How much higher should the cabin pressurization be set compared to the field pressure altitude?

The recommended cabin pressurization setting is typically set to be higher than the field pressure altitude by about 500 feet. This practice ensures safety and comfort for passengers and crew by maintaining a pressure differential that prevents cabin decompression in the event of a rapid descent or failure in pressurization systems. Setting the cabin altitude to a higher pressure than the field altitude also aids in effective operation of the aircraft's pressurization systems, allowing them to function effectively during takeoff, climb, and cruise phases.

A differential of 500 feet is commonly standard across various aircraft to account for atmospheric variations and to provide a buffer against any sudden changes in pressure that might otherwise affect cabin conditions. Other choices do not reflect the standard industry practice for cabin altitude settings, as they either do not provide sufficient pressure differential (for comfort and safety) or exceed operational norms.