Physical accessibility · measured routes

Check the space
to keep moving.

A walking route is more than its width. Compare one surveyed section with selected ADA 2010 walking-surface dimensions, then record what still needs a site review.

Check a route sectionLearn how to measure

Walking route checker

For ordinary walking surfaces in buildings and on sites. Ramps, curb ramps, public rights-of-way, turns and door clearances need their own review. These selected checks do not certify a building or determine which law applies.

Exact inch basis. This tool uses 1 in = 25.4 mm. The ADA also publishes rounded metric dimensions; use the project’s adopted dimensional basis consistently. Empty measurements remain unverified. Nothing is automatically saved or sent.

Your surveyed section
Switching units preserves the original measurement. Converted display values may be rounded; comparisons retain the exact entered decimal.
1 · Width and passing
Measure the unobstructed space across the route, perpendicular to travel.
Measure along the route between usable passing spaces. 200 ft = 2,400 in = 60,960 mm. This is one gap, not a calculation of spaces for a whole building.

Passing-space size and shape are manual checks. A short interval does not establish that either endpoint is a usable passing space.

2 · Surface slopes

Use positive magnitudes for vertical differences, with horizontal distances from the same measurement. Measure along travel for running slope and across travel for cross slope.

Along travel. Enter 0 only for a measured level surface.
Horizontal distance, not the sloped surface length.
Perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Horizontal distance for the cross-slope measurement.
3 · Local change in level
The total local step or raised edge, separate from the continuous slope. Enter 0 only if none exists.

Selected measurement review

Enter measurements to begin. A blank field remains unverified.

A “within selected limit” result applies only to that measurement. Surface quality, passing-space geometry, full-route continuity and other requirements remain a site-review task.

Measure a route, not a photograph

Walking-route measurement directionsA plan view shows a path with a short narrow section. Running measurements follow the direction of travel, cross measurements go across the route, and clear width is measured between obstructions. The schematic is not to scale.Travel / running direction →Width and cross slope: across the routeShort restrictionClear width
Original plan-view schematic; not to scale. A plan view cannot show the vertical differences needed for slope or edge measurements.
  1. Set the survey boundary. Identify the start, end and direction of travel. Note which adjacent areas are outside your survey. A convenient sample cannot establish the worst condition.
  2. Measure usable clearance. Check the narrowest actual space, including fixed obstructions. Recheck furniture, stored goods and temporary obstructions when the route is in use.
  3. Find changes, then measure locally. Use a suitable calibrated level and tape or other appropriate instruments. Pair each vertical difference with its horizontal distance. Long averages can conceal steep local areas.
  4. Document the method. Record the instrument, locations, date, conditions and uncertainty. Near a limit, get a more reliable measurement rather than rounding a result into acceptance.

Continue the site review

Surface behavior

Inspect firmness, stability and slip resistance under expected conditions. Note pooling water, loose material, damage and maintenance. The ADA does not assign one universal numerical friction threshold.

Access Board: surface guide

Openings and carpet

Review gaps, elongated openings, carpet attachment, pile and edge trim. Small wheel casters, cane tips and uneven transitions need attention even where the overall route is wide.

ADA §302: surface requirements

Passing and turning

Check that a passing space actually exists and remains usable. Review its complete size or T-shaped configuration, each route interval, and turning clearance around obstructions.

ADA §403.5: clearances

Doors and transitions

Check each component in its own context. Door approaches, ramp landings and clear floor spaces have requirements beyond this walking-surface tool.

Explore door clearances · Plan a ramp

The full journey

Trace a continuous usable route to the intended destination. Review headroom, protruding objects, wayfinding, operation and emergency arrangements with the relevant standards.

Access Board: accessible routes

Conditions and scope

Record what was inaccessible or not measured. Discuss barriers with people who use different mobility aids. Confirm applicable local requirements and project conditions before design or construction decisions.

Source and calculation notes

Selected comparisons use the U.S. ADA 2010 Standards: §403 walking surfaces and §303 changes in level. Running and cross slopes are compared as rise × 20 or rise × 48 against horizontal distance. The bevel uses its own rise × 2. Display rounding does not change a comparison.

Exact inch conversions used here include 32 in = 812.8 mm, 36 in = 914.4 mm, 48 in = 1219.2 mm and 60 in = 1524 mm. These differ from the rounded metric figures printed beside the inch values in the standard. Results describe selected measurements, not legal compliance, construction approval or a complete access audit.