Tools / Occupant Load Calculator

Occupant Load Calculator

Calculate occupant load, required number of exits, and minimum egress width using NFPA 101 (2021) Table 7.3.1.2 and Sections 7.3.3 / 7.4.1. Add one or more rooms, pick the use, enter the area.

Rooms / Areas

Name
Use
Area (sq ft)
Load
0
Total occupant load
0
persons
Required exits (min)
0
exits
Min stair width
0
inches · 0.3"/person
Min level/ramp width
0
inches · 0.2"/person

Code basis

  • NFPA 101 Table 7.3.1.2 — Occupant Load Factors
  • NFPA 101 7.3.3.1 — Egress capacity: 0.3 in/person (stair), 0.2 in/person (level/ramp) for new, sprinklered, non-health-care. Health-care unsprinklered: 0.6 / 0.5.
  • NFPA 101 7.3.4.1 & 7.4.1.2 — Minimum 2 exits for OL ≤ 500, 3 for 501–1000, 4 for > 1000.
  • IBC Table 1004.5 — Equivalent IBC occupant load factors (typically align with NFPA 101).
  • Minimum corridor width in new business / health care and minimum stair width also apply — this tool calculates capacity-based minimum only. Use the larger of capacity width or prescribed minimum width (36", 44", 48", 72", etc.).
Reminder: Occupant load is per story. For multi-story buildings, calculate each story separately, then size exits for the most populous story. Horizontal exits, fixed seating, and concentrated-use rooms have special rules — consult NFPA 101 Chapter 7 and your AHJ.