If you’re planning to install an elevator in your home, office, or apartment building, one of the first questions you’ll face is: what size lift do I need for 4 persons?
A 4-person lift is one of the most popular elevator sizes worldwide—large enough for families, small offices, or low-rise buildings, yet compact enough to fit into limited spaces.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about lift sizes for 4 persons in feet, including cabin dimensions, shaft size, capacity, space requirements, and practical design tips. Whether you’re a homeowner or a builder, this article will help you make the right decision before installation.
Why 4-Person Lifts Are So Popular
The 4-person elevator strikes a perfect balance between size, comfort, and cost. It’s suitable for:
Homes with 2–3 floors
Small apartment buildings or villas
Offices or clinics with moderate traffic
Guest houses or boutique hotels
A lift of this size can comfortably carry 4 average adults or a mix of people and luggage, depending on the model.
Most residential and small commercial elevators are designed around this 4-person standard, offering flexibility and affordability.
Standard Lift Sizes for 4 Persons (in Feet)
The size of a lift depends on its type—residential or commercial—and the technology it uses (hydraulic, traction, or screw drive). Below is an overview of common dimensions:
| Lift Type | Cabin Size (ft) | Shaft Size (ft) | Rated Load | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Elevator | 4 ft × 4.5 ft | 5 ft × 5.5 ft | 300–350 kg (660–770 lbs) | 2–3 story homes |
| Commercial Lift | 4.5 ft × 5 ft | 5.5 ft × 6 ft | 320–400 kg (700–880 lbs) | Offices, small buildings |
| Wheelchair Lift | 4.5 ft × 5.5 ft | 5.5 ft × 6 ft | 350–400 kg (770–880 lbs) | Accessible homes/offices |
| Glass Panorama Lift | 4 ft × 4.5 ft | 5 ft × 5.5 ft | 300–350 kg | Villas, showrooms |
These dimensions are approximate averages and may vary slightly by manufacturer.
How to Calculate the Right Lift Size
When planning your lift, consider both cabin space (inside area) and shaft space (total area required for installation).
1. Cabin Size
This is the usable space inside the elevator where passengers stand.
For a 4-person lift, 4 ft × 4.5 ft (about 18 sq ft) is standard.
2. Shaft Size
The shaft (or hoistway) must be slightly larger than the cabin to accommodate the structure and movement mechanism.
Typical shaft dimensions: 5 ft × 5.5 ft (about 27 sq ft).
3. Door Size
The door width should be wide enough for easy entry and wheelchair access if needed.
Standard: 2.5–3 ft door width
Height: around 7 ft
4. Pit and Headroom
For smooth installation:
Pit depth: 1–1.5 ft (home elevators may require less)
Headroom (top clearance): 9–10 ft minimum
Capacity of a 4-Person Lift
In most countries, lift capacity is calculated by weight rather than just the number of people.
A 4-person lift usually has a capacity between 300–400 kg (660–880 lbs).
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
1 person ≈ 75 kg (165 lbs)
So, 4 persons × 75 kg = 300 kg minimum.
Manufacturers typically offer lifts in 320 kg, 350 kg, or 400 kg versions to ensure safety margins.
How Much Space Do You Need for a 4-Person Lift?
If you’re planning to add an elevator to an existing building or new construction, you’ll need to reserve enough space for the shaft.
Minimum Recommended Space:
Width: 5 ft
Depth: 5.5 ft
Height (per floor): 9–10 ft
That means you’ll need around 25–30 sq ft of floor space per floor for a standard 4-person lift.
For compact home elevators, shaftless or vacuum lift models can reduce space requirements to just 4 ft × 4 ft.
Lift Size Variations by Type
Let’s look at how lift size differs depending on the mechanism:
1. Hydraulic Lift
Compact and quiet operation
Shaft size: ~5 ft × 5.5 ft
Cabin: ~4 ft × 4.5 ft
Suitable for 2–3 story homes
2. Traction Lift (with counterweight)
Smoother, energy-efficient movement
Requires a little more headroom
Shaft: ~5.5 ft × 6 ft
Cabin: ~4.5 ft × 5 ft
3. Screw Drive or Platform Lift
Space-saving, ideal for villas or retrofit installations
Shaft: ~4.5 ft × 4.5 ft
Cabin: ~3.5 ft × 4 ft
4. Glass or Panoramic Lift
Aesthetic choice for modern homes
Typically uses same footprint as a home elevator (4 ft × 4.5 ft)
Design and Aesthetic Considerations
A 4-person lift doesn’t just have to be functional—it can also enhance your home’s style.
Cabin materials: stainless steel, glass, wood, or powder-coated finishes
Lighting: LED strips or ceiling lights for visibility and elegance
Flooring: marble, vinyl, or steel plates
Door options: automatic sliding or swing-type for smaller lifts
For modern homes, glass panoramic lifts are becoming increasingly popular—they add luxury and allow natural light in, making the space feel open and stylish.
Energy and Power Requirements
A 4-person lift typically uses single-phase or three-phase power, depending on the model.
Home lifts: 1.5–3 kW motor
Commercial lifts: 3–5 kW motor
Power backup: Optional battery or UPS system for emergency lowering
Modern lifts are designed for low power consumption, similar to using a few household appliances.
Safety Features You Should Expect
Even in small 4-person lifts, safety is non-negotiable. Make sure your lift includes:
Emergency stop button
Alarm and phone/intercom
Automatic rescue device (ARD) – lowers cabin safely during power failure
Door sensors – prevent closing when obstructed
Overload sensor
Backup lighting
If sourcing from overseas (e.g., from China), check that the lift complies with EN 81, CE, or ISO standards for safety.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Lift Size
Ignoring shaft space: Many homeowners only measure the cabin, not realizing extra room is needed for the shaft and mechanism.
Choosing too small a size: A 3-person lift might feel cramped; 4-person gives more comfort and flexibility.
Overlooking door swing clearance: Ensure there’s enough landing space for entry and exit.
Skipping headroom and pit requirements: Check these early with your architect or supplier.
Why 4-Person Lifts Are Ideal for Homes
Compact footprint – Fits in small spaces
Comfortable capacity – Enough for a family or wheelchair user
Energy efficient – Uses less electricity
Adds property value – Makes homes more accessible and attractive
If your home has 2–4 levels, this size gives you the perfect balance of function and affordability.
4-Person Lift Prices (for Reference)
Prices vary by model and country, but here’s a general idea:
| Type | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Home Elevator | $12,000 – $20,000 | 2–3 floors, manual doors |
| Luxury Glass Lift | $20,000 – $35,000 | Panoramic design |
| Hydraulic Lift | $15,000 – $25,000 | Smooth and durable |
| Traction Lift | $18,000 – $30,000 | Energy-efficient |
| Screw Drive Lift | $13,000 – $22,000 | Space-saving model |
If you source from China, you can often get the same lift quality at 30–40% lower cost, especially for bulk or OEM orders.
Sourcing 4-Person Lifts from China
China is one of the largest elevator manufacturing hubs in the world, producing everything from compact home lifts to heavy-duty commercial systems.
Advantages:
Lower cost due to efficient production
Wide range of designs and technologies
OEM/ODM customization for your brand
Fast lead times and spare part availability
Top manufacturing regions include Zhejiang, Suzhou, and Guangzhou, where suppliers specialize in home and villa elevators.
When buying from China:
Ask for technical drawings to confirm exact shaft and cabin dimensions.
Request CE/ISO certifications for safety compliance.
Order a sample lift or visit the factory if possible.
Confirm after-sales support and installation guidance.
Quick Reference Summary
| Item | Recommended Dimension (Feet) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Size | 4 × 4.5 ft | Fits 4 adults comfortably |
| Shaft Size | 5 × 5.5 ft | Minimum for most models |
| Door Width | 2.5–3 ft | Suitable for wheelchair access |
| Capacity | 300–400 kg | About 4 persons |
| Pit Depth | 1–1.5 ft | For home models |
| Headroom | 9–10 ft | Required for safety |
| Space Per Floor | 25–30 sq ft | Approximate footprint |
Final Thoughts
So, what are the lift sizes for 4 persons in feet?
In most cases, you’re looking at a cabin size of around 4 ft × 4.5 ft and a shaft size of about 5 ft × 5.5 ft.
This size gives you enough room for comfort, safety, and even wheelchair access—without taking up too much space in your home or building.
Whether you’re building a new house or upgrading an existing one, a 4-person lift is one of the most practical and future-proof investments you can make. And if you’re sourcing smartly—especially from reliable suppliers in China—you can get excellent quality at a much lower price.
