01 · Position
Start at the element
Record the control, fixture or destination. Choose its permitted approach before placing the template. Some elements have specific approach rules; forward and parallel are not interchangeable everywhere.
Physical accessibility · room to approach and turn
Make room for
the next movement.
Place a clear floor rectangle or a circular turning template, compare measured space, and see why a deep alcove needs extra width.
Choose a simple space template
ADA 2010 §§304–305 · selected dimensions only · measurements stay in this tab.
Your selected template
Enable JavaScript to compare dimensions.
Template width
Template depth
Measured dimension comparison
A template fit is a limited dimensional result. It does not establish accessibility or building conformance. Surface, approach, element-specific rules, obstructions, and the route still need assessment. This tool gives no credit for knee or toe overlap and does not test T-shaped turns or irregular floor plans.
Clear-space field report
Measure the movement, then the space
02 · Measure
Keep the axes clear
Width runs along the element face; depth runs away from it. Measure side confinement separately. A deeper recess can need a wider opening even if the basic floor rectangle fits.
03 · Observe
Follow the whole journey
Visit during normal use. Record stored items, movable seating, doors and queues. Verify access to the template and whether someone can reach and use the element from that position.
For a clear floor space, one full unobstructed side must connect to an accessible route or another clear floor space. Also assess stable, firm, slip-resistant surfaces and the applicable slope and level-change provisions. ADA §§302 and 305.
Small changes, different templates
Forward approach
The basic template is 30 in across by 48 in deep. At exactly 24 in of alcove confinement, that width rule stays 30 in. Beyond 24 in, the selected width becomes 36 in.
A 34 × 48 in measured space in a 25 in deep alcove is 2 in short across.
Parallel approach
The basic template is 48 in along the element by 30 in deep. Alcove confinement beyond 15 in increases the width along the element to 60 in.
At exactly 15 in the trigger is not crossed; 15.01 in crosses it.
Circular turning
A 60 in diameter circle fits inside a fully clear 60 × 60 in rectangle. A 59.99 × 60 in rectangle cannot contain this template. More total area does not repair a narrow dimension.
Unknown dimensions remain unverified.
Reference: §304.3.1 and §§305.3 and 305.7. Examples use exact inch thresholds, with no construction tolerance added.
When this template is only the beginning
There is also a T-shaped alternative
ADA §304.3.2 permits a dimensioned T-shaped turning space. Its arms, base and clear extensions must work together; it is not simply any open area inside a square.
This planner does not evaluate that alternative. A circular-template shortfall is a reason to review the layout, not proof that every permitted turning arrangement fails.
Overlap needs a separate assessment
The standard allows qualifying knee and toe clearance in some spaces. This tool assumes a wholly clear rectangle and does not model those allowances. Door swing and element-specific clearances also need their own review.
Plan with users whose mobility devices and movement strategies differ. Minimum templates describe reference geometry, not everybody’s preferred space.
Sources and scope
Reference model: US ADA 2010 Standards, §§304–305, read alongside the US Access Board clear floor and turning-space guide. Sources checked 15 September 2026. The requirements that apply to a particular project must be established separately.
This is an original schematic planning tool. It does not determine which rooms require turning space, apply exceptions, blend ISO or other national rules, or certify a building. Continue through the physical toolbox.