It's not just runway but the distance and obstacles at the end of the runway that determine take off distance, as well as temperature, air pressure, wind direction, and the load the aircraft is carrying. Short answer: about 2,055 ft (626 m) with a ground roll of about 1,160 ft (354 m).

For a standard Cessna 172 Skyhawk, the minimum required runway length is surprisingly short, but it depends heavily on the "density altitude" (heat and elevation). At sea level on a standard 15°C day, a Cessna 172 can take off with a ground roll of only 960 feet, though it needs a total of 1,630 feet to clear a 50-foot obstacle. For landing, it requires a ground roll of only 575 feet, or about 1,335 feet total to stop safely from a 50-foot height. However, "pro-pilots" typically look for a runway of at least 2,500 to 3,000 feet to provide a safe "buffer" for engine failures or gusty winds. If the runway is made of dry grass, you must increase the takeoff distance by 15% and the landing distance by 45%. In 2026, most small municipal airports provide 3,500+ feet, which is more than double what the aircraft technically needs, allowing for a high margin of safety even in "short-field" operations.