What is the minimum width for fixed stairs?

• A. 18 inches
• B. 20 inches
• C. 22 inches
• D. 24 inches

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the required minimum clear width of fixed stairs to ensure safe passage. The standard sets 22 inches as the minimum width, measured as the clear distance between the finished surfaces that form the sides of the stairway at its narrowest point. This width provides enough space for a person to move through the stair without brushing shoulders or snagging on rails, and it allows for basic movement even if someone is carrying small items.

If stairs were narrower than this minimum, movement would be cramped, increasing the risk of trips, falls, or hindering quick egress in an emergency. So, 22 inches is the practical lower limit: wide enough for safe use, while still being a reasonable minimum for many workplace stairways.