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Development previewADA 2010 §403.5.1Width condition only

Accessible Route
Width Checker

Check one measured walking-surface width condition. This preview does not determine whether the complete route or facility complies with the ADA Standards.

Who it's for: Architects and code consultants checking whether a path of travel, corridor, or lobby meets the ADA 2010 §403.5.1 clear-width requirement at construction documents or during a permit review.

ADA §403.5.1
Clear width is 36 inches minimum. It may reduce to 32 inches for 24 inches maximum only where reduced segments are separated by segments at least 48 inches long and 36 inches wide.
Route Width
bounded condition

How to use this calculator

1
Enter the clear width
The narrowest unobstructed horizontal dimension of the walking surface, in inches. Measure wall-to-wall minus any protruding handrails, cabinets, or equipment.
2
Select whether it is a point reduction
Choose "No — continuous run" for a corridor or path that is narrow throughout. Choose "Yes — short pinch point" if the narrow dimension occurs only at a brief obstruction such as a column or valve wheel.
3
Enter the segment length (point reductions only)
The length of the narrow section along the direction of travel, in inches. This field appears only when you select a point reduction.
4
Read the bounded dimensional result
The checker reports whether the entered measurements meet this one §403.5.1 width condition. It does not report whole-route compliance.

The formula

The 2010 ADA Standards require walking surfaces on accessible routes to be 36 inches wide minimum. A reduction to 32 inches is permitted for a length of 24 inches maximum where reduced-width segments are separated by segments 48 inches long minimum and 36 inches wide minimum.

Worked example

Example
A walking surface measuring 36 inches clear meets the tested width condition. A 33-inch reduction can meet it only where the reduced segment is no longer than 24 inches and adjacent reductions are separated by a segment at least 48 inches long and 36 inches wide.

When this estimate will be off

  • Does not check door maneuvering clearances — doorway approach zones are governed by §404.2 and require a separate check.
  • Does not verify turning-space requirements — §304 requires a 60×60-in or T-shaped space at dead ends and direction changes.
  • Assumes the entered dimension is the true unobstructed clear width — subtract any wall-mounted projections, handrails, or fixtures that reduce the nominal corridor width.
  • Applies to walking surfaces on accessible routes; ramp widths, elevator cab dimensions, and accessible parking aisles are covered by separate ADA sections.

Frequently asked questions

A common mistake: Does not check door maneuvering clearances — doorway approach zones are governed by §404.2 and require a separate check.

The clear width is 36 inches minimum, except for the specifically conditioned reduced-width segments in §403.5.1.

The segment can be 32 inches minimum for 24 inches maximum where reduced-width segments are separated by segments that are at least 48 inches long and 36 inches wide.

No. Door maneuvering clearances (§404.2) and turning spaces at dead ends or direction changes (§304) require separate analysis. This tool checks only the clear width of the walking surface. Always review all applicable sections of the 2010 ADA Standards for a full compliance determination.

The 2010 ADA Standards apply to places of public accommodation and commercial facilities under Title III, and to government facilities under Title II. Residential buildings fall under the Fair Housing Act, which has different dimensional requirements. Confirm which regulation governs your project before relying on these thresholds.

Sources

Sources and review record

Sources and method basis

Limitations

  • Tests one walking-surface width condition only; it does not determine accessible-route compliance.

This free ADA Accessible Route Width Checker is built and maintained by DataDrivenAEC, using the relevant codes and standards. It does not substitute for professional judgment.