Common path vs travel distance vs dead-end

One-line orientation

Three egress distances are constantly confused on the exam — common path of travel, exit access travel distance, and dead-end corridor length — and the trick is knowing exactly where each one starts and stops.

Key points

• Common path of travel: the part of the exit access traveled before two separate, distinct paths of egress are available. Capped so occupants quickly reach a point of choice between routes. Typical limit ~75 ft unsprinklered; sprinklers generally allow more (occupancy-dependent).
• Exit access travel distance: the distance from the most remote point in the space to the nearest exit. The maximum depends on occupancy type, use, and sprinklers; it ensures a reachable exit within a reasonable distance.
• Dead-end corridor: a corridor that has only one way out — occupants must return the way they came. Limit 20 ft, extended to 50 ft in most sprinklered occupancies.
• Sprinklers extend allowable distances: the unsprinklered numbers are the tighter case; sprinklering generally relaxes the caps.

Confusions / comparison

Distance	Starts at	Ends at	Typical limit
Common path of travel	Most remote point	The point where two distinct paths first exist	~75 ft unsprinklered (more with sprinklers)
Exit access travel distance	Most remote point	The nearest exit	Varies by occupancy + sprinklers
Dead-end corridor	The dead end	The point where you regain a choice of direction	20 ft (50 ft sprinklered, most groups)

Related

→ Corridors (this topic): width, fire rating, and the dead-end limit in context · Number of exits and exit separation (this topic): the other egress measurements · Means of egress parts (this topic): the exit access these distances are measured within.