The 100 Golden Dimensions Every Architect Should Know by Heart

Mar 30, 2025

Architecture’s Magic Numbers: 100 You’ll Always Use

Practical architectural measurements to remember forever

Introduction

As architects, we constantly make decisions based on space. Whether you're sketching by hand, drafting in CAD, or revising on-site, there are certain measurements you should know without reaching for a codebook. These aren't just rules—they’re habits of good design, formed through experience and refined through use.

This article lists 100 essential architectural dimensions—simple, practical, and timeless. They’re useful across residential, public, and urban projects, and they're presented in both centimeters and inches to make your workflow smoother, no matter where you practice.

1. Doors & Circulation

Interior door width (minimum): 80 cm / 32 in
Entry door width (comfortable): 90 cm / 36 in
Double-leaf door width (standard): 160 cm / 63 in
Door height (standard): 210 cm / 82.5 in
Minimum hallway width: 90 cm / 35 in
Comfortable hallway width: 120 cm / 47 in
Wheelchair accessible door: 90 cm / 36 in
Door clearance from wall corner: 7.5 cm / 3 in
Space needed to open door fully: 100 cm / 39 in
Minimum turning radius (wheelchair): 150 cm / 60 in

2. Stairs

Riser height (max): 17 cm / 6.7 in
Tread depth (min): 28 cm / 11 in
Stair width (residential): 90 cm / 35 in
Stair width (public): 120 cm / 47 in
Minimum headroom over stairs: 210 cm / 83 in
Landing depth: 90 cm / 35 in
Handrail height: 90–100 cm / 35–39 in
Clear width between handrails: 85 cm / 33 in
Number of risers before landing: 12–15 steps
Stair pitch angle: 30°–37°

3. Kitchens

Countertop height: 90 cm / 36 in
Upper cabinet bottom height: 140–150 cm / 55–59 in
Counter depth: 60 cm / 24 in
Kitchen work aisle (minimum): 100 cm / 39 in
Two-cook aisle (comfortable): 120–150 cm / 47–59 in
Distance between island & counter: 100–120 cm / 39–47 in
Toe kick height: 10 cm / 4 in
Refrigerator width (standard): 90 cm / 36 in
Space beside oven: 40 cm / 16 in
Dishwasher door clearance: 75 cm / 30 in

4. Bathrooms

Toilet clearance side-to-side (minimum): 80 cm / 32 in
Front clearance for toilet: 60 cm / 24 in
Toilet height (standard): 40–43 cm / 16–17 in
Sink height: 85–90 cm / 33–35 in
Vanity depth: 45–60 cm / 18–24 in
Shower minimum size: 90 × 90 cm / 36 × 36 in
Bathtub length (standard): 170 cm / 67 in
Space between two sinks: 90 cm / 36 in
Mirror bottom height above sink: 110–120 cm / 43–47 in
Towel bar height: 120 cm / 47 in

5. Living & Dining

Sofa-to-coffee table gap: 40 cm / 16 in
Coffee table height: 40–45 cm / 16–18 in
Sofa-to-TV distance: 200–300 cm / 80–120 in
Dining chair space per person: 60 cm / 24 in
Space behind dining chair (minimum): 75 cm / 30 in
Table height (standard): 75 cm / 30 in
Dining table width (4 people): 80 cm / 32 in
Dining table length (6 people): 150 cm / 60 in
Comfortable TV height center: 90–120 cm / 35–47 in
Bookshelf depth: 30 cm / 12 in

6. Bedrooms

Bed width (queen): 160 cm / 63 in
Bed width (king): 180 cm / 71 in
Space beside bed (minimum): 60 cm / 24 in
Wardrobe depth (hanging): 60 cm / 24 in
Dresser height: 85–90 cm / 33–35 in
Bed-to-wall clearance (front): 75 cm / 30 in
Minimum bedroom size (single bed): 7 m² / 75 ft²
Light switch height: 105–115 cm / 41–45 in
Power outlet height (bedroom): 30 cm / 12 in
Wall-mounted light above headboard: 120–140 cm / 47–55 in

7. Work & Study

Desk height: 75 cm / 30 in
Chair clearance behind desk: 80 cm / 32 in
Space in front of shelf: 80 cm / 32 in
Ideal window sill height for desk: 75–90 cm / 30–36 in
Book depth (standard): 25 cm / 10 in
Desk light switch height: 100–110 cm / 39–43 in
Standing desk height: 105–110 cm / 41–43 in
Filing cabinet width: 40–45 cm / 16–18 in
Shelving height (eye-level reach): 150–160 cm / 59–63 in
Comfortable monitor-to-eye distance: 50–75 cm / 20–30 in

8. Entrances & Closets

Entry clearance (minimum): 120 × 120 cm / 47 × 47 in
Closet depth (hanging): 60 cm / 24 in
Shoe shelf depth: 30 cm / 12 in
Bench seat height: 45 cm / 18 in
Mirror full height: 150–180 cm / 59–71 in
Coat hook height: 170 cm / 67 in
Minimum closet width (single): 100 cm / 39 in
Two-door wardrobe width: 180 cm / 71 in
Closet drawer height: 15–25 cm / 6–10 in
Closet aisle clearance: 90 cm / 35 in

9. Urban & Outdoor

Sidewalk width (minimum): 150 cm / 60 in
Bike lane width (single direction): 120 cm / 47 in
Parking space width (standard): 250 cm / 98 in
Car turning circle: 11 m / 36 ft
Curb height: 15 cm / 6 in
Step height for public stairs: 15 cm / 6 in
Pedestrian ramp slope: 1:12 max
Outdoor bench height: 45 cm / 18 in
Tree pit diameter (urban): 120 cm / 47 in
Distance from curb to building entrance: 200 cm / 79 in

10. Mechanical & Technical

Radiator clearance from floor: 10–15 cm / 4–6 in
Radiator-to-wall gap: 3–5 cm / 1–2 in
Light switch height: 105–115 cm / 41–45 in
Power outlet height (general): 30 cm / 12 in
TV wall mount center height: 100–120 cm / 39–47 in
Ceiling fan clearance: 210 cm / 83 in
Ventilation opening height: 200–220 cm / 79–87 in
Distance between spotlights: 100–120 cm / 39–47 in
Max step between finish floor levels: 1.5 cm / 0.6 in
Minimum ceiling height (habitable): 240 cm / 95 in

Conclusion

Knowing these 100 dimensions by heart doesn’t just save time—it sharpens your eye and improves your detailing. These numbers form the quiet structure behind good design, ensuring functionality, comfort, and clarity.

While local codes may vary, these measurements are a solid reference for designing smarter spaces, faster. Bookmark this list, share it with your team, and refer to it often. The more you use it, the more it becomes second nature.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for idea and inspiration purposes only. While we’ve aimed for accuracy, dimensions may vary based on local codes and project requirements. If you notice any errors or would like to suggest corrections, please feel free to email us.