Loading calculators...
Fetching calculator categories and tools for this section.
Preparing tools and content for you. This usually takes a second.
Fetching calculator categories and tools for this section.
Free wheelchair doorway width calculator. Get minimum, recommended, and comfortable clear opening widths. After the door, verify room space with the accessible restroom turning radius calculator.
Last updated: May 24, 2026
Entry has a step or ramp? Ramp calculator
Minimum Clear Width
32 in
Recommended Clear Width
34 in
Comfortable Width Target
36 in
Straight approaches can work with smaller clearance, but extra width improves daily usability.
Verify local code and door hardware clearances before construction.
We can build and embed a custom version of Wheelchair Doorway Width Calculator for your brand and workflow.
Answers: minimum clear opening for wheelchair, 32 vs 36 inch door, and angled vs straight approach width.
max(chair width + approach allowance, 81.3 cm).
max(min+3 cm, 86.4 cm) for smoother passage.
Recommended + 5 cm — default 36 in for daily use.
Default: 27 in wheelchair · straight approach → chair 68.58 cm + 10 cm allowance → min floor 81.3 cm → 32 in min · 34 in recommended · 36 in comfortable.
Minimum Clear
32 in
Recommended
34 in
Comfortable
36 in
| Approach | Allowance | 27 in chair example | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | +10 cm (+3.9 in) | Often hits 32 in (81.3 cm) ADA floor | Head-on alignment |
| Angled | +14 cm (+5.5 in) | May exceed 32 in minimum | Diagonal entry |
| Turning | +20 cm (+7.9 in) | Wider min + latch-side space | 90° approach to door |
| Reference | Clear opening | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ADA 404.2.3 clear width (hinged door) | 32 in (815 mm) minimum | Between face of door and stop — not slab size |
| This calculator recommended floor | 34 in (86.4 cm) | max(min+3 cm, 86.4 cm) |
| Comfort target in tool | recommended + 5 cm (~2 in) | Future-friendly daily use |
| Nominal 36 in door | Often ~33–34 in clear | Hardware and stop reduce opening |
Clear opening is the usable gap when the door is open — plan wider than the legal minimum when structure and budget allow.
minClearCm = max(chairCm + allowanceCm, 81.3)recommendedCm = max(minClearCm + 3, 86.4)comfortableCm = recommendedCm + 5Min 32 in · recommended 34 in · comfortable 36 in.
Min 32.5 in · recommended 34 in · comfortable 36 in — recommended still 34 in (86.4 cm floor).
Min 34.9 in · recommended 36.1 in · comfortable 38 in — plan extra latch-side space.
Min 33.9 in · recommended 35.1 in · comfortable 37.1 in.
Min 39.9 in · recommended 41.1 in · comfortable 43 in.
Min 81.3 cm · recommended 86.4 cm · comfortable 91.4 cm.
Chair 60.96 cm + allowance — min still 32 in (81.3 cm ADA floor).
Share with architects, contractors, facility managers, and accessibility consultants sizing door openings.
Suggested hashtags: #Accessibility #Wheelchair #ADA #UniversalDesign #Architecture