Legroom

Legroom refers to the amount of space available for a person's legs when seated. It is a common specification in transportation and seating environments and can affect comfort, mobility, and circulation. Legroom is not a single fixed measurement; it is influenced by seat design, leg length, and body position, and is often expressed as a distance in inches or centimeters.

In commercial aviation, legroom is typically described as seat pitch, the distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat in front. Economy class generally ranges from 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81 cm), with variations by aircraft. Premium economy offers more space, about 34 to 38 inches; business and first class provide significantly more, and some seats offer fully flat beds. Passengers can often pay for extra-legroom seats.

In automobiles, legroom denotes space for occupants' legs. Front legroom is the distance between the back of the front seat and the footwell or pedal area; rear legroom is the space behind the front seats. Legroom depends on wheelbase, floor design, and seating layout. Manufacturers publish front and rear legroom in inches or millimeters, and seat and steering wheel adjustments can improve comfort.

In theaters and stadiums, legroom is the knee clearance between rows. Inadequate legroom can cause discomfort and limit accessibility for tall patrons. Some venues publish row spacing or seat pitch as accessibility information; building codes may set minimum clearances for new construction.

Legroom affects comfort, circulation, and posture during use. Measurements vary by context and are not always directly comparable across products. Consumers should consider body size, duration of use, and potential adjustments when evaluating seating options.