An entrance approach is described as 'stairs up' when one or more pedestrian main entrances to a built object are reached from outside by climbing up one or more stairs. These stairs may be right at the entrance, or some distance away on the same property.

The direction is measured while moving toward the entrance from outside. Steps elsewhere on the same property can belong to that approach even when the doorway itself has no immediate stair.

Ramp up describes ascent over an inclined surface instead. Different approach forms can occur on the route to the same entrance.