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2 min read

Door Hinges: Styles, Finishes & How to Measure Radius Corners

Learn the difference between square corner, 1/4" radius, and 5/8" radius door hinges. Use our quick coin tests with a dime or quarter to find the right fit, and shop hinges in a wide variety of finishes.


Residential Door Hinge Basics

For most applications, a residential-grade hinge is more than sufficient—whether your door is solid-core or hollow-core up to 8 feet tall. Residential hinges come in three main corner styles:

  • Square Corner
  • 1/4" Radius Corner
  • 5/8" Radius Corner

All three styles are offered in multiple door hinge finishes, so you can match them with your knobs, pulls, and other hardware.


Square Corner Hinges

Square corner hinges are exactly as they sound—straight edges with no rounded corners. They’re clean, traditional, and often used in new construction or where a precise, squared-off look is preferred.


Radius Corner Hinges

Radius hinges have rounded edges, which can make them a little trickier to identify. The two most common sizes are:

  • 1/4" Radius: a subtle curve, tighter corner.
  • 5/8" Radius: a wider curve, almost semi-circular.

Not sure which you have? That’s where our coin test comes in handy.


How to Identify Your Door Hinge Radius

1/4" Radius Corner Test

Hold a dime inside the hinge corner. If the hinge curve is just slightly smaller than the dime, you have a 1/4" radius. If the hinge curve is larger, try the 5/8" test.

1/4 inch radius door hinge test with a dime

5/8" Radius Corner Test

Hold a quarter inside the hinge corner. If the hinge curve matches the quarter’s curve, it’s a 5/8" radius. If it looks smaller, you likely have a 1/4" radius hinge.

5/8 inch radius door hinge test with a quarter

FAQ: Choosing the Right Door Hinge

What’s the difference between 1/4" and 5/8" radius hinges?

The 1/4" radius has a tighter curve, while the 5/8" radius is more rounded. Use a dime for the 1/4" test and a quarter for the 5/8" test.

Can I replace square corner hinges with radius hinges?

No. The hinge corner must match the cutout (mortise) in your door and frame. Always measure before ordering replacements.

Do hinges come in different finishes?

Yes—hinges are available in oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, matte black, brass, chrome, and more to match your other door hardware.



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