Check shed and greenhouse door swing space precisely. Prevent collisions with planters and tools. Measure once, place fixtures, and open doors freely.
| Scenario | Door width | Handle proj. | Thickness | Hinge offset | Angle | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potting shed entry | 800 mm | 60 mm | 35 mm | 10 mm | 110 | 25 mm |
| Greenhouse side door | 700 mm | 45 mm | 30 mm | 0 mm | 90 | 20 mm |
| Utility storage door | 900 mm | 75 mm | 40 mm | 12 mm | 135 | 35 mm |
| Compost bay access | 600 mm | 35 mm | 28 mm | 8 mm | 120 | 30 mm |
The latch edge follows a circular arc around the hinge axis. We approximate the farthest point by combining door width, handle projection, and half the door thickness.
Use a larger margin for uneven flooring, wet conditions, or bulky garden loads.
Doors in sheds and greenhouses compete with benches, trays, hoses, and storage bins. A swinging leaf also needs depth away from the closed plane and lateral reach along the wall. When these clearances are planned, traffic flows smoothly, plants avoid bruising, and tools stay accessible during daily tasks. Clearance planning often reduces tripping hazards.
Measure door width from the hinge line to the latch edge. Measure handle projection to the farthest point of the knob or lever, because it often sets the true sweep radius. Door thickness and hinge offset refine the estimate, especially for heavy exterior doors or deep jambs. For uneven slabs, confirm the door still reaches the target opening angle without scraping.
The calculator models the latch edge as a circular arc with radius R. Depth at an opening angle is computed using R·sin(θ) plus hinge offset, while lateral reach uses R·(1−cos(θ)). These outputs describe where the moving edge can travel and help define a rectangular keep-clear zone. At 90 degrees, depth is close to R plus offset, a benchmark for walk-through access.
Add safety margin for gloves, bulky harvest tubs, or a coiled hose. If you enter an obstacle distance, the tool compares available depth against required depth plus margin. If clearance is tight, reduce the opening angle, switch to a slimmer handle, or relocate fixtures on the swing side. Consider 120 to 135 degrees for carts, then verify the lateral reach will not catch shelving corners.
Use the export files to document each door, including notes such as north greenhouse entry or potting shed storage. Standardizing clear zones across doors makes aisle widths consistent, improves cart access, and reduces collisions during seasonal rushes. The swept sector area can estimate how much floor space must remain free for the chosen angle. Re-check measurements after hardware changes, hinge wear, or door adjustments.
It is a practical geometric estimate using your measurements and opening angle. Accuracy improves when you measure to the farthest handle point and include hinge offset and thickness.
Use the angle you actually need for movement. Ninety degrees works for walking. Wider angles help carts and wheelbarrows, but require more lateral reach.
If the hinge axis sits in line with the closed door plane, you can leave it at zero. If the hinge is recessed or projects forward, enter the offset to avoid underestimating depth.
Margins cover real use: gloves, bulky loads, hose loops, and minor misalignment. They also protect plants and surfaces from repeated contact over time.
Enter the available depth from the closed door plane to an item like a bench or shelf edge. The calculator checks whether that depth meets the required value plus your margin.
Try a smaller handle projection, reduce the opening angle, or reposition nearby fixtures. For frequent access, consider changing the door swing direction or using a different door style.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.