Door Handing Guide

Scroll down to see the door handing chart / diagram.

Door handing is easily determined while standing on the SECURE SIDE (key side) or OUTSIDE of the door.

LEFT HAND REVERSE DOOR: The hinges are on the left and the door opens toward the outside of the room.

LEFT HAND DOOR:  The hinges are on the left and the door opens into the room.

RIGHT HAND DOOR: The hinges are on the right and the door opens into the room.

RIGHT HAND REVERSE DOOR: The hinges are on the right and the door opens toward the outside of the room. 

An alternate method of remembering door handing is to follow the procedure below: 

1. Stand on the outside or secure (key) side of the door and place your back toward the hinge side of the frame.
2. Without moving and without reaching across your body, grab the door knob/lever.
3. While still holding the door knob or lever, turn to face the door.
4. Open the door.  
   • If you used your left hand and you didn't have to move to open the door (i.e. the door opens away from you), you have a LEFT HAND DOOR.
   • If you used your left hand and you had to step out of the way to open the door (i.e. the door opens toward you), you have a LEFT HAND REVERSE DOOR.
   • If you used your right hand and you didn't have to move to open the door (i.e. the door opens away from you), you have a RIGHT HAND DOOR.
   • If you used your right hand and you had to step out of the way to open the door (i.e. the door opens toward you), you have a RIGHT HAND REVERSE DOOR.

Door Handing Chart

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