The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the door handle, knob, keyhole or latch hole.
This measurement is important because it determines where your handle will sit on the door. Choosing the correct backset helps your hardware line up properly, feel comfortable to use, and look visually balanced.
Quick Answer
Most standard doors use a 57–60mm backset.
If your door has panels, glass, or is a double/French door, measure the stile and choose the closest backset.
If you are replacing existing hardware, we generally recommend matching your current backset so your new hardware lines up with the existing holes.
Please see the image below:
Common door backset sizes
Most of our locks and latches come in two common backset ranges:
44–46mm Backset
Often used for:
- French doors
- Double doors
- Narrow stile doors
- Panelled doors
- Some replacement situations
Note: This is common, but not automatic. Always check your door design.
57–60mm Backset
Commonly used for:
- Standard internal doors
- Plain or flat doors
- Many new doors
- Doors where better hand clearance is preferred
This is the most common standard backset.
As a general rule, the shorter the backset, the closer the handle will sit to the edge of the door. The longer the backset, the further in from the edge the handle will sit.
Selecting the correct backset for locks or latches
Plain or flat doors
For plain doors without glass or decorative panelling near the handle area, a standard 57–60mm backset is usually the best choice.
This gives the handle comfortable clearance from the edge of the door and suits most standard internal doors.
Panelled doors, glass panel doors, French doors and double doors
For panelled doors, glass panel doors, French doors or double doors, the correct backset is usually based on the width of the vertical piece of timber where the handle will sit.
This vertical piece of timber is called the stile.
Door handles generally look best when they sit close to the centre of the stile. The backset of the lock or latch determines how far from the edge of the door the handle will be positioned.
How to choose your backset
- Measure the width of the stile where the handle will sit.
- Divide this measurement by 2.
- Choose the backset size that is closest to this number.
Example: If your stile is 96mm wide, divide 96mm by 2. This gives you 48mm, so you would usually choose a 44mm or 46mm backset lock or latch.
While 44–46mm backsets are commonly used for French doors, double doors, narrow stile doors and some panelled doors, they are not always required. Many French and panelled doors still use 57–60mm backsets, depending on the door design.
If your measurement sits roughly halfway between a 44–46mm backset and a 57–60mm backset, we generally recommend choosing the 57–60mm backset where possible, as this is the more standard size and is often more comfortable to use.
Replacing existing hardware?
We generally recommend matching your current backset.
Measure from the edge of the door to the centre of the existing hole in the face of the door.
Then choose the closest available backset.
This will help ensure your new hardware lines up with the existing holes in your door.
You can choose to change the backset using the method above, however this may require patching or modifying the holes in the face of the door. For this reason, we generally recommend using the existing backset where possible.
Quick backset guide
| Door type | Typical recommendation |
|---|---|
| Plain internal door | 57–60mm backset |
| Panelled or decorative door | Measure the stile and choose the closest backset |
| French, double or narrow stile door | Often 44–46mm, but measure the stile to confirm |
| Replacing existing hardware | Match the existing backset where possible |
Common backset mistakes to avoid
1. Choosing the wrong backset for an existing door
If you are replacing existing hardware, always measure from the edge of the door to the centre of the existing hole and match this as closely as possible.
Choosing the wrong backset may mean your new handle does not line up, old holes or marks are visible, or the door needs to be patched or modified.
2. Not considering the door design
On panelled doors, French doors, double doors or doors with glass panels, the position of the handle is very noticeable.
If the backset is too large or too small, the handle can look off-centre on the stile.
3. Automatically choosing the standard 60mm backset
While 57–60mm is the most common backset, it is not always the right choice.
Narrow stile doors, French doors, double doors and some panelled doors may suit a 44–46mm backset instead.
4. Forgetting that backset affects comfort
Backset is not just about looks. It also affects how the handle feels to use.
If the handle is too close to the edge of the door, it can feel awkward or cramped when opening the door.
5. Changing backset without planning for door repairs
It is possible to change your backset, but this may require filling old holes, redrilling the door, and adjusting the latch or lock position.
For this reason, we generally recommend keeping the existing backset unless you are prepared to modify the door.
Backset FAQs
What is the most common door backset?
The most common backset is 57–60mm, which is used on many standard internal doors.
Can I change my backset?
Yes, you can change your backset. However, this may require filling existing holes, redrilling the door, and adjusting the latch or lock position.
For this reason, we usually recommend keeping your existing backset unless you are prepared to modify the door.
How do I measure my backset?
Measure from the edge of the door to the centre of the hole in the face of the door. This measurement is your backset.
What backset should I use for panelled, French or double doors?
For panelled, French or double doors, the best approach is to measure the stile width, divide it by 2, and choose the closest backset.
While 44–46mm backsets are commonly used for these types of doors, they are not always required. Many French and panelled doors still use 57–60mm backsets, depending on the door design.
The goal is to position the handle as close to the centre of the stile as possible.
What happens if I choose the wrong backset?
If the backset is incorrect, the handle may not line up with existing holes, it may look off-centre on the door, or you may need to patch or modify the door.
Do all door handles fit all backsets?
No. Door handles need to be paired with a compatible latch or lock.
The latch or lock determines the backset, so it is important to select the correct one.
Is 44mm or 60mm backset better?
Neither is better. It depends on your door.
- 57–60mm is usually best for standard doors.
- 44–46mm is often used for narrow stile doors, French doors, double doors and some panelled doors.
Where can I buy locks or latches with the correct backset?
Once you know your backset, you can choose compatible products here:
- Door handles — add your lock or latch when selecting your handle
- Locks & latches
Shop locks and latches by backset
Once you know your backset, you can choose a compatible latch or lock for your door.
