What is the minimum corridor width for wheelchair access in the UK?

Under Approved Document M and BS 8300:2018, the minimum clear corridor width for single-direction wheelchair access is 1200mm. Where two wheelchairs need to pass each other, the minimum width is 1800mm. For busy public buildings, 2000mm is recommended. In residential buildings, M4(2) accessible dwellings require a minimum hallway width of 1200mm.

When are passing places required in corridors?

Passing places are required when a corridor is less than 1800mm wide and wheelchair users may need to pass each other or a wheelchair user needs to pass a person walking. BS 8300 recommends passing places at maximum 18m intervals. Each passing place should be at least 1800mm x 1800mm and located where it can be seen from the previous passing place.

Do handrails reduce the effective corridor width?

Yes, handrails project from the wall and reduce the effective clear width. A standard handrail projects 45-60mm from the wall surface. For corridors with handrails on both sides, you need to deduct 90-120mm from the structural width. The effective clear width after deductions must still meet the minimum requirements of Part M.

What are corridor requirements for fire evacuation routes?

Corridors used as fire evacuation routes must maintain minimum widths as per Approved Document B (fire safety). Refuge spaces of at least 900mm x 1400mm are required near protected stairways for wheelchair users who cannot use stairs during an emergency. Each refuge must have an emergency voice communication system (EVC). The corridor width for evacuation is also influenced by the number of occupants using the escape route.

How do door openings affect corridor width?

Doors opening into corridors must not reduce the effective width below the minimum when open. Recessed door openings (at least 300mm deep) are recommended so that doors can open without obstructing the corridor. For wheelchair-accessible corridors, doors should have a minimum 300mm nib on the leading edge (pull side) to allow a wheelchair user to reach the handle while clear of the door swing.

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Corridor Width Calculator - Part M Wheelchair Access & Passing Places

Calculate corridor widths for wheelchair access and passing places per Approved Document M and BS 8300.

Corridor Length

Total length of the corridor

Expected Occupancy

Number of people who will use this corridor

Wheelchair Passing Required

Whether two wheelchairs need to pass each other

Building TypeAffects minimum width requirements

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the required corridor width, number of passing places, and overall corridor dimensions based on Approved Document M and BS 8300:2018.

Width standards

1200mm: Minimum for single-direction wheelchair access
1500mm: Recommended for corridors with occasional passing
1800mm: Required for two-way wheelchair traffic
2000mm+: Recommended for busy public buildings

Passing places

Where a corridor is narrower than 1800mm and wheelchair passing is needed, passing places of at least 1800mm x 1800mm are required. BS 8300 suggests these at maximum 18m intervals, positioned so each can be seen from the previous one.

Effective width

The effective clear width is the structural width minus any projections such as handrails, skirting boards, radiators, or fire equipment. All measurements are taken at a height between 300mm and 2100mm from floor level.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.