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Handrail Height & Baluster Length Calculator
Stair handrails go 34″ to 38″ above the front edge of the steps. Balcony and landing railings need to be at least 36″ tall in most homes. Enter your handrail height below and we’ll give you the cut length for every baluster.
Top of the handrail, measured straight up from the front edge (nosing) of a step. Code: 34″ to 38″.
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Measure your handrail from top to bottom.
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Height of one step.
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Riser face to riser face (not including the nosing).
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Cut lengths include 3/4″ for the holes in the handrail and tread. Measure your own stairs before you cut.
Handrail Height Requirements
| Where | Handrail height | Measured from |
|---|---|---|
| Stairs | 34″ to 38″ | The front edge (nosing) of the steps |
| Balconies, landings and lofts (homes) | 36″ minimum | The floor |
| Commercial buildings | 42″ minimum | The floor or nosing |
These are the common requirements in the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code. Your local code can be stricter, so check with your building department. See our handrail code guide for grip size, wall clearance and more.
How to Measure Handrail Height
- On stairs: hold a level or straightedge on the front edge (nosing) of a step and measure straight up to the top of the handrail.
- On a balcony or landing: measure straight up from the floor to the top of the handrail.
- Measure the handrail itself from top to bottom. That’s the handrail thickness the calculator asks for.
How the Math Works
Here’s a stair with a 36″ handrail that’s 2-1/4″ thick, 7-1/2″ risers and a 10″ run:
- The bottom of the handrail sits 36″ − 2-1/4″ = 33-3/4″ above the nosing.
- The handrail climbs 7-1/2″ for every 10″ of run, so it rises 3/4″ for every inch you move back on the step.
- The front baluster sits 1-1/2″ back from the nosing, so its opening is 33-3/4″ + 1-1/8″ = 34-7/8″.
- Add 3/4″ for the holes in the handrail and the tread: cut it to 35-5/8″.
- Do the same for the middle and back balusters. They come out to 38-1/8″ and 40-5/8″.
That’s why the back baluster on every step is the longest one.
Will Our Balusters Be Long Enough?
| Baluster | Length |
|---|---|
| Most iron balusters | 44″ |
| Linéa double-leg and Harmony iron balusters | 46″ |
| Monte Carlo 18.1.1-T | 48″ |
| Wood balusters | 34″ to 42″, depending on the style |
For stairs built to code with a standard handrail, a 44″ iron baluster is almost always long enough. Even with a 38″ handrail (the highest code allows) and steep 7-3/4″ risers, the longest cut usually comes out under 44″. You cut each one to fit.
Wood balusters are shorter, so check the back baluster on each step. With a high handrail, it can need more than 42″. The calculator flags it if your cut is too long for the baluster you picked. Not sure? Contact us with your measurements.
Handrail Height FAQ
What is the standard handrail height for stairs?
34″ to 38″, measured straight up from the front edge (nosing) of the steps. Many installers aim for about 36″.
How high should a balcony or landing railing be?
At least 36″ in most homes, measured from the floor. Commercial buildings need 42″.
How long should balusters be?
It depends on your handrail height. On stairs each step has a short front baluster and a longer back one. With a 36″ handrail they usually come out between about 35″ and 41″. Cut each one 3/4″ longer than the opening for the holes.
Why is the back baluster longer than the front one?
The handrail runs uphill with the stairs. The farther back a baluster sits on the step, the higher the handrail is above it.
How long are your balusters?
Most of our iron balusters are 44″. The Linéa double-leg and Harmony styles are 46″, and the Monte Carlo 18.1.1-T is 48″. Wood balusters come 34″ to 42″ depending on the style. You cut each one to fit.