Accessible doorway: 32 in clear width measured between face of door and stop with door at 90°
US Access Board ABA §404.2.3 Doorway clear widthDescription
Accessible doorways must provide at least 32 in of clear width, measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees. Where the door is greater than 24 in deep (a thick wall + door assembly), the clear width must be at least 36 in. For doorways without doors (cased openings), the clear width is measured at the narrowest point.
Why this exists
32 in is the established residential-accessibility doorway minimum, matched by IRC R318.2 for the required egress door + by NKBA UD doorway guidelines. Architects should specify 36-in doors in primary circulation paths (entries, primary bath, primary bedroom) — the larger size makes maneuvering smoother for wheelchairs + walkers + carrying-furniture.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
clearWidth | min | 32 | in | Clear width at 90° door opening |
thickWallClearWidth | min | 36 | in | Clear width for doors in walls > 24 in deep |
Categories
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Bathroom entry doorway · NKBA Bath 1
- Kitchen walkway and work-aisle widths · NKBA Kitchen 6
- Single-door clear opening: 34" minimum (36" door leaf) · NKBA 4th ed §1.1 Doorways
- Wheelchair-maneuvering clearance at doorways · NKBA 4th ed §1.1 Doorways
- Flush flooring transitions; max 1/4" eased, 1/2" beveled · NKBA 4th ed §1.3 Floor Transitions
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.