Door Handle Sizes Guide

Standard door handle height in Australia is 900-1100 mm from the finished floor to the centre of the handle, with 1000 mm being the most widely used position in residential homes. This range is set by Australian Standard AS 1428.1 (Design for Access and Mobility) and applies to lever handles, door knobs, and pull handles across both internal and external doors. The key dimensions to confirm before buying any door handle are the backset (60 mm is the Australian standard for most internal doors), the door thickness (35 mm for internal, 40 mm for external), and the kit type - passage, privacy, or entrance.

This guide covers every door handle type and its standard dimensions, how to measure correctly, what a kit includes, finishes and materials, and what to check before ordering.

Door Handle Types and Their Dimensions

Door handles in Australia come in 3 main functional types, each suited to a different location and use:

1. Lever handles (the most common type; operated with a hand press rather than a grip or turn)
2. Door knobs (round or shaped knobs; suited to traditional, Federation, and Victorian-style homes)
3. Pull handles (fixed, non-operating handles; used on sliding doors, entry doors, and cupboards)

Within each type, handles are sold in 3 functional configurations:

1. Passage kits (internal non-locking doors: hallways, living rooms, bedrooms without locks)
2. Privacy kits (internal locking doors: bathrooms and bedrooms needing a thumb turn and emergency release)
3. Entrance kits (external locking doors: front entry, back door, requiring a keyed euro cylinder)

Key Door Handle Dimensions Explained

Before buying any door handle or door knob, you need five measurements from your door. Getting any one of these wrong means the hardware will not fit or operate correctly.

Standard Door Handle Height in Australia

The required height for door handles in Australia is 900-1100 mm above the finished floor, per AS 1428.1. For most residential homes, 1000 mm to the centre of the handle is the standard installation height and represents the most comfortable reach for most adults.

When also installing a deadlock or cylinder lock above the handle, position the lock 150-200 mm above the handle centre. This gives enough separation to operate both clearly without the lock interfering with the handle backplate or rose.

• Standard handle height (residential): 1000 mm from finished floor to handle centre
• Acceptable range (AS 1428.1): 900-1100 mm
• Deadlock position (if used): 150-200 mm above handle centre
• Child-accessible height: No Australian standard exists; 900 mm suits most children over 5

Backset Sizes for Australian Doors

The backset is the single most important measurement when buying a new door handle or door lever. If the backset does not match the existing latch hole in the door, the handle will not align with the striker plate and the latch will not engage correctly.

Most door hardware kits sold through Australian retailers - including all Iver kits stocked at Schots - use a 60 mm backset tube latch as standard. If you are fitting to an older door with a 45 mm backset, you will need to source a matching 45 mm latch separately or have the door re-bored to accept a 60 mm latch.

• 60 mm backset: Standard for all modern Australian internal and external doors; most common
• 45 mm backset: Used on French doors, narrow stile doors, and some older Australian homes; less common
• 70 mm backset: Occasionally used on commercial doors and some older mortice lock installations
• Note: Always measure the existing backset before ordering. Even 5 mm of difference means the hardware will not fit without modifications to the door.

Lever Handle Dimensions

Lever handles are the most common door handle type in Australian homes. They are preferred over knobs for accessibility because they can be pressed down with a closed fist and require no grip strength, which is why AS 1428.1 recommends lever handles for accessible buildings.

Lever handle dimensions vary by style but the key specs for fitting are the rose or backplate size (which must cover the bore hole), the projection (how far the lever extends from the door face when at rest), and the spindle size.

• Rose diameter (round rose): 52-65 mm; must be large enough to cover the 54 mm bore hole
• Backplate dimensions (rectangular backplate): Typically 155-230 mm tall x 40-55 mm wide; covers the full lock case area on an entrance or privacy set
• Projection (lever at rest, horizontal): 55-75 mm from door face to end of lever tip; Stirling range is 64 mm
• Lever return clearance: 10-15 mm minimum between the underside of the lever and the door face when fully depressed; important for doors with narrow edge stiles
• Lever length: 120-150 mm from spindle centre to lever tip; longer levers give more mechanical advantage and are easier to operate
• Overall handle set width (rose or backplate): 52-65 mm for round rose sets; 40-55 mm for rectangular backplate sets
• Spindle: 7.6 mm square standard (Iver/Schots range); self-adjusting 7.6-8 mm on some products
• Backset: 60 mm standard; 45 mm for French doors and narrow stile doors

Door Knob Dimensions

Door knobs use the same 60 mm backset, 54 mm bore hole, and 7.6 mm spindle as lever handles - the fitting requirements are identical. The key dimensions that differ are the knob head size and reach, which affect how easy the knob is to grip and operate.

Round knobs are the most popular style in Federation, Victorian, and heritage-style Australian homes. Oval and faceted knobs suit traditional and French Provincial styles. Knob diameter below 50 mm can be harder to grip for older adults and those with limited hand strength.

• Knob head diameter: 45-65 mm; most common 50-55 mm
• Knob reach (rose face to front of knob): 35-50 mm; this is the grippable depth and differs from total projection
• Total projection from door face: 55-75 mm (rose face to front of knob)
• Overall height including neck and rose: 90-130 mm from top of knob to bottom of rose on the door face
• Rose or backplate: Must cover the 54 mm bore hole; round roses typically 55-65 mm; rectangular backplates 130-180 mm tall
• Grip clearance: Minimum 25 mm between the knob and door face to allow a full hand wrap around the knob

Pull Handle Dimensions

Pull handles are fixed, non-operating handles used on sliding doors, frameless glass doors, entry doors alongside a separate deadlock, and wardrobe or cupboard doors. They do not connect to a latch mechanism - they are purely for pulling the door open.

Pull handle length is the most important dimension. Longer handles suit wide entry doors and commercial applications; shorter handles suit internal sliding doors and wardrobe doors. The fixing centres must match the existing or planned holes in the door; the fixing method (through-bolt or face screw) determines whether the door thickness is also a factor.

• Overall length: 150 mm to 900 mm+ depending on door width and style
• Common residential lengths: 150 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 450 mm, 600 mm
• Fixing centres (hole to hole): 128 mm, 160 mm, 192 mm, and 256 mm are the most common for shorter residential handles; confirm before ordering as this is not adjustable
• Projection from door face: 38-65 mm; deeper projection gives better grip, especially on heavy doors
• Bar diameter (round bar / D-pull): 19-32 mm; 19-22 mm suits most residential applications; 25-32 mm suits heavier commercial or entry doors
• Bar profile: Round bar suits contemporary and mid-century styles; square or rectangular bar suits industrial and architectural styles; D-pull (flat back, round front) suits frameless glass and pivot doors
• Minimum distance from door edge: 25-30 mm from the door edge to the centre of the nearest fixing hole; closer than this risks splitting the door stile
• Fixing method: Through-bolt (bolt passes through full door thickness - needs 35-45 mm door clearance); face screw (screws into door face only - does not require access from the other side)

Door Handle Kit Types: Passage, Privacy, and Entrance

In Australia, door handles are sold either as individual components or as complete kits. A kit includes all the parts needed to fit and operate the handle on a specific door type. Choosing the wrong kit is one of the most common mistakes when buying door hardware.

Door Handle Finishes and Materials

All Iver hardware stocked at Schots is made from solid forged brass, which is the standard material for premium architectural door hardware in Australia. The finish applied over the brass determines the colour, durability, and maintenance requirements of the handle.

Matte Black

Matte black is the most popular finish for door hardware in contemporary and coastal Australian homes in 2026. It is applied to solid brass via a powder or PVD coating. The finish contrasts strongly against white doors and walls and pairs well with matte black tapware and cabinet hardware for a consistent look through the home.

Matte black is a sensitive finish - avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cloths. The coating can chip if struck; once chipped, the brass beneath is revealed.

Brushed Brass and Signature Brass

Brushed brass has a warm, contemporary tone with a soft directional texture from the polishing process. A clear satin lacquer is applied over the brass to protect the finish. Signature (polished) brass has a brighter, mirror-like surface and suits traditional and Victorian-era Australian homes.

Both are sensitive finishes requiring regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Avoid acidic cleaners, which will strip the lacquer over time.

Satin Nickel and Polished Chrome

Satin nickel has a soft, warm silver tone that suits both contemporary and traditional interiors. Polished chrome has a bright, mirror finish applied to brass and is one of the most durable hardware finishes available, requiring minimal maintenance to stay bright.

Both suit a wide range of Australian interior styles and are practical choices for high-use doors in family homes.

Material Comparison

Key Things to Check Before Buying Door Hardware

1. Measure the backset of your existing door before ordering anything.
   Remove the existing handle to expose the latch. Measure from the door edge to the centre of the latch bolt. In most Australian homes this will be 60 mm. If it is 45 mm, you need a 45 mm latch separately - most kits include a 60 mm latch only. Getting this wrong means the new hardware will not align with the existing holes.
2. Choose the correct kit type for every door in the house.
   Passage for all internal non-locking doors. Privacy for all bathrooms and bedrooms with locks. Entrance for all external doors. Using a passage kit on a bathroom door (a common mistake) means there is no privacy lock. Using an entrance kit on an internal door is unnecessary and significantly more expensive.
3. Match the finish to all visible hardware in the same space.
   Door handles, hinges, and any tapware or cabinet hardware visible from the same position should use the same finish family. Mixing matte black hinges with brushed brass door levers on the same door looks unfinished. Decide on one finish and apply it consistently across all hardware on that door and in that room.
4. Check fire rating requirements before ordering.
   All Iver hardware at Schots has been fire rated to 2 hours under Australian Standard AS1530.4:2014. If your home has a fire-rated door (common between an attached garage and the house interior, or in multi-unit dwellings), the hardware installed on that door must also be fire rated. Not all hardware meets this requirement - confirm before purchasing.
5. Confirm the rose or backplate covers your existing bore hole.
   The standard bore hole in Australian doors is 54 mm in diameter. The round rose or backplate on the handle must be larger than 54 mm to cover the hole cleanly. Most round roses are 52-65 mm - confirm the rose diameter in the product specs is larger than your bore hole before ordering.

Suggested Door Handles from Schots

Frequently Asked Questions About Door Handle Sizes

What is the standard door handle height in Australia?

The standard door handle height in Australia is 900-1100 mm from the finished floor to the centre of the handle, per Australian Standard AS 1428.1. In most residential homes, 1000 mm is the most commonly used installation height. This applies to both lever handles and door knobs on internal and external doors.

What is backset and why does it matter?

The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the latch or spindle hole. Getting this wrong means the latch will not align with the striker plate on the door frame. The standard backset for modern Australian internal doors is 60 mm; French doors and some older doors use a 45 mm backset. Always measure before ordering.

What is the difference between a passage kit and a privacy kit?

A passage kit is for internal non-locking doors - the latch holds the door closed but there is no lock on either side. A privacy kit is for bathrooms and bedrooms - it includes a thumb turn on the inside that locks the door, plus an emergency release on the outside. Both use the same 60 mm backset tube latch in the Iver range.

How do I know what size rose or backplate I need?

The rose or backplate must be larger than the bore hole in your door face. The standard bore hole in Australian doors is 54 mm in diameter. Most round roses are 52-65 mm in diameter - confirm the rose diameter in the product specs is at least 54 mm to cover the hole. For a rose smaller than 54 mm, you will also need an adaptor plate.

Can I replace door knobs with lever handles using the same holes?

Yes, in most cases. Both lever handles and door knobs use the same 60 mm backset and 54 mm bore hole as standard, so the switch is typically straightforward. Check that the rose or backplate on the new lever is large enough to cover any existing hole marks, and confirm the spindle size matches your existing latch (7.6 mm is standard in Australia).

Do I need fire-rated door hardware in my home?

Fire-rated hardware is required on any door that separates a fire compartment - most commonly the door between an attached garage and the house interior, and doors in multi-unit dwellings between units or units and common areas. All Iver hardware stocked at Schots is fire rated to 2 hours per AS1530.4:2014, meeting this requirement. If in doubt, confirm with your builder or certifier.

Related Guides

• Outdoor Lighting Guide - for matching exterior door hardware to your outdoor lighting finish.
• Bathtub Size Guide - for planning bathroom fixtures to pair with your privacy door hardware.
• Standard Fireplace Sizes Guide - for other key dimensions to plan during a home renovation.
• Luxury Outdoor Entertainment Ideas - for exterior design inspiration to complement your front entry hardware.