Using a ladder safely means using it at the correct angle and knowing the length you need. Our Ladder Angle and Length Calculator makes it simple:
Just by entering two simple values:
- Wall Height (H) – how high you need to reach
- Distance from Wall (D) – how far the ladder's base is from the wall
1. Ladder Length Formula
To find the Ladder Length (L), you can use the Pythagorean Theorem:
L=H2+D2
Where:
- L = Ladder Length (in feet or meters)
- H = Wall Height (vertical height you want to reach)
- D = Distance from Wall (how far the ladder base is from the wall)
2. Ladder Angle Formula (in Degrees)
To find the angle between the ladder and the ground, we use the inverse tangent (arctangent) formula:
θ=tan−1(DH)
Where:
- θ = Ladder Angle (in degrees)
- H = Wall Height
- D = Distance from Wall
Example Calculation
Let’s say you're trying to reach a height of 10 feet, and the base of the ladder is 2.5 feet away from the wall.
Step 1: Calculate Ladder Length
L=102+2.52=100+6.25=106.25≈10.31 ft
Step 2: Calculate Ladder Angle
θ=tan−1(2.510)=tan−1(4)≈75.96∘
Ideal Ladder Angle (OSHA Recommendation)
For safety, it's recommended to place the ladder at a 75.5° angle, which is close to a 4:1 ratio. That means for every 4 feet of height, the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall. Our calculator helps you follow this guideline automatically.
FAQs
1. What happens if the ladder angle is too steep or too shallow?
A too steep angle (above 80°) increases the risk of the ladder tipping backward. A too shallow angle (below 70°) increases the chance of it slipping out at the base. That’s why the correct angle (around 75°) is critical for safety.
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