There is no single standard elevator shaft size that fits every U.S. building. A passenger elevator, freight elevator, home elevator and service elevator can need different clear dimensions. Even elevators from the same product family can require different shafts depending on capacity, entrances, speed and options.
In the U.S., the elevator shaft is commonly called the hoistway. The figures below are inside clear width × inside clear depth examples for Schindler's 3300 passenger elevator. They are reference dimensions for one model family, not universal design standards.
| Schindler 3300 capacity | Example hoistway width × depth |
|---|---|
| 2,100 lb | 7 ft 6 in × 5 ft 9 in |
| 2,500 lb | 8 ft 6 in × 5 ft 9 in |
| 3,000 lb | 8 ft 6 in × 6 ft 11⅝ in |
| 3,500 lb | 8 ft 6 in × 6 ft 11 in |
The manufacturer's brochure lists a 5 ft pit depth and 12 ft 7 in overhead for these examples. Door configuration and whether there are front-only or front-and-rear entrances can affect the layout. Schindler also notes that seismic areas require additional hoistway width.
These dimensions should not be used as construction drawings. The manufacturer says its brochure dimensions require confirmation before construction. Get the elevator supplier's project-specific layout and have the design team verify the applicable building and elevator codes, tolerances, pit, overhead and structural requirements.