In new buildings, doors that are part of the means of egress must have a minimum unobstructed width of how many inches?

• A. 34 inches
• B. 28 inches
• C. 32 inches
• D. 30 inches

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that doors serving as part of the means of egress must provide enough clear passage for occupants to evacuate safely, including those who may be using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The term unobstructed width refers to the open space through the door opening when the door is swung fully open (to 90 degrees), measured as the clear opening after accounting for the door itself, hardware, and trim.

That clear opening must be at least 32 inches. This minimum width helps ensure easy, unobstructed passage for most people and for wheelchair users, reducing bottlenecks during an evacuation. Measurements are taken with the door open so that the requirement reflects the actual space a person would pass through.

Widths smaller than that—such as 28 inches or 30 inches—do not meet the minimum and could create hazardous chokepoints. A width of 34 inches would satisfy the requirement and provide more than the minimum, but the question asks for the minimum, which is 32 inches.