Will a standard 3-seat sofa (213x91x86 cm) fit in a space?
Expert analysis
A standard 3-seat sofa measuring 84 in × 36 in × 34 in fits in a space, with about 3 ft 8.5 in to spare at the tightest point. The binding dimension is height: in its best-fitting orientation, the height is what comes closest to the limit, and it still clears. The persisted calculation steps support the reported tightest-point margin. That margin already subtracts a 1.5 in handling allowance, so it reflects a realistic load rather than a paper-thin theoretical fit. One caveat: checked as one rigid piece: not compressed, bent, or taken apart.
- Binding axis
- Height
- Tightest clearance
- 3 ft 8.5 in clear
- Result
- Every axis clears
It fits with clearance on every axis.
- Every axis clears the opening — height is the tightest.
- A 1.5 in handling allowance is already subtracted.
- No tilting or compression needed.
| Orientation | Width | Height | Result | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✓ chosen36 in×34 in (sideways) | 46.5 in | 44.5 in | ✓ | |
| 34 in×36 in (sideways) | 48.5 in | 42.5 in | ✓ | |
| 84 in×34 in (front/back) | -1.5 in | 44.5 in | ✕ | Too wide |
| 84 in×36 in (laid flat) | -1.5 in | 42.5 in | ✕ | Too wide |
| 34 in×84 in (front/back) | 48.5 in | -5.5 in | ✕ | Too tall |
| 36 in×84 in (laid flat) | 46.5 in | -5.5 in | ✕ | Too tall |
Margins shown are calculated; allow ±¼ in for tape-measure precision.
How the door-passage check works
A door is a 2D opening — width and height matter; depth (path length through the doorway) doesn’t.
- Generate all 6 dimension permutations of the item (3 axes × 2 flips).
- For each permutation, apply the door constraint: item_width ≤ door_width AND item_height ≤ door_height.
- Subtract 1.5 in handling clearance from each axis to leave room for human movement.
- Pick the permutation with the largest minimum-axis margin — that’s the orientation a mover would choose.
- Verdict ladder (verdict-tiers.js): FITS if margin ≥ 2 in; FITS_TIGHT if 0.5–2 in; FITS_VERY_TIGHT if 0–0.5 in; DOESN'T_FIT below.
Tolerance ±¼ in (6 mm) is applied implicitly (band promotion to FITS_VERY_TIGHT) — see the note below the orientation matrix.
Dimensions
- item widthStandard size
- item depthStandard size
- item heightStandard size
- space width
- space depth
- space heightEstimated
Space geometry
- Square corners and a flat floor
- No trim, fixtures, or hardware protruding into the opening
- Door swings fully open (90°+) and stays open during passage
Handling
- ±¼ in tape-measure tolerance applied
- 1.5 in handling clearance subtracted from raw margins before the verdict
- Item treated as rigid — cannot compress, bend, or disassemble.
Other assumptions
- This checks the opening only. Approach turns, side walls, wall depth and exit geometry are not proved.
Why we make assumptions
ItemFits fills in anything you don’t measure yourself. Whenever you see [standard], the real value in your home may differ — measure it and message us in the chat below; we’ll re-run the math.
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