Handrail Length Calculator
Handrail length, angle and baluster count for a staircase.
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ⓘ Live results
Results
- Handrail length
- 14.88 ft (178.62 in)
- Rail along stairs only
- 12.88 ft
- Stair angle
- 39.1 degrees
- Total rise / run
- 97.5 in / 120 in
- Balusters needed
- 30
Working
- 1sqrt(97.5^2 + 120^2) = 154.62 in of rail
Quick answer
Handrail length is the hypotenuse of total rise and total run, plus any required extensions at the top and bottom.
rail = sqrt(rise^2 + run^2) + extensions
How to use the Handrail Length Calculator
- 1Count the risers and measure one riser height and one tread depth.
- 2Add 12 inch extensions at the top and bottom if your code requires them.
- 3Space balusters so no 4 inch sphere can pass between them.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Number of risers13
- Riser height7.5 in
- Tread depth10 in
- Extension each end12 in
- Max baluster gap4 in
Results
- Handrail length14.88 ft (178.62 in)
- Rail along stairs only12.88 ft
- Stair angle39.1 degrees
- Total rise / run97.5 in / 120 in
- Balusters needed30
- sqrt(97.5^2 + 120^2) = 154.62 in of rail
Frequently asked questions
What height should a handrail be?
Between 34 and 38 inches measured vertically from the tread nosing in most residential codes.
How many balusters do I need?
Enough that the clear gap never exceeds 4 inches - usually two per tread on a standard staircase.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.