Accessible doors: clear width, force, maneuvering clearance

One-line orientation

Accessible doors are tested on four numbers at once — 32” clear width, 5 lbf interior force, the 1/4”/1/2” threshold, and hardware height — but the highest-value trap is that pull-side and push-side maneuvering clearances are different.

Key points

• Clear width: 32 inches minimum clear opening with the door at 90°. A 36-inch leaf is the usual way to net 32” clear once the stop and door thickness are subtracted.
• Opening force: interior doors ≤ 5 lbf. Exterior doors have no specific ADA maximum stated — they follow local code.
• Thresholds: ≤ 1/2 inch high, beveled if over 1/4 inch.
• Hardware: operable with one hand, no tight grasping, pinching, or wrist-twisting (lever, loop, or push). Mounted 34–48 inches above the floor.
• Closing speed: automatic closer takes ≥ 5 seconds from 90° to 12° from the latch.
• Maneuvering clearance differs by approach (front approach):
  • Pull side: 18 inches latch-side clearance + 60 inches depth from the door wall.
  • Push side: 48 inches depth (2010 ADA; 52 inches under ICC A117.1-2017); a 12-inch latch-side clearance is added where the door has both a closer and a latch.
  • A hinge-side approach needs its own clearance — about 42 inches deep on the push side; the pull side needs more (up to 60 inches).

Confusions / comparison

Approach	Latch-side clearance	Depth from door wall
Pull side (front)	18”	60”
Push side (front)	0” (12” if closer + latch)	48” (ADA) / 52” (A117.1-2017)
Hinge side (push)	22”	42” (48” if closer + latch)

Door requirement	Value
Clear opening	32” min at 90° (≈36” leaf)
Interior opening force	≤ 5 lbf
Threshold	≤ 1/2” (bevel if > 1/4”)
Hardware height	34”–48” AFF
Closer speed	≥ 5 s, 90° → 12°

Related

→ Accessible routes (this topic): the 32” door clear matches the 32” route pinch · Reach ranges and transitions (this topic): the 1/4”/1/2” bevel recurs at floor transitions · Fire-rated doors (this module): closing-force and hardware interactions with accessibility.