What is the standard residential elevator size?

Typical residential elevator cabs are about 80 inches tall, 54 inches wide, and 80 inches deep, but sizes vary widely by building. Always measure your specific elevator rather than relying on estimates.

Can I use the freight elevator instead?

Many apartment and office buildings have a larger service or freight elevator. For freight elevator vs passenger elevator moves, the freight cab usually has a wider door opening, deeper cab dimensions, higher weight limits, and required reservation windows.

Will a mattress fit in an apartment elevator?

Usually yes. Stand the mattress on its long edge so only the 10–14 inch thickness passes through the door opening. King mattresses are tighter because the 80 inch length often matches the elevator door height.

Can I move a fridge in an elevator?

Often, but measure the fridge with handles and dolly height included. A fridge that fits the cab dimensions can still fail at a 36 inch passenger elevator door opening unless handles are removed or a freight elevator is available.

What if my item is taller than the elevator cab?

You can tilt the item diagonally inside the cab. For example, a 96-inch item can fit in an 80-inch-tall cab if tilted at an angle, as long as the cab depth and width allow it.

Do I need to pad the elevator?

Many buildings require elevator padding during moves to prevent damage to the cab interior. Check with management before moving day — some provide padding, others require you to bring your own.

Should I also measure the hallway from the elevator to my unit?

Yes — the hallway width and any turns between the elevator and your door are just as important. A tight hallway corner can be harder to navigate than the elevator itself.

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Home / Elevator & Vertical Transport

Will It Fit in the Elevator?

Check whether a couch, mattress, fridge, dresser, piano, or other furniture fits in a passenger elevator, freight elevator, or apartment elevator.

This calculator helps answer searches like “will a couch fit in an elevator,” “will furniture fit in a passenger elevator,” and “what size elevator do I need for a couch.” It compares the elevator door opening against the cab dimensions for residential elevators, apartment elevators, freight elevators, and service elevators — including cab depth, ceiling height, diagonal tilt, and weight limits.

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Three possible answers

Real verdicts, with the math behind them.

Every check returns one of three outcomes — with the dimensions, the constraints that mattered, and exactly how we reached the verdict.

Fits

Upright fridge · standard residential cab

36×72×30 in. Cab interior 54×80×80 in. Tilted on dolly, clears the 36″ door opening with ample diagonal slack.

Tight fit

84″ couch · passenger elevator

Couch fits diagonally corner-to-corner at 89″ — works only when cab depth ≥ 48″ and the door opening clears the tilted height. Reserve the freight elevator if available.

Does not fit

Upright piano · 32″ door opening

58×24×40 in. Piano width 24″ fits the cab, but the 32″ passenger elevator door opening is too narrow for the 40″ height when tilted. Use the freight elevator or stairs.

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Measure smart

What to measure.

Four numbers decide nearly every fit check. Get these right and the rest follows.

01Elevator cab interior width — measure wall-to-wall inside the cab.
02Elevator cab interior depth — measure from the back wall to the inside of the closed doors.
03Elevator cab interior height — measure from floor to ceiling inside the cab.
04Elevator door opening width and height — the door opening is often narrower and shorter than the cab dimensions, especially in passenger elevators.

Don't make these

Common mistakes.

Most “it didn't fit” stories trace back to one of these oversights.

⚠Assuming the elevator cab is the bottleneck — the door opening is almost always narrower than the cab itself.
⚠Not measuring the cab diagonally — large items can often be tilted corner-to-corner to fit inside.
⚠Forgetting that elevator doors don't always open fully, especially if obstructed or misaligned, which matters for couches, mattresses, and fridges.
⚠Not checking building rules — many buildings require freight elevator use, padding, or scheduled moving hours.

Frequently asked

Questions we keep getting.

What is the standard residential elevator size?
Typical residential elevator cabs are about 80 inches tall, 54 inches wide, and 80 inches deep, but sizes vary widely by building. Always measure your specific elevator rather than relying on estimates.
01
Can I use the freight elevator instead?
Many apartment and office buildings have a larger service or freight elevator. For freight elevator vs passenger elevator moves, the freight cab usually has a wider door opening, deeper cab dimensions, higher weight limits, and required reservation windows.
02
What size elevator do I need for a couch?
For a standard 7-foot couch, measure the couch on end, then compare it with the elevator door opening and the cab floor diagonal. Many passenger elevators work if the couch is tilted, but oversized sectionals often need a freight elevator.
03
Will a mattress fit in an apartment elevator?
Usually yes. Stand the mattress on its long edge so only the 10–14 inch thickness passes through the door opening. King mattresses are tighter because the 80 inch length often matches the elevator door height.
04
Can I move a fridge in an elevator?
Often, but measure the fridge with handles and dolly height included. A fridge that fits the cab dimensions can still fail at a 36 inch passenger elevator door opening unless handles are removed or a freight elevator is available.
05
What if my item is taller than the elevator cab?
You can tilt the item diagonally inside the cab. For example, a 96-inch item can fit in an 80-inch-tall cab if tilted at an angle, as long as the cab depth and width allow it.
06
Do I need to pad the elevator?
Many buildings require elevator padding during moves to prevent damage to the cab interior. Check with management before moving day — some provide padding, others require you to bring your own.
07
Should I also measure the hallway from the elevator to my unit?
Yes — the hallway width and any turns between the elevator and your door are just as important. A tight hallway corner can be harder to navigate than the elevator itself.
08

References

Built on published standards.

Clearances and minimums in these checks trace back to established building codes and accessibility guidelines.

ADA 407Elevator accessibility — cab size, door width, and controls View source
ASME A17.1Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators View source

Keep exploring

Explore other fit calculators.

Will It Fit Through Your Door?Instantly check if your large item will fit through a doorway. Enter door dimensions and item measurements to get a 3D fit analysis with clearance calculations.Will It Fit in Your Vehicle?Check if your items will fit in a car, SUV, or cargo van. Enter vehicle cargo dimensions and item measurements for an instant 3D fit analysis.Will It Fit Up Your Stairs?Check if your item will fit up or down stairs. Enter staircase dimensions for 3D analysis of clearance, turning radius, and landing space.Will It Fit Through the Hallway?Check if your large item will fit through hallways, around corners, and through narrow passages. Free hallway clearance calculator.Will It Fit Through a Window?Check if your furniture will fit through a window opening. Free calculator for high-rise moves, tight-access deliveries, and hoisting scenarios.

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