The ADA does not set one counter height; it sets a different maximum for each kind of surface. Work and dining surfaces go between 28 and 34 inches, sinks and lavatories no higher than 34 inches, an accessible kitchen work surface 34 in maximum, and the accessible part of a sales or service counter no higher than 36 inches. Standard kitchen counters are usually about 36 in high, so an accessible section is typically about 2 in lower, with open knee space underneath. This page lists every ADA height in one table, with the knee and toe clearance and reach rules that go with them.
ADA counter, sink and work surface heights
| Surface | Height | 2010 ADA Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Work surfaces and dining surfaces (tables, desks, built-in work counters) | 28 in min to 34 in max | 902.3 |
| Kitchen work surface (accessible dwelling units) | 34 in max, at least 30 in wide, knee and toe space below | 804.3 |
| Lavatory or sink rim / counter | 34 in max (front of the higher of rim or counter) | 606.3 |
| Sales and service counters | 36 in max for an accessible section 36 in long (parallel approach) or 30 in long (forward approach) | 904.4 |
| Mirror over a lavatory | Bottom of the reflecting surface 40 in max | 603.3 |
| Mirror elsewhere | Bottom of the reflecting surface 35 in max | 603.3 |
| Controls, outlets and operable parts | Within the reach ranges: 15 in min to 48 in max (unobstructed) | 308, 309.3 |
Knee and toe clearance under sinks and counters
A forward approach to a sink, desk or kitchen work surface needs open space underneath for the knees and toes of a seated user. That is what makes the 34 in maximum work: the surface can only be that low if nothing below it is in the way.
| Item | Requirement | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Toe clearance | Floor to 9 in high; at least 17 in deep, no more than 25 in; 30 in wide | 306.2 |
| Knee clearance | 9 in to 27 in high; at least 11 in deep at 9 in and 8 in deep at 27 in, tapering 1 in per 6 in of height; no more than 25 in; 30 in wide | 306.3 |
| Clear floor space in front | 30 x 48 in, positioned for a forward approach | 305.3, 606.2 |
| Pipes under a sink | Insulated or configured to protect against contact | 606.5 |
For a bathroom vanity that means a rim at 34 in or lower and the bottom of the apron at least 27 in above the floor over a 30 in width, with drain and supply pipes pushed back or insulated. A wall-hung sink or a vanity with removable doors and a finished floor underneath are the usual solutions.
Reach ranges
| Reach | Height above the floor | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Forward reach, unobstructed | 15 in min, 48 in max | 308.2.1 |
| Forward reach over a counter up to 20 in deep | 48 in max | 308.2.2 |
| Forward reach over a counter 20 to 25 in deep | 44 in max | 308.2.2 |
| Side reach, unobstructed | 15 in min, 48 in max | 308.3.1 |
| Side reach over a counter up to 34 in high and 10 in deep | 48 in max | 308.3.2 |
| Side reach over a counter 10 to 24 in deep | 46 in max | 308.3.2 |
Kitchens
- Pass-through (galley) kitchens: 40 in minimum between opposing counters, appliances or walls; U-shaped kitchens: 60 in minimum (804.2).
- At least half the freezer space of a combination refrigerator at 54 in or lower (804.6.6).
- A clear floor space at every appliance; the open dishwasher door must not block the space for the dishwasher or the sink (804.6).
- Range or cooktop controls must not require reaching across burners (804.6.4).
The 2010 ADA Standards apply to public accommodations, commercial facilities and state and local government buildings. Private single-family homes are not covered, but these dimensions are the usual reference for accessible homes and renovations; multifamily housing may fall under the Fair Housing Act design rules instead, and local building codes add their own.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ADA counter height?
It depends on the use: 28 to 34 in for work and dining surfaces (902.3), 34 in maximum for sinks (606.3) and accessible kitchen work surfaces (804.3), and 36 in maximum for the accessible part of sales and service counters (904.4).
What is the ADA sink height?
The front of the rim or counter, whichever is higher, 34 in maximum above the floor, with knee clearance at least 27 in high underneath (606.3, 306.3).
How much knee clearance is needed under an ADA sink?
27 in high and 30 in wide, at least 8 in deep at the top and 11 in deep at 9 in above the floor, plus toe clearance below 9 in (306).
What height is an ADA mirror?
The bottom of the glass no more than 40 in above the floor over a sink or counter, 35 in elsewhere (603.3).
Sources
- US Department of Justice, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, sections as cited (text read 24 October 2026). Federal regulation, public domain.
Last reviewed: 24 October 2026. Numbers in the tables are our arithmetic from the sources listed; code sections are summarised, not quoted. How we check our work: methodology and corrections. Spotted an error? Please let us know.