Space Planning
Furniture Clearance Calculator
Measure the gap between two pieces of furniture, choose what the path is for, and instantly see whether it clears the mandatory 30-inch walkway rule and other professional clearance minimums.
Clearance verdict
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- Your gap
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- Minimum required
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- Recommended
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Enter a gap and choose a path type.
Standard clearances
Why 30 inches is the walkway rule
Thirty inches is roughly the width of an adult's shoulders plus a margin to move without turning sideways. Below it, a path becomes a pinch point people subconsciously avoid, which makes a room feel awkward no matter how nicely it's furnished. Accessible routes push the target to 36 inches so a walker or wheelchair can pass, and kitchens go wider still because of open appliance doors and two-cook traffic.
How to measure a clearance gap
Measure the open distance at the narrowest point - from the front edge of one object to the nearest edge of the other, at the height a body actually passes through. Watch for hidden intruders: a chair rail, a radiator, a door that swings into the path, or a rug that curls. Enter the tightest number you find; that is the one that governs comfort.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum walkway clearance in a home?
Thirty inches (30 in) is the accepted minimum for a major walkway so one person can pass comfortably; 36 inches is better and is the ADA-aligned target for accessible routes. This tool checks your measured gap against the right standard for each situation.
How much space do I need to pull out a dining chair?
Allow 36 inches from the table edge to the nearest wall or furniture so a seated person can push back and stand. If people also walk behind the seated diners, budget 44–48 inches.
How far should a coffee table sit from the sofa?
Leave 14–18 inches between the sofa and the coffee table - close enough to reach a drink, far enough for legs and to walk through.
What clearance do kitchen walkways need?
A one-cook kitchen walkway needs at least 42 inches; a walkway used by two cooks or with appliance doors opening into it needs 48 inches.
Does this tool store my measurements?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser with plain JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded or saved.