Quick answer
An accessible single-user restroom under the 2010 ADA Standards needs a 60-inch turning space, a clear area around the toilet at least 60 inches wide and 56 inches deep, the toilet centerline 16 to 18 inches from the side wall, a 42-inch side grab bar and 36-inch rear grab bar mounted 33 to 36 inches high, a sink no higher than 34 inches with knee clearance, and a door at least 32 inches clear. Some states, such as California, add stricter rules.
Restrooms are the most common accessibility correction on commercial plans. Getting the dimensions right on the drawings saves a failed inspection and expensive rework.
Single-user restroom checklist (2010 ADA Standards)
Space
- Turning space: a 60-inch diameter circle, or a T-shaped space
- Door: at least 32 inches clear opening; the door swing must not block the clear floor space at fixtures, unless there is space beyond the swing
Toilet
- Clearance: at least 60 inches wide measured from the side wall and 56 inches deep from the rear wall
- Centerline: 16 to 18 inches from the side wall
- Seat height: 17 to 19 inches above the floor
- Flush control on the open side of the toilet
- Toilet paper dispenser: 7 to 9 inches in front of the toilet, 15 to 48 inches above the floor
Grab bars
- Side wall: at least 42 inches long, starting no more than 12 inches from the rear wall
- Rear wall: at least 36 inches long
- Height: 33 to 36 inches above the floor to the top of the gripping surface
Sink and accessories
- Sink rim or counter: no higher than 34 inches, with knee clearance at least 27 inches high underneath
- Insulate or shield exposed hot water and drain pipes
- Mirror over the sink: bottom of the reflecting surface no higher than 40 inches
- Faucets and controls operable with one hand, without tight grasping or twisting
Multi-stall restrooms
A wheelchair-accessible stall is generally at least 60 inches wide and 56 inches deep for a wall-hung toilet, or 59 inches deep for a floor-mounted toilet, with the same grab bar rules. Larger restrooms may also need an ambulatory stall.
State rules can be stricter
States adopt the accessibility chapter of their building code, and some go further than the federal standard. California, for example, has its own detailed accessibility chapter. Your drawings must meet whichever is stricter.
Remodeling an existing restroom?
Altering a business area can require accessibility upgrades to the restrooms that serve it. See the 20% path-of-travel rule.
Get your restroom drawn right
- Room dimensions and photos, or your layout
- Fixture models if already chosen
- Project address and state
Common questions
What size is an ADA bathroom?
There is no single required room size. The room must fit the turning space, the toilet clearance and the sink clearance; a single-user room is often around 7 by 8 feet or larger, depending on layout.
How high are ADA grab bars?
33 to 36 inches above the floor, measured to the top of the gripping surface.
How far is an ADA toilet from the wall?
The centerline is 16 to 18 inches from the side wall.
Do existing businesses have to upgrade restrooms?
Existing businesses have an ongoing duty to remove barriers where readily achievable, and remodels can trigger required upgrades.