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General information about a published accessibility standard, not legal, architectural or medical advice. Confirm project requirements with the authority having jurisdiction.
Short answer
Under the 2010 ADA Standards, the clear width of walking surfaces on an accessible route is 36 inches (915 mm) minimum (section 403.5.1). The word “hallway” does not appear in the standard’s requirement; it speaks of accessible routes and walking surfaces, so a corridor that forms part of an accessible route must meet that width.
Definition and scope
“ADA hallway width” is a search phrase, not a defined term. The rule sits in section 403.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, published by the U.S. Access Board, and applies to walking surfaces that are part of an accessible route. Clear width means the usable width: the Access Board’s Chapter 4 guide states that the minimum clearance cannot be reduced by any elements, including handrails or protruding objects. Doorways have their own rule, covered in ADA door width; ramps have theirs in ADA ramp requirements.
How the width rules are applied in practice
The 36-inch baseline and the 32-inch exception
Section 403.5.1 sets 36 inches minimum. An exception lets the clear width drop to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum for a length of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. Reduced-width segments must be separated by segments at least 48 inches long and 36 inches wide.
Turns
Where an accessible route makes a 180-degree turn around an element less than 48 inches (1220 mm) wide, section 403.5.2 requires 42 inches approaching the turn, 48 inches at the turn and 42 inches leaving it. This is not required where the clear width at the turn is 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum.
Passing spaces
Section 403.5.3 requires an accessible route with clear width under 60 inches to provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet (61 m) maximum. A passing space is either a 60 by 60 inch minimum area, or a T-shaped intersection of two walking surfaces, complying with 304.3.2, whose base and arms extend at least 48 inches beyond the intersection.
Protruding objects
Section 307.2 limits how far objects can project into a circulation path. Objects with leading edges between 27 inches (685 mm) and 80 inches (2030 mm) above the floor may protrude no more than 4 inches (100 mm) horizontally into the path; handrails may protrude 4 1/2 inches (115 mm). Because the Access Board states that protruding objects cannot reduce the minimum clearance, the 36-inch width is still measured to the object.
Which number applies where
| Situation | Requirement | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous walking surface | 36 in (915 mm) minimum clear width | 403.5.1 |
| Short reduction | 32 in (815 mm) minimum, 24 in (610 mm) maximum length, separated by segments at least 48 in long and 36 in wide | 403.5.1 exception |
| 180-degree turn around an element under 48 in wide | 42 in approaching, 48 in at the turn, 42 in leaving; not required if the clear width at the turn is 60 in | 403.5.2 |
| Route narrower than 60 in | Passing space at intervals of 200 ft (61 m) maximum: 60 by 60 in, or T-shaped space with arms 48 in beyond the intersection | 403.5.3 |
| Object projecting into the route | Must comply with protruding-object limits; cannot reduce the minimum clear width | 307.2; Access Board guide |
Where it matters for labs and clinics
Because protruding objects and handrails cannot reduce the clear width, the 36-inch figure applies at the narrowest point of the route, not between bare walls. For a lab or clinic corridor, the following is a measuring checklist built from the sections above, not a separate requirement:
- Measure the clear width at the narrowest point, including anything mounted on the wall.
- Check any 180-degree turn around a column or wall return against the 42/48/42 inch figures.
- If the route is under 60 inches wide, check that passing spaces recur within 200 feet.
- Check wall-mounted items between 27 and 80 inches above the floor for projection into the path.
Door openings along a corridor are separate; see hospital door for hospital doors and hospital signage for wall-mounted signs.
Common misunderstandings
- “36 inches is a hallway rule.” It is the clear width of walking surfaces on accessible routes, which includes corridors that form such a route.
- “Handrails sit outside the width.” The Access Board states that handrails and protruding objects cannot reduce the minimum clearance.
- “Passing spaces are in 403.5.1.” They are in 403.5.3 of the 2010 ADA Standards.
FAQ
What is the minimum hallway width under the ADA?
36 inches (915 mm) clear width on an accessible route, per section 403.5.1 of the 2010 ADA Standards.
Can a hallway narrow to 32 inches?
Yes, briefly: 32 inches minimum for no more than 24 inches of length, with reduced segments separated by segments at least 48 inches long and 36 inches wide.
How wide must a hallway be for two wheelchairs to pass?
The standard does not set a two-wheelchair width. A route under 60 inches wide must instead provide passing spaces, each 60 by 60 inches or a T-shaped space, at intervals of 200 feet maximum.
Do handrails count against hallway width?
The Access Board states the minimum clearance cannot be reduced by any elements, including handrails or protruding objects.
Sources
- U.S. Access Board, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, sections 307.2 and 403.5.1-403.5.3 (checked 2026-10-30).
- U.S. Access Board, Guide to the ADA Standards, Chapter 4: Accessible Routes (checked 2026-10-30).
