What Door Width for a Wheelchair?
Quick Answer
775mm minimum for a new-build home, 850mm for a wheelchair-user dwelling
775mm is the Part M M4(1) minimum that applies to every new home. Where a home is built specifically for a wheelchair user (M4(3)), the minimum rises to 850mm for every door, regardless of approach direction. 750mm applies to existing buildings. Effective clear width = door leaf width minus projections (handles, frame stops)
Clear Width Requirements (Part M)
- New dwelling entrance (M4(1), every new home): 775mm minimum effective clear width
- New dwelling internal doors (M4(1)): 775mm minimum effective clear width
- Existing building (reasonable provision): 750mm minimum
- Non-domestic buildings: 800mm to 1,000mm depending on approach, see the table below
- Wheelchair-user dwelling (M4(3)): 850mm minimum for every door, regardless of approach direction, see the table below
Wheelchair-User Dwelling (M4(3)) Door Widths
Where a new home is built or converted specifically for a wheelchair user (M4(3), only required where a planning condition specifies it), Part M sets a wider minimum than the default M4(1) standard above. Every M4(3) door has an 850mm minimum clear opening width, whatever the direction of approach:
| Door location | M4(3) clear width |
|---|---|
| Principal entrance door | 850mm |
| Internal doors (any approach) | 850mm |
| En-suite / WC door | 850mm |
M4(3) only applies where a planning condition requires it: M4(1) is the default for every new home. See the full Part M door widths reference for the M4(1) and M4(2) columns too.
Wheelchair Access in Non-Domestic and Public Buildings
Shops, offices, and other buildings used by the public follow Approved Document M Volume 2, not the dwellings volume above. The minimum clear width depends on how the door is approached:
| Approach | New building | Existing building |
|---|---|---|
| Straight-on, or at right angles to a route ≥1,500mm wide | 800mm | 750mm |
| At right angles to a route ≥1,200mm wide | 825mm | 775mm |
| External door, building used by the general public | 1,000mm | 775mm |
Figures are the effective clear width per AD M Volume 2 Table 2. Use the door width calculator to work out the clear width for a specific door leaf, stop, and ironmongery.
Door Leaf Size vs Clear Width
The effective clear width is measured from the face of the door stop to the leading edge of the door, opened to 90°. A standard 838mm (2’9") door gives approximately 775–795mm clear width depending on frame and ironmongery.
- 726mm door leaf: ~685mm clear width — too narrow
- 838mm door leaf: ~775mm clear width — minimum compliant
- 926mm door leaf: ~860mm clear width — comfortable
Approach Space
- Pull side of door: 300mm clear space beside the leading edge
- Push side of door: Minimum approach space depends on corridor width
- Level threshold: Max 15mm upstand, preferably 0mm
Door Hardware
- Handle height: 800–1,050mm from floor level
- Lever handles: Required (not knobs) for accessible compliance
- Door closer: Maximum opening force 30N, closing force 20N
- Vision panel: Zone of visibility 500–1,500mm from floor
Important Note
These are general guidelines based on Approved Document M. Always consult Building Control for specific projects. Lifetime Homes and Wheelchair Housing Design Guide may require wider openings and additional features.
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Last updated: July 2026