Occupant load is the calculated number of people assumed to occupy a space, typically based on floor area divided by an occupant load factor (varies by occupancy/use). Egress capacity (required width of doors, corridors, stairs) is based on occupant load and code width factors. These calculations drive how many exits are needed and how wide they must be. Worked example(s) Example 1 (simple): A 2,000 sq ft business area using 100 sq ft/person occupant load factor → occupant load = 2,000/100 = 20 people. Example 2 (concept): If a stair must serve 200 occupants, required stair width depends... Show more

Occupant load is the calculated number of people assumed to occupy a space, typically based on floor area divided by an occupant load factor (varies by occupancy/use). Egress capacity (required width of doors, corridors, stairs) is based on occupant load and code width factors. These calculations drive how many exits are needed and how wide they must be.

Worked example(s)
Example 1 (simple): A 2,000 sq ft business area using 100 sq ft/person occupant load factor → occupant load = 2,000/100 = 20 people.
Example 2 (concept): If a stair must serve 200 occupants, required stair width depends on the code width factor (inches per occupant) and whether the building is sprinklered.

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