The maximum core-to-perimeter distance for a building is the longest horizontal distance between its core and perimeter, measured across usable space (not including the thickness of the 2 bounding walls). Essentially this determines the maximum room length exposed to light from windows, except that the value is not affected if the room is divided by internal walls or partitions. The core, for this purpose, may either be a structural core (as in an office building with an open floor plan) or the common hallway of a multi-unit residential or hotel building.

This field is less frequently used than the minimum core-to-perimeter distance. It generally applies to large office, multi-unit residential, hotel, and mixed-use buildings, and not to other types such as houses.

A local partition does not shorten the core-to-perimeter measurement. The longest relevant distance continues between the bounding core and perimeter surfaces across the divided usable space.