Elevator Shaft Ventilation Calculator
Vent area for an elevator hoistway per code.
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ⓘ Live results
Results
- Shaft cross-section area
- 56 sq ft
- Required vent area
- 1.96 sq ft
- In sq inches
- 282
Quick answer
Elevator hoistways are commonly required to have permanent venting equal to at least 3.5% of the shaft's cross-sectional area.
Vent area = shaft area x 3.5%
How to use the Elevator Shaft Ventilation Calculator
- 1Measure the elevator hoistway's cross-sectional floor area.
- 2Apply the local code percentage, commonly around 3.5% of that area.
- 3Locate the venting at or near the top of the hoistway per code.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Shaft length8 ft
- Shaft width7 ft
- Required vent percentage3.5 %
Results
- Shaft cross-section area56 sq ft
- Required vent area1.96 sq ft
- In sq inches282
Frequently asked questions
Is this for smoke control too?
Basic hoistway venting addresses heat/smoke from a fire in the shaft; dedicated smoke control systems may have separate requirements.
Does every jurisdiction use 3.5%?
Requirements vary by code edition and local amendments — confirm the exact figure with your local building authority.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.