Are all double DIN radios the same size?
What is a Double DIN radio?
A double DIN radio refers to a standard size for car stereo receivers and head units. The term ‘DIN’ comes from the German national standards body called Deutsches Institut für Normung. DIN developed a standard for dashboard openings to hold car radio equipment. The first DIN standard called for a radio opening that was 178mm wide by 50mm high. This size became known as a single DIN radio.
As car radios advanced and incorporated cassette players and later CD players, a larger opening was needed in dashboards. Double DIN refers to a radio opening that is twice the height of the original DIN standard, so 100mm high instead of 50mm. But the width remains at 178mm. So a double DIN radio is 178mm wide by 100mm tall. This allows more space for screens, buttons, and controls while still fitting into standardized dashboard openings.1
Most modern car stereo head units are either single DIN or double DIN. Having a standardized size makes installation and integration much simpler. If you know your car has a double DIN opening, you can shop for a double DIN radio knowing it will fit properly.
History of Double DIN Radios
The Double DIN standard for car radio sizes was first established in 1984 by the German national organization for standardization, the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN). It was created under DIN 75490 to standardize the size of car radio head units. This allowed for interchangeability between vehicles and gave manufacturers a consistent size to design for 1.
The DIN standard was later adopted internationally as ISO 7736 in the mid-1980s. ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization. This allowed the Double DIN size to become a worldwide standard for car radios 2.
The term “Double DIN” comes from the original DIN standard having both a single and double height design. Double DIN refers to the 180mm x 50mm size, which allowed for a larger radio faceplate and more functionality compared to the single DIN size.
Double DIN Dimensions
The official dimensions for a double DIN stereo are 180 mm x 100 mm, which equals 7 inches x 4 inches. This size was standardized by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) in the 1980s for aftermarket car stereo units.
The double DIN standard calls for a width of 180 mm or 7 inches. This allows enough room horizontally in the dashboard for a stereo unit with a screen and controls. The height is defined as 100 mm or 4 inches. This gives sufficient vertical space for features like a CD slot or ample display screen while fitting in most vehicle dashboards.
By contrast, a single DIN stereo has a height of just 50 mm or 2 inches. So a double DIN unit has exactly twice the height of a standard single DIN radio. This extra height allows for a larger display and more functions on double DIN units.
While nearly all double DIN stereos adhere to the 180 mm x 100 mm size, there can be minor variations of a few millimeters in some cases. But the vast majority follow the standard precisely, allowing them to interchangeably fit in double DIN dashboard openings.
Variations in Double DIN sizes
The term “double DIN” refers to car stereos and media receivers that are twice the height of a standard DIN slot in a dashboard. The DIN standard specifies a height of 2 inches (50mm) and width of 7 inches (180mm) for a single DIN opening (Crutchfield). This means a double DIN unit should have dimensions of 4 inches (100mm) in height by 7 inches (180mm) in width.
However, there can be slight variations in the actual height of double DIN units from different manufacturers (Reddit). While most are very close to 4 inches, some may be a fraction of an inch taller or shorter. This is because certain brands aim for a slimmer aesthetic or try to cram in larger displays and components. The width is almost always consistent at 7 inches.
These small differences in height, while subtle, can lead to fitment issues if the radio is too tall for the factory opening. It’s important to measure the exact dimensions of the dashboard cutout before purchasing, rather than relying on the “double DIN” label alone. Using an installation kit can help make a slightly oversized stereo fit by adjusting the brackets. But large variations may leave gaps that require fabrication work.
Dash Openings for Double DIN
Double DIN radios are designed to fit standard dash openings that measure approximately 180 mm wide by 50 mm tall, which translates to roughly 7 inches wide by 2 inches tall. This standard Double DIN opening size allows Double DIN radios to be installed in most vehicles while maintaining a factory look.
However, it’s important to measure your vehicle’s dash opening carefully before purchasing a Double DIN radio. While most dash openings were made to accomodate Double DIN radios, there can be slight variations between makes and models. Some vehicles may have smaller openings closer to 178 mm wide, while others could be slightly larger at 182 mm. The height also sometimes varies between 48-52 mm.
Consult your owner’s manual or an online database like Crutchfield’s Fit Guide to look up the exact dash opening dimensions for your specific vehicle. Carefully measure the opening vertically and horizontally to ensure you get a radio that will fit properly. This will allow for a clean installation without gaps or the need for extra installation kits.
Most standard Double DIN radios should fit typical dash openings. But carefully confirming your vehicle’s exact dimensions will prevent purchasing the wrong size. With the right measurements in hand, you can shop confidently for a new Double DIN radio that will seamlessly integrate into your dash.
Installing Oversized Double DIN Radios
Many modern car radios are larger than the standard Double DIN dimensions. This can make installing them in older vehicles challenging. However, there are some techniques installers can use to fit oversized Double DIN radios:
– Use an aftermarket installation kit. These kits include a plastic sleeve and brackets to accommodate larger radios. Just ensure the kit is designed for the specific dimensions of your oversized radio.
– Modify the factory brackets. Carefully cut or bend the factory radio brackets so the larger radio can fit into the dash opening. This may require drilling new bolt holes as well.
– Create a secondary mounting surface. Some installers build a new mounting surface out of wood or sheet metal attached behind the dash. This provides a sturdy base to mount the radio to.
– Use spacers or shims. Adding spacers between the radio and dash kit creates extra space to accommodate bigger radios. Shims can also adjust the angle of the radio if needed.
– Enlarge the dash opening. This more invasive technique requires cutting and modifying the actual dash to create a larger radio cavity. Only attempt this if necessary and take precautions not to damage the vehicle.
With patience and proper installation techniques, oversized Double DIN radios can successfully integrate into vehicles not originally designed for them. Just take time to find the right mounting solution.
Single DIN vs Double DIN
There is an important difference in size between single DIN and double DIN car stereos. As explained by Crutchfield, “Single-DIN refers to stereos that are two inches tall (and seven inches wide)” while “Double-DIN refers to stereos that are four inches tall (and seven inches wide)” (Crutchfield).
So while both single and double DIN units have the same width of 7 inches, double DIN units have a height of 4 inches compared to 2 inches for single DIN. This allows double DIN stereos to have a larger display and more features. However, they take up more space in the dashboard which can be an issue in some vehicles.
According to KnowHow from NAPA Auto Parts, “A double-DIN car stereo is the same width as a single-DIN variant — both are seven inches wide. But a double-DIN stereo is four inches tall, giving it twice the height of a single-DIN stereo’s two-inch height” (KnowHow).
So in summary, while single and double DIN car stereos share the same width, double DIN units have double the height for more screen real estate and functionality. This comes at the cost of taking up more space in the dashboard.
New radio size standards
In recent years, car stereo manufacturers have been moving toward larger screen sizes on head units. This has led to new radio size standards beyond the traditional single DIN and double DIN dimensions.
One of the key trends is an increase in width for double DIN units. Many new models feature extra wide screens up to 9 inches or more. However, the height remains around 4 inches to fit in most double DIN installation openings. Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine and other brands now offer these oversized double DIN units.
For example, the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX features a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen display. This is much wider than a typical double DIN radio. Despite the extra width, it still installs in most double DIN openings. However, you may need to modify the dash kit or trim kit for a clean factory fit.
Manufacturers have also introduced new taller screen sizes that exceed double DIN dimensions. For example, Kenwood’s DMX997XR has a 6.95 inch display height, larger than the typical 4 inch double DIN standard. This may require custom mounting solutions during installation.
Tips for choosing a Double DIN radio
When selecting a Double DIN radio for your vehicle, the two most important factors to consider are the features you need and ensuring the dimensions will fit your dash opening. Here are some tips on prioritizing these factors:
Make a list of must-have features like Bluetooth, navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, etc. Narrow down radios with those core features first before comparing other options. According to Crutchfield, radios with advanced features may require running an installation kit, so factor this into your budget.
Measure the height and width of your dash opening carefully, as not all Double DIN radios are exactly the same dimensions. Though the standard Double DIN size is 2″ high by 7″ wide, some radios may be slightly larger. Compare your dash size to the radio specs to ensure a proper fit. Car Audio Sense recommends allowing 1/8″ of extra clearance.
If you want a larger display, look for extendable or modular designs that give you some wiggle room. You can also consider custom mounting solutions. But avoid radios that are too big for your dash opening, as this can cause installation problems down the road.
By balancing your must-have features with dimension constraints, you’ll find the right Double DIN radio for your needs and existing dash setup.
The future of Double DIN radios
The future of Double DIN car radios is evolving as car dashboards and entertainment systems change. With more cars having built-in infotainment systems, the popularity of aftermarket Double DIN radios may decline. However, they are still likely to remain a popular upgrade option for many years.
Some in the industry predict the dimensions may change from the standard 7″ x 4″ size in the future if cars move away from traditional dashboard openings. However, Double DIN is an entrenched standard, making a change unlikely in the near future. Major manufacturers like Pioneer, Kenwood, and Alpine will likely continue producing Double DIN radios in the standard size for at least the next 5-10 years.
According to discussions on Reddit, the Double DIN format has survived major dashboard design changes in the past: “Don’t expect immediate turnaround from radio manufacturers, they will adapt. They have before.” https://www.reddit.com/r/CarAV/comments/oczujm/what_is_the_future_of_the_industry_now_that_the/
While built-in infotainment systems are improving, the depth of features and customizability that aftermarket Double DIN radios provide will keep them popular with many consumers for years to come.