Calculator
Formula Used
The calculator supports both table-based standards and a geometry check based on landing gear. The custom method uses a simple clearance model:
For code/TDG methods, the tool starts from typical baseline widths, then (when enough inputs are provided) compares them with the clearance-based check and uses the larger value for planning.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select a calculation method (ICAO-style, FAA-style, or Custom).
- Enter the required aircraft data for the chosen method.
- Choose whether to include shoulders in the total width.
- Click Calculate to show results above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF for reporting.
Example Data Table
These examples are for demonstration only. Confirm values against the latest applicable airport design guidance.
| Method | Designator | Typical paved width | Typical overall width with shoulders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICAO-style | Code C (wheelbase < 18 m) | 15 m | 25 m | Clearance commonly 3.0 m each side. |
| ICAO-style | Code E | 23 m | 44 m | Shoulders derived from overall width. |
| FAA-style | TDG-3 | 50 ft (15.24 m) | Custom | Includes TESM in results. |
| Custom | OMGWS 10.8 m, clearance 4.5 m | 19.8 m | Custom | Best for quick geometry checks. |
Taxiway Width Planning Notes
1) Why taxiway width matters
Taxiway width influences wingtip clearance, pavement edge safety, and pavement loading distribution. Undersized widths increase excursion risk, while oversized pavements raise construction and maintenance costs. Planning starts with the critical aircraft for each route and surface.
2) Typical baseline widths used in this calculator
The ICAO-style mode applies common planning values such as 7.5 m (Code A), 10.5 m (Code B), 15–18 m (Code C, depending on wheelbase), and 23–25 m for larger codes (E–F). The FAA-style mode uses Taxiway Design Groups with typical widths from 25 ft to 82 ft, which corresponds to about 7.62 m to 25.0 m.
3) Clearance-based geometry check
When outer main gear wheel span is available, the calculator evaluates a simple check: Width = OMGWS + 2 × clearance. For many large aircraft, a wheel-to-edge clearance of 4.5 m is a common planning value. The recommended paved width is the larger of the baseline value and the check result.
4) Shoulders and total footprint
Shoulder width affects operational resilience, edge support, and FOD control. For straight taxiways, typical overall widths (pavement plus shoulders) can be around 25 m (Code C), 38 m (Code D), 44 m (Code E), and 60 m (Code F). If you choose standard shoulders, the tool derives the shoulder width per side from these overall targets; otherwise, you can enter custom shoulders for local conditions.
5) Practical workflow for design teams
Use the calculator early to screen alternatives, then lock inputs using published aircraft geometry and the governing authority’s standards. Document assumptions (method, designator, shoulders, and margins), export to CSV for design registers, and export to PDF for reviews. Always validate results with turning geometry, fillets, separation criteria, and pavement strength requirements.
FAQs
1) Which method should I choose?
Use the method aligned with your governing authority. ICAO-style fits code-letter planning, FAA-style fits TDG workflows, and Custom is best for quick geometry checks using gear span and clearance.
2) What is outer main gear wheel span (OMGWS)?
OMGWS is the distance between the two outer main wheels. It drives the clearance check because the wheels must remain inside the paved surface with a safety margin to the pavement edge.
3) Why does Code C depend on wheelbase?
Some planning rules use wheelbase thresholds to reflect aircraft tracking and geometry. In this tool, wheelbase helps select typical Code C clearance and width values for early-stage sizing.
4) Do shoulders replace the need for wider pavement?
No. Shoulders support edge stability and occasional overtracking, but pavement width must still satisfy the required wheel-to-edge clearance and standard baseline widths for the critical aircraft.
5) Why are my clearance-check and baseline widths different?
Baseline values come from standard tables, while the check uses aircraft gear geometry. The calculator selects the larger value for a conservative planning recommendation when adequate inputs are provided.
6) Can I rely on the PDF for compliance submissions?
Use it as documentation of assumptions and calculations. For compliance, confirm the current published criteria, include required design reports, and verify turning fillets, separations, and pavement strength.
7) What if my airport uses different margins or units?
Switch to the Custom method and enter your preferred clearance and shoulders. Keep unit conversions consistent, and store results in CSV so the team can audit and update assumptions later.