Work out travel distance to exit instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Travel distance is measured along the actual walking route to the nearest exit and is capped by code, with a substantial increase permitted where the building is sprinklered, commonly a third longer. Dead end travel, where escape is possible in only one direction, is limited far more tightly because a single fire can block the only route.
Permitted distance
Permitted = base distance x 1.33 where sprinklered
Dead ends
Typically 6 m unsprinklered, up to 15 m sprinklered
Preliminary estimate only. Travel distance and dead end limits must be taken from the fire and building code adopted locally.
Permitted = base distance x 1.33 where sprinklered. Travel distance is measured along the actual walking route to the nearest exit and is capped by code, with a substantial increase permitted where the building is sprinklered, commonly a third longer.
Along the centre line of the actual route people would walk, around furniture and partitions, not in a straight line through walls. Measuring it as the crow flies understates it substantially.
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Actual travel distance, Permitted travel distance unsprinklered, Sprinkler protection, Dead end travel distance. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.