Braillito Maps · Accessibility guides
ADA reach range: forward, side and over an obstruction
Under the 2010 ADA Standards, anything a person has to operate, such as a light switch, an outlet, a thermostat or an elevator button, sits as a rule between 15 and 48 inches (380–1220 mm) above the floor when nothing is in the way, whether it is reached from the front or from the side (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.1 and 308.3.1). Section 308 sets those reach ranges and lowers the top when the arm has to go over a counter or a shelf; section 309 says which parts have to stay inside them and how hard they may be to work. These are the figures, each with its section of the standard, and the places where they apply.
This is a summary. The official 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are the reference.
The ADA reach ranges in one table
A reach range is the band of height that a person seated in a wheelchair can reach. The standard measures it in two ways: a forward reach, when the wheelchair faces the element, and a side reach, when it pulls up alongside it, in what the standard calls a parallel approach (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2 and 308.3).
| Reach | Limits | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Forward, unobstructed | high reach 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum; low reach 15 inches (380 mm) minimum | 2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.1 |
| Forward, over an obstruction up to 20 inches (510 mm) deep | high reach 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum | 2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.2 |
| Forward, over an obstruction more than 20 and up to 25 inches (635 mm) deep | high reach 44 inches (1120 mm) maximum | 2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.2 |
| Side, unobstructed | high reach 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum; low reach 15 inches (380 mm) minimum | 2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.1 |
| Side, over an obstruction up to 10 inches (255 mm) deep | high reach 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum; the obstruction is 34 inches (865 mm) high at most | 2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.2 |
| Side, over an obstruction more than 10 and up to 24 inches (610 mm) deep | high reach 46 inches (1170 mm) maximum; the obstruction is 34 inches (865 mm) high at most | 2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.2 |
The numbers are the same for forward and side reach as long as nothing is in the way. They only split apart when there is an obstruction, and then the reach depth, how far the arm has to stretch over it, decides the top of the range.
Forward reach: from the front, with or without a counter
With an unobstructed forward reach, the high limit is 48 inches (1220 mm) and the low limit is 15 inches (380 mm) above the floor (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.1). It is the case of a switch on a bare wall with a wheelchair facing it.
When the arm has to reach over something, such as a work surface, the clear floor space has to continue underneath the element for at least as far as the reach depth over the obstruction (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.2). In other words, the knees go under the counter: a forward reach over an obstruction assumes there is room below it. The high reach stays at 48 inches (1220 mm) where the reach depth is 20 inches (510 mm) or less. Where it is deeper, the high reach drops to 44 inches (1120 mm), and the reach depth may not exceed 25 inches (635 mm) (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.2).
The space under the element follows the knee and toe clearance rules of section 306: for example, knee clearance extends 25 inches (635 mm) at most under an element at 9 inches (230 mm) above the floor, and is at least 30 inches (760 mm) wide (2010 ADA Standards, 306.3.2 and 306.3.5). Those rules are explained, for sinks, in ADA sink height, and for service counters in ADA counter height.
Side reach: alongside, in a parallel approach
Where the clear floor space allows a parallel approach and the side reach is unobstructed, the high limit is 48 inches (1220 mm) and the low limit 15 inches (380 mm) above the floor (2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.1). A shallow obstruction does not change that: something no more than 10 inches (255 mm) deep may stand between the clear floor space and the element, and the reach still counts as unobstructed (2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.1, exception 1).
Over a deeper obstruction, such as a counter with the control at the back, the obstruction may be 34 inches (865 mm) high and 24 inches (610 mm) deep at most. The high side reach is 48 inches (1220 mm) for a reach depth of up to 10 inches (255 mm), and 46 inches (1170 mm) for a reach depth of more than 10 and up to 24 inches (610 mm) (2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.2).
- Washing machines and dryers: their top may be 36 inches (915 mm) above the floor at most (2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.2, exception 1).
- Fuel dispensers on existing curbs: their operable parts may be up to 54 inches (1370 mm) high, measured from the surface of the vehicular way (2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.1, exception 2, and 308.3.2, exception 2).
Operable parts: what section 309 adds
The standard defines an operable part as a component of an element used to insert or withdraw objects, or to activate, deactivate or adjust the element (2010 ADA Standards, definition of “operable part”). The plug slots of an outlet, the rocker of a switch and the buttons of a thermostat all fit that definition. Section 309 asks four things of them:
| Requirement | What it says | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Clear floor space | a space complying with 305 in front of or beside the element: at least 30 by 48 inches (760 × 1220 mm), positioned for a forward or a parallel approach, with no changes in level and a slope no steeper than 1:48 | 2010 ADA Standards, 309.2, 305.2, 305.3 and 305.5 |
| Height | within one or more of the reach ranges of 308 | 2010 ADA Standards, 309.3 |
| Operation | usable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist | 2010 ADA Standards, 309.4 |
| Force | 5 pounds (22.2 N) at most; gas pump nozzles are exempt from the force limit | 2010 ADA Standards, 309.4 and exception |
The clear floor space also has to connect: one full unobstructed side of it adjoins an accessible route or another clear floor space (2010 ADA Standards, 305.6). And a control in an alcove needs more room to reach: an alcove deeper than 24 inches (610 mm) is at least 36 inches (915 mm) wide for a forward approach, and one deeper than 15 inches (380 mm) is at least 60 inches (1525 mm) wide for a parallel approach (2010 ADA Standards, 305.7.1 and 305.7.2).
Where the reach ranges apply: switches, outlets and controls
Operable parts on accessible elements, on accessible routes and in accessible rooms and spaces have to comply with 309 (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1). The advisory note to that section lists what it covers, without closing the list: light switches, circuit breakers, duplexes and other convenience receptacles, environmental and appliance controls, plumbing fixture controls, and security and intercom systems (2010 ADA Standards, advisory 205.1). So a light switch, an outlet or a thermostat in an accessible room goes between 15 and 48 inches, unless one of the exceptions applies (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1, 309.3 and 308).
- Service or maintenance only: parts meant only for service or maintenance staff are exempt (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1, exception 1).
- Dedicated outlets: electrical or communication receptacles serving a dedicated use are exempt (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1, exception 2).
- Kitchen counters: where two or more outlets serve a length of counter top with no sink or appliance in between, one of them may be outside the range (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1, exception 3).
- Floor outlets and HVAC diffusers are exempt (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1, exceptions 4 and 5).
- Redundant controls: where two or more controls serve a single element, one in each space may be outside the range, except for light switches (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1, exception 6).
- Boats and gyms: cleats and other boat securement devices do not have to meet the height rule, and exercise machines and equipment are exempt from 309 (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1, exceptions 7 and 8).
| Element | Requirement | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Elevator call buttons | within one of the reach ranges, measured to the centerline of the highest operable part; existing ones may be up to 54 inches (1370 mm); the rest of the elevator is in ADA elevator requirements | 2010 ADA Standards, 407.2.1.1 and exception |
| Elevator car controls | within one of the reach ranges; floor buttons may be up to 54 inches (1370 mm) with a parallel approach where the panel serves more than 16 openings, or in an existing elevator | 2010 ADA Standards, 407.4.6.1 and exceptions |
| Door and gate hardware | handles, pulls, latches and locks 34 to 48 inches (865–1220 mm) above the floor, and operable as in 309.4 | 2010 ADA Standards, 404.2.7 |
| Restroom | coat hooks within the reach ranges and shelves 40 to 48 inches (1015–1220 mm) high; hand-operated flush controls comply with 309; toilet paper outlet 15 to 48 inches (380–1220 mm) high | 2010 ADA Standards, 603.4, 604.6 and 604.7 |
| Soap and towel dispensers | where provided, within the reach ranges and usable from the accessible lavatory (advisory); the height of each restroom accessory, the mirror included, is in ADA mounting heights | 2010 ADA Standards, advisory 606.1 |
| Storage and lockers | at least one of each type of storage, and at least 5 % of lockers (no fewer than one of each type), within a reach range; self-service shelves are exempt from 308 | 2010 ADA Standards, 225.2, 225.2.1, 225.2.2 and 811.3 |
| Machines and mail boxes | at least one of each type of depository, vending machine, change machine and fuel dispenser, and at least 5 % of interior mail boxes of each type, comply with 309 | 2010 ADA Standards, 228.1 and 228.2 |
| ATMs and fare machines | operable parts comply with 309, and each one can be told apart by sound or touch without activating it, unless a clear or correct key is provided | 2010 ADA Standards, 707.3 |
Reach ranges for children
Where coat hooks, lockers or operable parts are designed mainly for children, an advisory note gives lower ranges by age, valid for both forward and side reach. Elements for adults or for children over 12 may be outside these ranges, but they still have to be within the adult ranges of 308 (2010 ADA Standards, advisory 308.1).
| Age group | High (maximum) | Low (minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 3 and 4 | 36 inches (915 mm) | 20 inches (510 mm) |
| Ages 5 through 8 | 40 inches (1015 mm) | 18 inches (455 mm) |
| Ages 9 through 12 | 44 inches (1120 mm) | 16 inches (405 mm) |
This table is guidance, not a requirement: advisory notes explain or illustrate the requirements of the rule but do not establish enforceable requirements of their own (2010 ADA Standards, 28 CFR 36.406(b)).
54 or 48 inches? Older buildings
If you have seen 54 inches quoted as the ADA side reach, it comes from the earlier standard. The 1991 Standards, at section 4.2.6, set a maximum side reach of 54 inches; section 308.3.1 of the 2010 Standards lowered it to 48 inches, the same as the forward reach (ADA Title III regulations, 28 CFR part 36, appendix A, “Side reach”).
For businesses covered by Title III, elements in existing facilities that have not been altered on or after March 15, 2012, and that comply with the corresponding specifications of the 1991 Standards, do not have to be modified to meet the 2010 Standards (ADA Title III regulations, 28 CFR 36.304(d)(2)(i)). The Department of Justice applies that directly to side reach: a facility that complies with the 1991 Standards does not have to lower to 48 inches what it built at the 54-inch maximum, unless there is an alteration (ADA Title III regulations, 28 CFR part 36, appendix A, “Side reach”). The safe harbor does not cover elements that the 1991 Standards did not address at all, such as play areas, swimming pools or exercise machines, listed in the regulation (ADA Title III regulations, 28 CFR 36.304(d)(2)(iii)).
New construction and alterations follow the 2010 Standards when the last building permit application was completed on or after March 15, 2012, or, where no permit is required, when the work started on or after that date (2010 ADA Standards, 28 CFR 36.406(a)(3)). What the ADA asks of an existing business is in ADA compliance.
How to check a switch or a control with a tape measure
It does not replace an inspection, but four checks tell you whether a control can be used from a wheelchair:
- The space in front. Look for a clear area of at least 30 by 48 inches in front of or beside the control, level and connected to the route (2010 ADA Standards, 305.3, 305.5 and 305.6).
- The height. Measure from the floor to the part you operate: no higher than 48 inches and no lower than 15 inches when nothing is in the way (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.1 and 308.3.1).
- What is in between. If a counter or a shelf stands in front of the control, measure how deep it is. From the side, past 10 inches deep the top drops to 46 inches, and the counter can be 34 inches high and 24 inches deep at most (2010 ADA Standards, 308.3.2). From the front, over any counter there has to be knee space below, at least as deep as the reach; past 20 inches deep the top drops to 44 inches, and the reach may not go past 25 inches (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.2).
- The hand. Try it with one hand: it should work without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist, and with 5 pounds (22.2 N) of force at most (2010 ADA Standards, 309.4).
Reach ranges in Braillito Maps
Braillito Maps is a community map that answers ten questions about each place: step-free entrance or ramp, wide doorway, accessible restroom, accessible parking, tactile paving, braille signage, braille menu, audible signals, guide dogs welcome and a quiet environment. Each one is answered yes or no, or stays without data until someone knows. The score of a place is the number of yes answers out of ten, and its color always appears next to the number, never on its own.
Reach ranges are not one of the ten questions, so the map does not tell you how high the light switch or the elevator button is. Where they matter most is in the accessible restroom question: the flush control and the toilet paper have to be within reach of someone seated, and an advisory note asks the same of the soap and towel dispensers, so before marking a restroom as accessible, it is worth checking that they are not mounted out of reach.
The other questions about getting around, step-free entrance or ramp and wide doorway, decide whether you get to the control in the first place. The map is filled in by the people who need it. Meet Braillito Maps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ADA reach range?
15 to 48 inches (380–1220 mm) above the floor, for both a forward and a side reach with nothing in the way (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.1 and 308.3.1).
What is the ADA height for light switches and thermostats?
Light switches and environmental controls are operable parts, so their operable part sits within the reach ranges: between 15 and 48 inches (380–1220 mm) above the floor when the reach is unobstructed (2010 ADA Standards, advisory 205.1, 309.3 and 308).
What is the ADA outlet height?
Convenience receptacles follow the same 15 to 48 inch range (2010 ADA Standards, advisory 205.1 and 308). Receptacles serving a dedicated use, floor receptacles and, where two or more serve an uninterrupted kitchen counter, one of them, are exempt (2010 ADA Standards, 205.1, exceptions 2 to 4).
What is the maximum ADA reach over a counter?
From the front, 48 inches (1220 mm) for a reach of up to 20 inches (510 mm) and 44 inches (1120 mm) for up to 25 inches (635 mm). From the side, over an obstruction 34 inches (865 mm) high at most, 48 inches for a reach of up to 10 inches (255 mm) and 46 inches (1170 mm) for up to 24 inches (610 mm) (2010 ADA Standards, 308.2.2 and 308.3.2).
Is the ADA side reach 54 or 48 inches?
48 inches in the 2010 Standards; the 1991 Standards allowed 54 (ADA Title III regulations, 28 CFR part 36, appendix A, “Side reach”). Unaltered elements that comply with the 1991 Standards do not have to be lowered (ADA Title III regulations, 28 CFR 36.304(d)(2)(i)).
How much force can an ADA control require?
5 pounds (22.2 N) at most, and it has to work with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist (2010 ADA Standards, 309.4).
More accessibility guides
- ADA mounting heights: mirror, paper towel and soap dispenser, hand dryer, toilet paper and coat hook heights, and the reach ranges most of them come from.
- ADA counter height: how high and how long the accessible part of a sales, service or check-out counter must be, and what applies at bars.
- ADA elevator requirements: car dimensions, door width and timing, call button height, audible and visible signals, and braille on the jambs and buttons.
- ADA sink height: 34 inches to the rim, knee and toe clearance, faucets, insulated pipes and the mirror above the sink.
- ADA door width: 32 inches of clear width, maneuvering space, thresholds, hardware and opening force.
- ADA toilet height: seat height, distance from the side wall, clear floor space, flush control, toilet paper and stalls.
- ADA bathroom requirements: toilet height and position, grab bar height, sink height, stall sizes and turning space.
- ADA compliance: a checklist for small businesses, with the 2010 Standards section behind each item.
- All accessibility guides
Sources
Every figure in this guide comes from one of these official texts, which we read in October 2026.
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. U.S. Department of Justice, published September 15, 2010; required for new work since March 15, 2012.
- Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations (28 CFR part 36). U.S. Department of Justice (ADA.gov), current text with its appendices, read October 2026.
Braillito Maps
Find places with ramps, accessible toilets or tactile paving near you in Braillito Maps
In Braillito Maps, every place answers ten questions: step-free entrance or ramp, wide doorway, accessible restroom, accessible parking, tactile paving, braille signage, braille menu, audible signals, guide dogs welcome and a quiet environment. It is built by the people who need it, and every place gets a score out of ten.
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