Home Measurement Library
The measurements worth writing down before aging-in-place changes or a conversation with a contractor — what each one is, why it matters, and how to take it with an ordinary tape measure. Useful whether or not you ever sign up for anything.
Entrance
3 measurement guides for this area
Doorway clear opening
The clear, usable opening of a doorway — the space you actually move through when the door is open.
Why document it: This gives you and a professional a documented starting point when discussing movement through the doorway or possible modifications, such as widening a door or changing how it swings.
How to measure
- 1Open the door fully.
- 2Find the narrowest usable opening — usually between the open door and the frame on the latch side.
- 3Measure straight across, from the face of the open door to the door stop on the opposite side, at that narrowest point.
Top-down view of an open door. The tape measure runs horizontally from the face of the open door to the door stop on the far side of the frame, at the narrowest point of the opening.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Threshold or entry step height
The height of the raised lip at a doorway — a threshold strip, sill, or single step up.
Why document it: A documented height helps when discussing entry changes, threshold replacements, or ramp options with a professional.
How to measure
- 1Place one end of the tape flat on the lower floor surface, right against the base of the threshold or step.
- 2Measure straight up to the top surface of the threshold or step.
- 3Measure at the highest point along its length.
Side view of a raised threshold between two floor surfaces. A vertical arrow runs from the lower floor up to the top surface of the threshold.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Entry landing depth
How much clear, level space there is at the top or bottom of entrance steps — the landing where you pause or stand.
Why document it: Knowing the landing size helps a professional discuss railings, ramps, or entry changes that need room to work with.
How to measure
- 1Stand on the flat landing area at the top or bottom of the steps.
- 2Measure from the edge of the top (or bottom) step straight outward, in the direction you walk.
- 3Stop where the landing meets a wall, fence, planting bed, or drop-off.
Overhead view of an entry landing. A horizontal arrow runs from the edge of the top step outward to the first obstruction.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Living Areas
2 measurement guides for this area
Doorway clear opening
The clear, usable opening of a doorway — the space you actually move through when the door is open.
Why document it: This gives you and a professional a documented starting point when discussing movement through the doorway or possible modifications, such as widening a door or changing how it swings.
How to measure
- 1Open the door fully.
- 2Find the narrowest usable opening — usually between the open door and the frame on the latch side.
- 3Measure straight across, from the face of the open door to the door stop on the opposite side, at that narrowest point.
Top-down view of an open door. The tape measure runs horizontally from the face of the open door to the door stop on the far side of the frame, at the narrowest point of the opening.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Hallway clear width
The narrowest clear width of a hallway — wall to wall, including anything permanent that sticks out.
Why document it: A written-down width helps when discussing mobility aids, furniture layout, or hallway changes with a professional.
How to measure
- 1Find the narrowest stretch of the hallway.
- 2Measure straight across from one wall surface to the other.
- 3Include anything permanent that sticks out — measure to its surface, not past it.
Overhead view of a hallway. A horizontal arrow runs from one wall to the opposite wall at the narrowest point.
Sources (measurement method): AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Hallways
2 measurement guides for this area
Doorway clear opening
The clear, usable opening of a doorway — the space you actually move through when the door is open.
Why document it: This gives you and a professional a documented starting point when discussing movement through the doorway or possible modifications, such as widening a door or changing how it swings.
How to measure
- 1Open the door fully.
- 2Find the narrowest usable opening — usually between the open door and the frame on the latch side.
- 3Measure straight across, from the face of the open door to the door stop on the opposite side, at that narrowest point.
Top-down view of an open door. The tape measure runs horizontally from the face of the open door to the door stop on the far side of the frame, at the narrowest point of the opening.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Hallway clear width
The narrowest clear width of a hallway — wall to wall, including anything permanent that sticks out.
Why document it: A written-down width helps when discussing mobility aids, furniture layout, or hallway changes with a professional.
How to measure
- 1Find the narrowest stretch of the hallway.
- 2Measure straight across from one wall surface to the other.
- 3Include anything permanent that sticks out — measure to its surface, not past it.
Overhead view of a hallway. A horizontal arrow runs from one wall to the opposite wall at the narrowest point.
Sources (measurement method): AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Stairs
5 measurement guides for this area
Doorway clear opening
The clear, usable opening of a doorway — the space you actually move through when the door is open.
Why document it: This gives you and a professional a documented starting point when discussing movement through the doorway or possible modifications, such as widening a door or changing how it swings.
How to measure
- 1Open the door fully.
- 2Find the narrowest usable opening — usually between the open door and the frame on the latch side.
- 3Measure straight across, from the face of the open door to the door stop on the opposite side, at that narrowest point.
Top-down view of an open door. The tape measure runs horizontally from the face of the open door to the door stop on the far side of the frame, at the narrowest point of the opening.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Stair width
The clear width of the stairway — how much room there is from side to side.
Why document it: Documenting stair width gives a professional a starting point when discussing stair modifications or assistive options.
How to measure
- 1Measure one stair near the middle of the staircase.
- 2Measure across from the wall or rail on one side to the wall or rail on the other.
- 3Measure where the stairway is narrowest, clear of trim.
Overhead view of a staircase. A horizontal arrow runs across one stair, from the wall on one side to the wall or rail on the other.
Sources (measurement method): AARP HomeFit Guide · CDC STEADI fall-prevention materials
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Stair tread depth
The depth of a stair tread — how much of each step your foot rests on, measured flat from front edge to back.
Why document it: A written tread depth helps a professional understand your staircase when discussing any stair-related project. It is an observation, not a code check.
How to measure
- 1Pick one step near the middle of the staircase.
- 2Measure flat along the top of the step, from the front edge (the nosing) straight back to where the next step rises.
- 3Record that distance.
Side view of two stairs. A horizontal arrow runs along the top of one step, from the front edge straight back to the rise of the next step.
Sources (measurement method): AARP HomeFit Guide · CDC STEADI fall-prevention materials
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Stair riser height
The height of one stair riser — how far you step up from one stair to the next.
Why document it: A documented riser height helps a professional understand the staircase when discussing projects. It is an observation, not a code check.
How to measure
- 1Pick one step near the middle of the staircase.
- 2Measure straight up from the top surface of one step to the top surface of the next.
- 3Hold the tape straight up and down — do not follow the rail or trim.
Side view of two stairs. A vertical arrow runs from the top surface of the lower step straight up to the top surface of the next step.
Sources (measurement method): AARP HomeFit Guide · CDC STEADI fall-prevention materials
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Handrail height
The height of an existing handrail above the front edge of a stair tread.
Why document it: Knowing how your current rail is positioned helps when discussing rail adjustments or additions with a professional.
How to measure
- 1On a step near the middle of the staircase, find the point directly above the front edge of the tread (the nosing).
- 2Measure straight up from that front edge to the top of the handrail gripping surface.
- 3Record the height at that step.
Side view of a stair with a handrail. A vertical arrow runs from the front edge of the step straight up to the top of the handrail.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · CDC STEADI fall-prevention materials
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Bathrooms
5 measurement guides for this area
Doorway clear opening
The clear, usable opening of a doorway — the space you actually move through when the door is open.
Why document it: This gives you and a professional a documented starting point when discussing movement through the doorway or possible modifications, such as widening a door or changing how it swings.
How to measure
- 1Open the door fully.
- 2Find the narrowest usable opening — usually between the open door and the frame on the latch side.
- 3Measure straight across, from the face of the open door to the door stop on the opposite side, at that narrowest point.
Top-down view of an open door. The tape measure runs horizontally from the face of the open door to the door stop on the far side of the frame, at the narrowest point of the opening.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Toilet seat height
The height of the toilet seat above the floor.
Why document it: A documented seat height gives you and a professional a shared starting point when discussing comfort, raised seats, or grab-bar options.
How to measure
- 1Measure from the floor straight up to the top surface of the closed toilet seat.
- 2Hold the tape straight up — not angled.
- 3Measure at the front edge of the seat.
Side view of a toilet with the seat closed. A vertical arrow runs from the floor up to the top surface of the seat, at the front edge.
Sources (measurement method): CDC STEADI fall-prevention materials · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Clear space beside the toilet
How much clear, open floor space there is beside the toilet — the side you approach from or use for support.
Why document it: A written clearance helps when discussing grab bars, transfer space, or layout changes with a professional.
How to measure
- 1Pick the side of the toilet with the most open floor.
- 2Measure from the outer edge of the toilet bowl straight out to the nearest wall, cabinet, tub, or fixture.
- 3Measure along the floor, level with the front of the bowl.
Overhead view of a toilet. A horizontal arrow runs from the outer edge of the bowl to the nearest wall or fixture beside it.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · Fall Prevention Center of Excellence — Home Modification Information
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Tub or shower entry height
How high you have to step to get into the tub or shower — the rim, curb, or edge you step over.
Why document it: A documented entry height gives you and a professional a starting point when discussing step-in tubs, walk-in showers, or grab-bar placement.
How to measure
- 1Place one end of the tape flat on the bathroom floor beside the tub or shower entry.
- 2Measure straight up to the top of the rim, curb, or edge you step over.
- 3Measure at the point where you actually step in.
Side view of a bathtub. A vertical arrow runs from the bathroom floor up to the top of the tub rim, at the entry point.
Sources (measurement method): AARP HomeFit Guide · CDC STEADI fall-prevention materials
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Existing grab-bar height
The height of grab bars already installed, if the bathroom has them.
Why document it: Documenting existing bars helps a professional discuss what is there today when planning additions or changes.
How to measure
- 1Find the grab bar you want to document.
- 2Measure straight up from the floor to the top of the bar (note which you measured — top of bar or center of screws).
- 3Note which wall the bar is on — for example, "behind the toilet" or "long shower wall".
Front view of a wall with a grab bar. A vertical arrow runs from the floor up to the top of the bar.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · Fall Prevention Center of Excellence — Home Modification Information
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Kitchen
2 measurement guides for this area
Doorway clear opening
The clear, usable opening of a doorway — the space you actually move through when the door is open.
Why document it: This gives you and a professional a documented starting point when discussing movement through the doorway or possible modifications, such as widening a door or changing how it swings.
How to measure
- 1Open the door fully.
- 2Find the narrowest usable opening — usually between the open door and the frame on the latch side.
- 3Measure straight across, from the face of the open door to the door stop on the opposite side, at that narrowest point.
Top-down view of an open door. The tape measure runs horizontally from the face of the open door to the door stop on the far side of the frame, at the narrowest point of the opening.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Kitchen aisle width
The clear walking width between a kitchen counter, island, or appliance and whatever faces it.
Why document it: A written aisle width helps when discussing kitchen layout changes, mobility aids, or easier cooking setups with a professional.
How to measure
- 1Find the narrowest aisle — the walking space you use most.
- 2Measure across, from the front edge of one counter or appliance to the surface that faces it.
- 3Measure at the narrowest point.
Overhead view of a kitchen aisle. A horizontal arrow runs between two facing counters, at the narrowest point.
Sources (measurement method): AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Bedrooms
1 measurement guide for this area
Doorway clear opening
The clear, usable opening of a doorway — the space you actually move through when the door is open.
Why document it: This gives you and a professional a documented starting point when discussing movement through the doorway or possible modifications, such as widening a door or changing how it swings.
How to measure
- 1Open the door fully.
- 2Find the narrowest usable opening — usually between the open door and the frame on the latch side.
- 3Measure straight across, from the face of the open door to the door stop on the opposite side, at that narrowest point.
Top-down view of an open door. The tape measure runs horizontally from the face of the open door to the door stop on the far side of the frame, at the narrowest point of the opening.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
General Home
2 measurement guides for this area
Doorway clear opening
The clear, usable opening of a doorway — the space you actually move through when the door is open.
Why document it: This gives you and a professional a documented starting point when discussing movement through the doorway or possible modifications, such as widening a door or changing how it swings.
How to measure
- 1Open the door fully.
- 2Find the narrowest usable opening — usually between the open door and the frame on the latch side.
- 3Measure straight across, from the face of the open door to the door stop on the opposite side, at that narrowest point.
Top-down view of an open door. The tape measure runs horizontally from the face of the open door to the door stop on the far side of the frame, at the narrowest point of the opening.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Threshold or entry step height
The height of the raised lip at a doorway — a threshold strip, sill, or single step up.
Why document it: A documented height helps when discussing entry changes, threshold replacements, or ramp options with a professional.
How to measure
- 1Place one end of the tape flat on the lower floor surface, right against the base of the threshold or step.
- 2Measure straight up to the top surface of the threshold or step.
- 3Measure at the highest point along its length.
Side view of a raised threshold between two floor surfaces. A vertical arrow runs from the lower floor up to the top surface of the threshold.
Sources (measurement method): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design · AARP HomeFit Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026 · DwellReady measurement guide set v1.0
Want the guided version?
The DwellReady Measurement Coach walks you through each of these step by step, saves your values to a permanent home record, and connects them to your projects and contractor packets.
These guides describe how to make and document an observation. They never state code requirements or safety thresholds, and no measurement on this page is a certification: requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Final scope, code requirements, and field verification remain the responsibility of qualified professionals. Reviewed Sep 2026.