When planning a home lift, small apartment lift, or commercial elevator, one of the first questions is: How big should the lift actually be? Lift capacity is traditionally measured in persons, but the engineering world always thinks in kilograms and millimeters. The “person” number is simply a convenient tag.

In practice, lift sizes come down to:
• Rated capacity (kg)
• Car internal size (W × D)
• Shaft size
• Door opening width

Most global standards assume one person equals 75 kg. That gives us predictable reference points across 2, 4, 6, and 8-person lifts.

Below is the practical, experience-based guide used by modern lift engineers and home-elevator manufacturers.

1. Standard 2-Person Lift Size (Home Lift)

A 2-person lift is the classic compact home elevator—small, cozy, and perfect for tight shafts in villas and older homes where space fights back.

Typical specifications:
• Capacity: 150–180 kg
• Internal Cabin Size: 800–900 mm (W) × 900–1000 mm (D)
• Shaft Size Required: 1300–1500 mm (W) × 1300–1600 mm (D)
• Door Opening: 600–700 mm

These lifts resemble a small closet rather than a room. They’re ideal for 1–2 passengers or a person with light groceries, but too tight for a wheelchair unless specifically designed for accessibility.

2. Standard 4-Person Lift Size (Small Residential or Light Commercial)

By the time you reach 4 persons, the elevator starts to feel like the real deal—quiet, roomy enough for everyday use, but still modest in footprint.

Typical specifications:
• Capacity: 300–320 kg
• Internal Cabin Size: 900–1100 mm (W) × 1100–1300 mm (D)
• Shaft Size Required: 1600–1800 mm (W) × 1500–1800 mm (D)
• Door Opening: 700–800 mm

This size is widely used in small apartments, office buildings under 6 floors, and mid-size villas. A wheelchair can generally fit comfortably, depending on door width.

3. Standard 6-Person Lift Size (Medium Commercial or Residential Block)

A 6-person lift is the true workhorse of low- to mid-rise buildings. It balances efficiency, comfort, and cost while preventing the morning-rush “vertical traffic jam.”

Typical specifications:
• Capacity: 450 kg
• Internal Cabin Size: 1100–1400 mm (W) × 1400–1500 mm (D)
• Shaft Size Required: 1800–2000 mm (W) × 1700–2000 mm (D)
• Door Opening: 800–900 mm

This size comfortably fits a small group, a wheelchair with an attendant, or bulky household items. Many manufacturers consider 6-person (450 kg) their best-selling model.

4. Standard 8-Person Lift Size (Commercial, Public Building)

The 8-person lift is the familiar “office building elevator”—spacious enough for people in winter coats, bags, lunch boxes, umbrellas, and the occasional awkward silence.

Typical specifications:
• Capacity: 550–630 kg
• Internal Cabin Size: 1400–1600 mm (W) × 1500–1600 mm (D)
• Shaft Size Required: 2000–2300 mm (W) × 2000–2300 mm (D)
• Door Opening: 900–1000 mm

This category supports heavier loads, includes sturdier materials, and often features expanded safety systems.

How Are Lift Sizes Calculated? (The Practical Formula)

Lift engineers don’t guess—they follow a formula stitched together from physics and ergonomics:

Person Capacity = 75 kg × Number of Passengers
Internal Area = Passenger Load × 0.075–0.09 m² | Practical Range Based on Movement Room

More passengers require not just more floor space but also stronger motors, thicker guide rails, and larger shafts. That’s why the jump from 6 to 8 persons feels bigger than just “2 more people.”

Choosing the Right Lift Size Based on Experience

Here’s how professionals typically recommend lift sizes:

• Small homes: 2-person
• Larger multi-story homes or villas: 4-person
• Apartment blocks (3–6 floors): 6-person
• Commercial buildings, hotels, schools: 8-person and above

Lift size grows not just with human quantity but with traffic frequency. A house can survive on a 2-person lift. An office? Absolutely not.

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Final Thoughts

Standard lift sizes exist because humans are wonderfully predictable: we like room to breathe, we dislike bumping elbows, and we expect lifts to balance comfort, safety, and efficiency. Once you understand the logic behind capacity and cabin dimensions, choosing a 2-, 4-, 6- or 8-person lift becomes much more intuitive.