Door handing identifies the swing direction of a commercial door and determines which side receives the hinges, latching hardware, and strike preparation. Every commercial door assembly is manufactured as either left hand or right hand, and swings either inward (standard) or outward (reverse). Correctly identifying door handing before ordering ensures that hinges, locksets, exit devices, and closers are factory-prepared on the correct side of the assembly.
CDF Distributors’ ProBuilder tool at cdfdistributors.com guides handing selection during assembly configuration, displaying visual references for each option. For assistance determining the correct handing for your project, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com.
How to Determine Door Handing
The standard method for determining door handing uses the hinge jamb as the reference point. Stand in the doorway with your back against the hinge jamb (the side where the hinges are or will be mounted). The direction the door opens from this position determines the hand.
When determining whether the door is an inswing or an outswing door, you always want to stand on the outside of the opening. If the door swings out towards you, it is considered an outswing, or “reverse”. If the door swings in, it is considered an inswing door.
- If the door opens to your left, it is a left hand door.
- If the door opens to your right, it is a right hand door.
- If the door swings away from you (outward), add "reverse" to the hand designation.
This method applies to all single commercial doors regardless of frame type, wall construction, or fire rating. The hinge jamb position is the sole reference point. Outswing doors are referred to as "reverse" in commercial door terminology.
Single Door Handing Configurations
There are four possible handing configurations for a single commercial door. The following table summarizes each configuration, including the hinge side, swing direction, and the common industry designation.
Configuration | Hinge Side | Swing Direction | Description |
Left Hand (LH) | Left | Inswing | Standing with back against hinge jamb, door opens to the left. |
Right Hand (RH) | Right | Inswing | Standing with back against hinge jamb, door opens to the right. |
Left Hand Reverse (LHR) | Left | Outswing | Standing with back against hinge jamb, door opens to the right. |
Right Hand Reverse (RHR) | Right | Outswing | Standing with back against hinge jamb, door opens to the left. |
Left Hand (LH)
Hinges are on the left side. The door swings inward (toward the viewer when standing with back against the hinge jamb). The key side or exterior side is opposite the hinge jamb. This is one of the two standard inswing configurations.
Right Hand (RH)
Hinges are on the right side. The door swings inward. The key side is opposite the hinge jamb. This is the mirror image of a left hand door.
Left Hand Reverse (LHR)
Standing on the outside of the opening, hinges are on the left side. The door swings outward. The key (strike)side is on the right. Outswing doors are standard for exterior egress applications where building codes require doors to swing in the direction of exit travel.
Right Hand Reverse (RHR)
Hinges are on the right side. The door swings outward. This is the mirror image of a left hand reverse door. Like LHR, this configuration is common in exterior and egress applications.
Visual chart showing all four single door handing configurations (LH, RH, LHR, RHR) with labeled inside/outside orientation, hinge positions, key side, and swing direction arrows. Corresponds to CDF reference numbers 1 through 4. This diagram requires CDF approval before inclusion in the production file.
Double Door Handing Configurations
Double door (pair) handing is determined by the active leaf. The active leaf is the door that carries the latching hardware, door lever, or exit device. The inactive leaf is the fixed or semi-fixed door that typically has flush bolts or surface bolts rather than a lever or knob. The active leaf determines the pair’s hand designation using the same hinge-jamb method as a single door.
The following table summarizes double door handing configurations based on the active leaf position and swing direction.
When determining inswing or outswing, you always need to be standing on the outside of the opening.
Configuration | Active Leaf Hinge Side | Swing Direction | Description |
Left Hand Active | Left | Inswing | The active leaf (with latching hardware) has hinges on the left side and swings inward. |
Right Hand Active | Right | Inswing | The active leaf has hinges on the right side and swings inward. |
Left Hand Reverse Active | Left | Outswing | The active leaf has hinges on the left side and swings outward. |
Right Hand Reverse Active | Right | Outswing | The active leaf has hinges on the right side and swings outward. |
Active Leaf vs. Inactive Leaf
In a standard double door configuration, only one leaf is designated as active. The active leaf receives the lockset, lever, exit device, or other latching hardware. The inactive leaf is secured with flush bolts or surface bolts and does not have primary latching hardware. When both leaves carry latching hardware, the pair is designated as "both active" or "double active," and both doors function independently.
Double Active (Both Leaves Active)
In a double active configuration, both leaves have latching hardware and operate independently. This is common in high-traffic commercial applications such as corridors, lobbies, and receiving areas. When both doors are active, the handing designation applies to each leaf individually.
Additional Double Door Configurations
Beyond standard pair configurations, commercial openings may include double doors with surface vertical rod exit devices, double door assemblies with mullions (a vertical member between the two leaves), and double egress pairs where each leaf swings in opposite directions. Each configuration follows the same active-leaf handing principle.
Visual chart showing double door handing configurations including left hand active, right hand active, left hand reverse active, right hand reverse active, double active with surface vertical rod, double door with mullion, and double egress. Corresponds to CDF reference numbers 5 through 12. This diagram requires CDF approval before inclusion in the production file.
Handing Reference Summary
The following table consolidates all single and double door handing configurations with their CDF reference numbers, making it straightforward to match the correct configuration to your project requirements and CDF part number system.
CDF Ref. | Door Type | Configuration | Hinge Side | Swing |
1 | Single | Left Hand (LH) | Left | Inswing |
2 | Single | Right Hand (RH) | Right | Inswing |
3 | Single | Left Hand Reverse (LHR) | Left | Outswing |
4 | Single | Right Hand Reverse (RHR) | Right | Outswing |
5 | Double | Left Hand Active | Left | Inswing |
6 | Double | Right Hand Active | Right | Inswing |
7 | Double | Left Hand Reverse Active | Left | Outswing |
8 | Double | Right Hand Reverse Active | Right | Outswing |
9 | Double | Double Active – Surface Vertical Rod | Both | Varies |
10 | Double | Double Door with Mullion | Both | Varies |
11 | Double | Double Egress | Both | Opposite |
12 | Double | Double Active – Pull Side | Both | Varies |
Why Correct Handing Matters
Specifying the wrong hand on a commercial door order affects every component in the assembly. Hinge reinforcements, strike preparations, closer mounting locations, and exit device configurations are all factory-set based on the specified handing. A door ordered with incorrect handing cannot be corrected in the field without replacing the frame, door, or both.
Incorrect handing results in:
- Hinge cutouts on the wrong jamb, requiring a replacement frame
- Strike preparations on the wrong side, preventing the latch from engaging
- Closer and exit device mounting locations that do not align with the door swing
- Non-compliant egress paths if an outswing door is ordered as inswing
Configure Your Assembly
CDF Distributors’ ProBuilder tool at cdfdistributors.com includes visual handing selection during the assembly configuration process. ProBuilder displays handing diagrams matching each option so that the correct configuration is confirmed before the order is placed. All hinge, strike, and hardware preparations are determined by the handing selection made in ProBuilder.
For assistance determining the correct handing for your project, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF’s sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if a door is left hand or right hand?
Stand in the doorway with your back against the hinge jamb. If the door opens to your left, it is a left hand door. If it opens to your right, it is a right hand door. This method works for all single commercial doors regardless of frame type or wall construction.
What does "reverse" mean in door handing?
Reverse indicates that the door swings outward (away from the viewer when standing with back against the hinge jamb). A left hand reverse door has hinges on the left and swings outward. Outswing configurations are standard for exterior egress applications where building codes require doors to swing in the direction of exit travel.
How is handing determined for double doors?
Double door handing is determined by the active leaf, which is the door that carries the latching hardware, lever, or exit device. Apply the same hinge-jamb method to the active leaf. If both leaves carry latching hardware, the pair is designated as double active.
What is the active leaf on a double door?
The active leaf is the door in a pair that has the primary latching hardware, including the lockset, lever, or exit device. The inactive leaf is typically secured with flush bolts or surface bolts. In a double active configuration, both leaves have latching hardware and operate independently. Common hardware setups for these cases are exit devices with surface vertical rods, or push/pull hardware.
Can door handing be changed after the assembly is manufactured?
No. Hinge reinforcements, strike preparations, closer mounting locations, and exit device configurations are factory-set based on the specified handing. A door or frame ordered with incorrect handing cannot be corrected in the field and typically requires replacement of the affected components.
What is the difference between inswing and outswing?
An inswing door swings toward the interior of the room or space. An outswing door swings away from the room toward the exterior or corridor. Outswing doors are referred to as "reverse" in commercial door terminology. Building codes typically require outswing (reverse) doors for exterior egress openings.
What is a double egress door?
A double egress pair consists of two doors in the same frame where each leaf swings in the opposite direction. One leaf swings into the space on one side and the other leaf swings into the space on the other side. This configuration is used in corridors and other locations where egress is required in both directions.
About This Guide
This reference guide reflects CDF Distributors’ standard handing conventions used across all commercial door and frame assemblies. The handing designations and reference numbering system described in this guide correspond directly to CDF’s ProBuilder configuration tool and order documentation. CDF Distributors fabricates and ships complete door and frame assemblies from its Nashville, Tennessee headquarters.
For questions about door handing or to configure a door assembly, contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder.
