There are four distance zones that define personal space in social interactions: intimate, personal, social, and public. The intimate zone ranges from direct contact to 60 cm and is for very close relationships. The personal zone is 60cm to 1.5m and is for friends and family. The social zone is 1.5-3m and is for strangers and acquaintances. The public zone is over 3m and is for situations like public speaking. The appropriate distance depends on the relationship, status, gender, and culture between individuals.

1. Personal
space

4. Intimate Distance Zone
Ranges from direct
contact to 60 cm (2 feet).
For Partners and siblings

5. Personal Distance Zone
Ranges from 60cm to 1.5
meters (2-5 feet).
For friends and
family

6. Social Distance Zone
Between 5-10
feet
Strangers , office
clerk , Bank etc…

7. Public Distance Zone
larger than 3.6 meters
(approx. 12 feet).
public speaking

8. The 'right distance' to stand from each
other
• The personal relation with that person.
• The status of the people involved.
• The gender.
• Culture– perhaps the most major factor.