Suggested clear route150 × 150 cmKeep the turning zone free of furniture and door swings.
Space & turning
03 Space Planner
Make room to turn.
A browser-only planner that compares wheelchair dimensions and turning space to suggest a clear route area. Use it to think through rooms and corridors before moving furniture or planning a renovation.
Tool introduction
What this tool does
The Space Planner takes the width and length of a wheelchair (or other mobility device) and a desired turning diameter, then suggests a clear route area that accommodates both movement and turning. The result is a simple "suggested clear route" expressed as a rectangle in centimetres. This helps you visualise whether a room or hallway has enough open space for a person to navigate and turn without backing into furniture.
Why turning space matters
Moving in a straight line is only part of navigation. A person also needs to turn — at a doorway, at the end of a hallway, beside a bed, or in front of a toilet. Turning space depends on the chair’s footprint, the user’s steering skill, and whether the chair can spin in place or needs a wider arc. A room that has enough floor area on paper may still be unusable if furniture blocks the turning zone or if a door swings into it.
A planning aid, not a guarantee
The suggested clear route is a planning reference, not a certification. Real usability depends on the arrangement of furniture, the direction of door swings, the presence of thresholds, the surface, and the skill and comfort of the user. Use the number to start a conversation about clearing a path, not as a final answer.
How to use
- 01
Measure the wheelchair width
Measure the widest part of the wheelchair including hands and armrests. Enter the value in centimetres in the "Wheelchair width" field.
- 02
Measure the wheelchair length
Measure the length from the frontmost point (e.g., footrest) to the rearmost point (e.g., anti-tip wheels or handles). Enter the value in centimetres in the "Wheelchair length" field.
- 03
Enter the desired turning diameter
Enter the turning circle you want to accommodate in centimetres. A common accessibility reference is 150 cm diameter, but the right value depends on the chair type, user skill, and local standards. For a power chair, a larger diameter may be needed.
- 04
Read the suggested clear route
The planner displays the larger of the wheelchair width and the turning diameter as one dimension, and the larger of the wheelchair length and the turning diameter as the other. This gives a rectangle that allows both passage and turning.
- 05
Compare with the actual room
Measure the room or corridor and compare it with the suggested clear route. If the space is smaller, consider removing furniture, widening a hallway, changing a door swing, or rearranging the layout. Mark the turning zone on the floor with tape to test it in practice.
- 06
Test with the actual device
The most reliable test is to move the actual wheelchair or device through the space. Observe where the chair must turn, stop, or reverse. Adjust the layout based on what the user finds comfortable, not just on the calculated number.
Frequently asked questions
What turning diameter should I use?
A 150 cm (about 60 inches) turning circle is a common accessibility reference for a 180-degree turn in a wheelchair. Some standards allow a T-shaped turning space as an alternative. Power chairs and scooters may need a larger diameter. Check the standard that applies to your building type and jurisdiction.
Can I use this for a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes. Enter the device dimensions and the desired turning diameter, then compare the suggested clear route with the room. Remember that fixtures (toilets, sinks, cabinets, appliances) reduce the usable floor area. Measure the actual clear floor space, not the total room size.
The suggested route is larger than my room. What should I do?
Consider reorganising furniture, removing unnecessary items, changing a door swing to the outside, using a pocket door, or widening the room during a renovation. Sometimes a smaller device or a different turning pattern (e.g., a three-point turn) can work in a tighter space. A professional accessibility consultant can help you find practical options.
Why does the tool show 150 × 150 when my chair is smaller?
The tool uses the larger of the chair dimensions and the turning diameter for each side. If the turning diameter (e.g., 150 cm) is larger than the chair width or length, the result will be based on the turning diameter, because you need enough space to turn, not just to fit.
Does this replace a professional assessment?
No. The planner is a thinking aid. For construction, renovation, or code compliance, consult a qualified professional who can measure the actual space, observe the user, and check against local standards.
Is my data saved?
No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server or stored. Close the page and the values are gone.