors, bathtub shower doors, and alcove shower doors, this is one of the most important measurements.
Step 2: Measure the Height
Measure from the top of the shower base, curb, threshold, or tub deck to the desired top height of the shower door.
Make sure the selected door height works with your wall height, showerhead position, ceiling clearance, and bathroom layout.
Step 3: Check If the Walls Are Plumb
Use a level to check whether both side walls are straight and vertical.
If the walls lean inward or outward, your shower opening may be out of plumb. Some shower doors allow minor adjustment, but larger variations may require a more suitable model or a custom solution.
Step 4: Measure the Threshold or Tub Deck
Check the bottom surface where the shower door will sit.
Measure the depth from front to back and make sure there is enough flat, level space for the bottom track, guide, sweep, or door hardware.
For bathtub shower doors, make sure the tub ledge is wide enough and level enough for secure installation.
Step 5: Check the Bathroom Layout
Before choosing a door style, check the space around your shower.
Consider:
- Door swing clearance
- Showerhead position
- Towel bars, toilets, vanities, or nearby walls
- Sloped ceilings or unusual wall angles
- Whether the door should open from the left or right side
Sliding doors are a good choice for smaller bathrooms because they do not require extra swing space. Swing doors need enough room to open outward safely.
Measuring by Shower Door Type
Sliding Shower Doors
Measure the opening width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest width.
Also check that the threshold is level and deep enough for the bottom guide or track.
Best for wider shower openings and bathrooms where saving space is important.
Swing Shower Doors
Measure the opening width and height, then confirm there is enough clearance for the door to swing open.
Check that the hinge-side wall is straight, strong, and suitable for hardware installation.
Best for bathrooms with enough open space in front of the shower.
Bathtub Shower Doors
Measure the finished width from wall to wall above the tub.
Then measure the height from the tub deck to the desired top of the glass. Make sure the tub ledge is flat and level.
Best for replacing shower curtains with a cleaner glass-door look.
Corner Shower Enclosures
Measure each finished wall side from the corner outward.
Check that the corner is square and that both walls are plumb. Small variations can affect how the panels align.
Best for corner bathroom layouts or neo-angle style shower spaces.
When to Contact Us
If your measurements are different at the top, middle, and bottom, or if your walls are not plumb, contact BAKIWHS before ordering.
Please send us:
- Top, middle, and bottom width measurements
- Height measurement
- Threshold or tub deck depth
- Photos of the shower opening
- Preferred door type
- Notes about uneven walls or layout restrictions
Our team can help review your measurements and recommend the right shower door solution.